Remedies for dry skin

Dry skin is a condition when our sebaceous glands secrete less of sebum and the skin looks dry. In extreme conditions this may lead to itching, cracks and bleeding also. Though lots of people around the world are worried about their dry skin but less among them know what to try or which treatment to adopt for getting rid of dry skin.

Care your dry skin

Dry skin.

A normal skin is coated with a thin layer of fatty substances or lipids. They lock in the moisture giving our skin a healthy look and supple feeling. When this natural coating gets removed our skin loses moisture and looks dull and dry.
There are several reasons behind dry skin. Either internal or external reasons strip off natural moisture from the skin.

Causes of dry skin

• Inadequate diet, malnutrition are most common causes of dry skin.
• The skin may not get sufficient supply of oil from the oil glands.
• Environmental causes include cold, pollution, excessive exposure to sunrays and less humidity.
• Other causes include harsh soap, hot showers, improper use of moisturizer and even medication may cause dry skin also.
• Unless treated in time, dryness may cause dermatitis i.e. inflammation of the skin.
• After understanding the reasons behind dry skin let us discuss some remedies to cure it.

Dry skin remedies through healthy diet

• Bringing certain changes in the diet will reduce problems of dry skin.
• The diet should include lots of fruits and vegetables which are rich in vitamin C and E as both promote healthy skin.
• Essential fats like omega-3 and omega-6 should be included in the diet.
• Having flaxseed oil will also help.
• 70% of our skin is made up of water. So water intake should be increased to keep the skin hydrated from within.
• Alcohol and smoking are known to dehydrate the body further. So they should be limited. Same holds true for caffeine.

Dry skin can be due to our bad bathing habits

• Avoid using hot water for baths as it would further dry the skin. Instead use lukewarm water.
• Shorten the period of bath. Go for quick baths.
• Use mild soaps that are rich in moisturizer. Soaps contain chemicals that reduce body oils.
• You can use bath oils.
• Use gel cleansers instead of foaming cleansers.

Moisturizing the skin is also remedy for dry skin

• Use moisturizer whenever you feel dryness.
• Use moisturizer immediately after bath when the skin is still damp. This will trap the moisture in the skin.
• Use petroleum jelly to protect dry lips and heels.
• Honey is a natural moisturizer. Combined with rose water it can do wonders to dry skin. You can include it in face packs also.
• Exfoliate the skin so that you get rid of dead cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin and clog them. By removing them you will allow your skin to breathe properly and also maintain its moisture level.

Exercises can help you getting rid of dry skin

Exercises promote good health and help in blood circulation to all parts of the body and skin too. This nourishes the skin and reduces dryness.

Apart from these general suggestions you have to change your skin care regime according to the seasons. Winters play havoc with skin and people with dry skin should be more careful. Dry, chilly winds will further dry your skin. Here are some tips to fight dryness during winter.

Skin care during winter helps preventing drying your skin

• Use lotions and moisturizers more frequently.
• Wear clothes in layers to protect your skin from cold winds.
• Lip balms can protect the lips. But if they feel too dry try rubbing butter on them or using milk cream.
• Drink plenty of water for internal hydration.
• Use humidifiers inside the room to maintain moisture in the room.
• If your skin is too dry it can cause lot of pain. Take care of body parts like elbows, hands and heels.
• You can apply lotion on your cracked heels and cover them with cotton socks for the entire night. This is extremely helpful for cracked heels.
• Don’t forget to use sunscreen lotions to protect your skin.

Skin care during summer

For dry skin summers are less painful but that does not mean you will neglect it.

• Exfoliate properly to let your skin breathe.
• You will still need to apply moisturizers.
• Use sunscreen lotions of higher power to protect against summer sun.
• Apply creams before going to sleep so that your skin gets time to absorb it.
• Here are some home remedies for dry skin that may help.
• Apply mashed banana on your face and wash it with lukewarm water after some time.
• Apply aloe Vera gel after bath to smoothen your skin.
• Adding a spoonful of milk in the bathing water will revive your skin.

I hope these tips will help you to get rid of dry skin and have a healthy skin that radiates your inner beauty.