Skin issues can be difficult to deal with and dry skin is no different. Dry skin can not only be rough to the touch, it can also become more apparent when you try to cover it up with makeup. Do not fret ladies, there are ways to help improve and prevent your dry skin from occurring and usually, you do not need to seek out the advice of a dermatologist, the answers could be staring you quite literally in the face. There are numerous ways to help heal your dry skin with natural remedies, which you can either use as an alternative to you daily skin care routin
e or use as an added extra. You may not need to go out for the ingredients either, these natural remedies may even be sitting in your kitchen.
Natural Is Always Better
There are so many varieties of potions and lotions available in pharmacies and cosmetic shops so why would going au natural be the best option? Well, natural oils and essences tend to be much purer than jars of moisturisers found on the shelves. Fancy moisturisers not only contain moisturising elements, they also contain a truck load of preservatives. The usual chemicals that cause irritation to the skin and allergic reactions are alcohol and perfumes found in these moisturisers. These chemicals can cause your dry skin to flare up and can even prolong your bout of dry skin. Keeping your skin care regime simple is the best way to go, pure oils have a natural base, which is perfect for your skin and can allow it to drink up the nutrients it requires.
How Does Dry Skin Occur
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and because it takes up the majority of your body’s surface area, it is most vulnerable to attack from our daily lives. The skin naturally produces sebum, which consists of natural oils.
This sebum is the first line of defence against the barrage of weather and chemicals that our skin is faced with on a daily basis. Sebum also helps to keep the water within the skin cells. Due to our stressful lifestyles we tend to use non-hydrating soaps to wash our skin and rush out the door without using moisturiser which strips our skin bare and removes all the natural oils which helps to protect our skin. Using essential oils can help to replace the moisture loss and can create a protective barrier from the daily elements.
There are a number of natural oils that you can use in conjunction with other ingredients to create your own natural moisturisers, nourishing masks and exfoliating scrubs. Essential oils such as rose oil, avocado oil, castor oil and even lavender oil not only smell delicious, but can also be used as natural skin care remedies. In their simplest form, these oils can be extremely useful when using a few drops in a warm bath. Stay in the bath and enjoy letting your skin soak up the natural oils however, do not rub your skin dry once you are finished as this will remove the oils which should stay on the skin.
Mixing Essential Oils with Other Ingredients
Oat Bath
When having a bath adding oats to your water is a great way to add and lock moisture into your skin. Adding 100g Oats to your bath water is all you need to notice a difference. Once in the bath gently rub your skin with the oats and once you are done, shower them off and pad yourself dry ensuring not to rub your skin and remove all of your natural oils.
Honey and Oat Face Mask
Oats not only help the skin to retain moisture, they can also be used as a gentle exfoliator. Using 2 parts oats to one part honey and a small amount of warm water, apply directly to face and rub in gently. You can either leave it on for 30 minutes or you can apply, scrub gently and rinse off immediately. Ensure that you do not use hot water when removing the mask.
Olive Oil Facial Cleanser
Olive oil is not only an amazing moisturiser, but is also a great cleanser. All you need to do is rub a small amount into your face and using a warm cloth, drape over your face and leave to cool down fully, wipe off the excess oil and then splash your face with cold water in order to close your pores. Olive oil can also be used to remove makeup as unlike other makeup removers that contain chemicals, olive oil will not strip your skin of its natural oils.
Sugar and Olive Oil Exfoliator
Add 80ml olive oil to 2 tbsp sugar and apply to your face, ensuring that you scrub gently using your fingertips. If you want to add an even better kick to your facial scrub, adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender oil or rose oil can be extremely beneficial as well as add a calming element to your exfoliator. Once you have finished using your scrub, gently wash off with warm water and then immediately flush your face with cold water to close up your pores.
Avocado Face Mask
Using the flesh of half avocado mixed with a tsp of olive oil, apply directly to your face and leave to soak into your skin for 30 minutes, then wash off using warm water. If you have extremely dry skin, then adding a tsp of honey to your face mask can help. Once you remove the mask, your face should feel soft and hydrated, if you would like to prolong that feeling, then an application of your regular moisturiser would be a perfect addition.
How Can You Prevent Dry Skin In The Future?
Using an excellent moisturiser dedicated to dry skin is a good place to start. Once you get out the shower smother your body with this amazingly rich gel, ensuring that your skin is still damp from the shower before you apply your moisturiser.
Always avoid steaming hot showers, try to keep the water temperature to warm not hot as this can dry out your skin. Limit your bath time to 10 minutes and avoid harsh soaps.
Try to remain hydrated, drink at least 2 litres of water daily. Eating your water can be another way to make sure you are getting enough fluid into your body. Fruit and vegetables that have a high water content include; watermelon, strawberries and cucumber.
So ladies and gents, there are many ways to help your dry, irritated skin and you may not have to look further than your own kitchen.
