Dryness of the skin is a condition so common that many experience at one time or another in their lives. As the name of the condition suggests, dry skin comes about when the skin loses its moisture and finds it difficult to maintain any at all. There are many culprits to this condition, the most common being exposed to high indoor temperatures for long periods in winter, bathing for long periods of time, and using soaps or lotions that contribute to irritation.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, patches of dry skin are most commonly found on the lower legs, thighs, and all about the abdomen. This does not, however, preclude skin from drying out in other areas. Once progressed, a case of dry skin can start to scale, flake, and crack. Irritation can become can become so severe that it may make sleeping difficult, even maintaining hygiene rituals. Often times natural home remedies can suffice in providing alleviation from dry skin. If you try home remedies and find they do not work, seem medical attention in helping to improve your condition.
Aloe Vera
Made famous for its soothing properties, aloe vera also works to heal, restore, and moisturize dry and damaged skin when applied topically with gels or lotions. It is the preferred method of restorative therapy in cases of flaking as it is known to remove dead skin effortlessly.
By applying a layer of pure aloe vera gel to the affected area(s), your skin will absorb the gel. In 20 minutes or so, the gel will be completely absorbed by the affected skin. Applying this method of treatment at least twice a day can lead to fast moisturizing of skin.
Sea Salt
Despite initial impressions, sea salt can be great for skin when used as a method of treatment. In “1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems,” it explains how one cup of sea salt added to a hot bath can be provide a therapeutic twenty-minute soak for nourishing skin.
Also, one cup of sea salt mixed with 1/4 cup of vegetable glycerin can make a sea salt scrub that can be used to cleanse skin. As with other scrubs and microdermabrasion mixtures, you’d work against the affected areas in a circular motion. This may lead to a burning sensation, so it is recommended you moisturize with an oil-based moisturizer to soothe.
Oils
Moisturizer acts as a supplement to naturally occurring moisture in skin, preventing it from escaping. With an oil-based moisturizer, dry skin can be moisturized for longer than it would through other moisturizers. Oils that incorporate natural ingredients such as avocado, jojoba, and almonds, already have moisture as part of their naturally-occurring properties. Applying generously immediately after bathing is the preferred method to trap moisture in the skin to keep it from drying out again.
Honey
Honey is another natural remedy that is more commonly thought of as food first, but it also a great aid in tightening, softening, and moisturizing skin. In “Beauty By Nature,” author Brigitte Mars, explains how applying honey directly to the skin with a light massage of about 2 minutes is the best way to apply this method. She suggests that this be followed up by a warm rinsing, then moisturizing. Repeating this once a day is the best method for using honey to moisturize skin.
