Are you one of those people who has trouble dealing with the dryness of your skin? Out of the many skin types, dry skin is probably the most troublesome. This is because it needs constant maintenance and regular moisturizing. Dry skin needs your vigilant attention to keep it moist, often at the expense of your regular duties. If this sounds like you, keep reading, because here are several simple solutions for you. Be sure to read to end, so you don’t miss any of these simple and affordable dry skin remedies.
What Causes Dry Skin?
The reasons for the high number of people with dry skin problems includes harsh weather conditions, such as sudden drops in temperature and stinging winter winds. In the warm months, heat and humidity causes sweat to wash moisture away from your skin.
Other causes of dryness include:
- Aging
- Inadequate moisture in the body
- Exposure to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun
- Enjoying long, hot baths or showers
- Using harsh soaps and detergents
- Medical conditions, like hyperthyroidism, psoriasis, diabetes or dermatitis
Heat and not drinking enough fluids can cause your skin to become dehydrated, leading to dry skin patches, as well as irritation or itchiness. Some of the effects from these skin problems include the oxidant effect of free radicals that damage collagen and skin tissues. This damage can cause the cracking and flaking associated with dry skin, as the rough and tight skin, and finally, the death of skin cells.
Dry skin needs an effective lubricant to rehydrate it. Apart from seeking medication from a skin specialist, there are many natural ingredients that are effective to treat and even prevent dry skin problems. Like the old saying tells us, “Prevention is better than the cure.” Here are the top 10 home remedies to fight dry skin and give you back your self-confidence and comfort again.
1. Olive Oil Massage
Olive oil massage is an effective and fast remedy for dry skin. Olive oil contains three major antioxidants: vitamin E, polyphenols and phytosterols. Antioxidants protect your skin from premature skin aging. Vitamin E is one of anti-aging benefits of olive oil because it helps restore skin smoothness and protects against ultraviolet light. Hydroxytyrosol, which is a compound in olive oil that is hard to find elsewhere, also prevents free radical damage to the skin.
Unlike commercial moisturizers that can clog pores and irritate current skin conditions, olive oil penetrates deeply into the skin to remove dirt and toxins. Use organic olive oil at night as a substitute for your regular moisturizer. Apply a teaspoon of the oil to the face and neck. Gently pat the skin with a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil.
Another benefit of olive oil for skin is its usefulness in exfoliating applications. The most important exfoliating method using olive oil is to mix one tablespoon of the oil with natural sea salt. Rub this mixture over your skin gently and softly. The mild cleaning and smoothening qualities of the sea salt, combined with the deep penetrating action of the olive oil removes dead skin cells and leaves your epidermis looking renewed and glowing.
Finally, olive oil is also used for nail and cuticle care, and women use it as an eye makeup remover. More applications include using it as an ingredient in homemade facial masks and as a substitute for shaving cream for both men and women. Men have done away with shaving cream upon discovering how amazing their shave looks with olive oil. Men and women alike have also found olive oil refreshing as an aftershave. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and A, which help in prolonging youthful skin, hydrating the skin and maintaining its elasticity and softness, too.