The list of culprits that cause dry skin is a long one, from daily bathing habits (think hot showers and scrubbing yourself dry with a towel) and wicked winter weather to a lack of natural oils in your skin as you age.
The good news is that unless you’re managing a skin condition, you may not need to visit a dermatologist to soothe dry skin. Instead, you might consider incorporating a home remedy to your skin-care routine.
In fact, the ingredients for these dry-skin fixes may already be in your kitchen. Several of the ingredients we include below, such as coconut oil, tea, and aloe vera, are often collectively referenced as “remedies,” though they have been used for centuries as homeopathic medicines in cultures worldwide. Importantly, though, if you are managing an underlying skin condition that may be causing your dry skin, be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist before you try any home remedy. Doing so can help you avoid worsening dry skin.
Castor oil, Lavender oil, and Avocado oil may be good ingredients for certain people with dry skin.
Coconut oil is another oil you may have in your kitchen cabinet that can be a good choice for those not prone to acne. In one previous randomized controlled trial, people with atopic dermatitis — a type of eczema and an allergic skin condition characterized by dryness and itching — saw an improvement in symptoms when they used virgin coconut oil on their skin.
Aloe vera, a houseplant with natural healing properties, is also effective as a natural moisturizer.
To maintain healthy skin, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
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Wear sunscreen daily. Sunscreen is one of the single most important things you can do for your skin. When applied correctly, sunscreen protects your skin against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which cause sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging, like wrinkles and age spots. For the best protection, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. To save time in your skin care routine, you can consider using a moisturizer that also contains sunscreen. However, while cosmetics that contain sunscreen are convenient, remember to reapply them in order to achieve the best sun protection. Keep in mind that since no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UV rays, it’s also important to seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing when outdoors, including a ligthweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. For more effective sun protection select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label.
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Stay out of tanning beds. Just like the sun, tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation that causes skin cancer. In fact, even one indoor tanning session can increase your risk of developing melanoma by 20%, squamous cell carcinoma by 67% and basal cell carcinoma by 29%. If you want that golden glow, achieve it with self-tanning products instead. When applied correctly, self-tanners look natural and won’t give you orange skin, streaks or splotches.
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Simplify your skin care routine. Less is more when it comes to skin care. Using too many products, especially multiple anti-aging products, can irritate your skin. Instead, focus on the basics, such as a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer. Establish morning and nighttime skin care routines that work well for your skin, and stick with them.
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Choose skin care products formulated for your skin type. Understanding your skin type will help you learn how to take care of your skin and select skin care products that are right for you. As mentioned above, here's how to identify and understand your skin type
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