10 Ways To Get Rid Of Dry Skin

Dry skin is a big problem I deal with every day, but especially in the winter. Getting rid of dry skin can be quite an annoying challenge. Using skin creams and lotions is a trial by error proposition. You just never know which cream will work to get rid of your dry and flaking skin. I know I had to try several different methods before I found the one that works for me.

Today, more than ever before, I am in search of more natural remedies for my skin problems. There are too many harsh chemicals and additives in most over the counter skin products. As I get older I try to treat my skin to less harsh anti-aging and moisturizing products. I’ve even started to make some of my own skin care products in small weekly size batches. Here are some natural dry skin remedies that I use to keep my dry flaky skin moist and supple. I use each of these methods at least once in a two week period and it works for me. I like to switch up my routine so it doesn’t get boring.

I have combination skin. It's normal is some spots, oily in others, and yet dry in spots too. My elbows, knees, and arms tend to be my dry areas. My face is oily and normal. What works for my face does not work for my dry areas. What works for my dry spots does not work for my normal and oily areas. I use several different methods of exfoliating. It's taken years for me to figure out what works where and I've listed them all for you to try.

1. Olive Oil - Olive oil is a great moisturizer for my skin and it’s Easy Peasy! Most of us have this delicious oil right in our kitchens. All you need is a few drops and you are on your way to moister skin. Just put a few drops right on your problem areas or put them in your palm and rub it in wherever you need it. Massage it in, and then leave it on all night. Repeat the application in the morning if you need to. You can use olive oil as often as you like, just remember it can stain your clothing so you might want to use it in the evening before bed.

2. Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is an emollient. Sounds pretty good, right? An emollient is a skin softener, so you were right, it is a good thing. It’s natural and it’s full of antioxidants which help boost cell production and that increases the formation of new skin cells. It is full of essential fatty acids and oils to make your skin smooth, healthy, and flake free. I like to apply the coconut oil at night and sleep in it.

3. Honey - Raw Honey will give your skin the nourishment it needs to get back to its youthful, supple state. Honey has antibacterial properties so it will help to soothe any inflammation your skin might have. You can use the honey by itself or combine it with another ingredient to make a skin mask

The thing I don’t like about the honey is the fact that it is sticky. I can’t sleep in it, but it is a great 15 minute mask to apply to your face. Rinse it off with warm water, pat your face with a gentle, soft towel and apply another moisturizer to hydrate and smooth your skin.

6. Yogurt – I use Greek Yogurt. It’s high in lactic acid and that’s good for exfoliation, pore tightening, and it stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen is the “glue” that holds your skin together. It keeps your skin elastic and youthful. You can understand how beneficial a yogurt facial is to your skin when you know how it affects the collagen. The lactic acid exfoliates your skin. It removes the dry, flaky dead skin cells and that means you are left with smooth, new and healthy cells. This is great as a face mask. Apply the yogurt (I use the Greek style because that’s what I eat and I always have it in the refrigerator!) to your face, let it sit 10 or 15 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Follow up with a dab of your favorite moisturizer. You can also mix the yogurt with a Tablespoon or two of raw honey. Apply the mixture, let it sit, and rinse it with warm water. Pat dry using a soft towel and then apply some moisturizer

5. Milk – The milk is very much like the yogurt. It contains lactic acid and that exfoliates your skin removing the dead skin cells to reveal shiny, fresh cells. Your skin will glow after being treated to a milk facial. I am sure you’ve heard of milk baths before. The lactic acid is the reason women have bathed in milk for centuries. It will help you to remove those dry, flaky cells and your skin will feel moisturized and renewed. I always follow up any of these dry skin remedies with an extra boost by adding a moisturizer as the final step.

6. Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera is another very popular and effective way to soothe your dry skin. I first learned about Aloe Vera years ago after a particularly bad sunburn. I put on the Aloe Vera gel and my skin felt cool right away. It helped my burnt, dehydrated skin stay moist and helped it to heal. I felt much better after applying the gel. Your dry skin will feel the same way. Aloe Vera feels cool when you put it on and it will help your skin to absorb some moisture.

7. Salt – Salt is a great scrub for your skin. If you have dry, itchy skin make yourself a scrub suing salt. Just rub some wet salt over the dry skin, massage it in, the salt scrub will exfoliate those dry skin cells. You will find your skin soft and moist when you are done. Be sure to apply some moisturizer to the areas you just scrubbed

8. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is another exfoliating tool you most probably have in your kitchen. It is wonderful at removing dead, dry skin. Rub your skin with damp oatmeal and rinse it away with warm water. Rub the damp oatmeal into your skin for a few minutes. After you have rinsed the oatmeal scrub off, be sure to finish the routine with some moisturizing cream.

9. Avocado – The Avocado is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, E, and D. These ingredients are just what you need to keep your skin hydrated. These vitamins and the antioxidants help fight the aging skin battle at a cellular level by battling free radicals. Free radicals damage and kill skin cells, antioxidants help to fight off the free radicals, repairing skin cell damage and encouraging new skin cell growth. New skin cells are plump and hydrated making Avocado a wonderful tool in the fight against dry skin. You can add some honey and sugar to your Avocado, mash it together, and rub it into your skin. This combination makes a wonderful skin scrub that will exfoliate those dry skin cells. Always finish off your skin routines with some moisturizer.

10. Water – Drink lots of water or your skin (and body) will be dehydrated. Your skin will become dry and flaky. Water wards off the dry skin process from the inside out. Water is the best health and beauty tip not many people pay attention to. Most of us are dehydrated. It is an easy problem to fix, just be sure to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. You will feel the difference in a few days, give it a try.

Other ways to get rid of dry skin:

• Dry Brushing – increases circulation, exfoliates, stimulates your lymphatic system. Get a quality natural bristle brush. Brush towards the heart, brush with firm pressure, but don’t hurt yourself. Brush daily.
• Frankincense Essential Oil has properties in it that promote the regeneration of skin cells and help to keep existing skin cells healthy. Add it to a carrier oil such as Sweet Almond Oil or Jojoba Oil and rub it onto your dry skin
• Shower or bathe with warm water, rather than hot. Hot water can dry out your skin.
• Wash with a non-soap cleanser to avoid drying out your skin and do not use antibacterial soaps.

Apply moisturizer several times during the day to be sure your skin is hydrated and moist. Make sure your moisturizer is not alcohol based as they are drying to your skin and will defeat the purpose of applying a moisturizer.