By Sheila Leftridge | The Skin Truth
Natural skin care at home relies on a consistent three-step routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing using kitchen staples and plant-based oils. Gentle methods and whole ingredients help preserve your skin barrier without harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. The list of culprits that cause dry skin is a long one—from hot showers and scrubbing yourself dry with a towel, to winter weather and aging. The good news is that unless you’re managing a specific skin condition, there are several excellent natural home treatments you can try to remedy dry skin.
Several of the ingredients included below, such as coconut oil, tea, and aloe vera, are often collectively referenced as “remedies,” but they’ve been used for centuries as homeopathic medicines in cultures worldwide.
Natural, DIY Remedies to Moisturize Dry Skin
If you need extra moisture fast, use extra-virgin olive oil as an alternative to your moisturizer—but only if you’re in a pinch. Olive oil contains vitamin E, antioxidants, squalene, and other properties that repair damaged skin. However, it may not be a good choice for acne-prone skin because of the risk of clogging your pores.
Before applying olive oil directly to your skin, double-check whether this solution is right for you by consulting a dermatologist. Research suggests that olive oil may reduce inflammation, but applying it topically on its own may actually damage your skin barrier.
Making a Natural Coconut Oil and Sugar Scrub
To treat dead skin cells that might give your skin a dry texture and appearance, consider a gentle homemade sugar scrub. Try combining 1 cup of brown or granulated sugar with ½ cup of coconut oil.
If you want, you can add an essential oil like lavender, which lends a natural fragrance and may promote relaxation and decrease anxiety. Gently rub the scrub into your skin for up to 30 seconds, then wash it off with lukewarm water. Lastly, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using a soothing moisturizer to lock in the benefits of freshly exfoliated skin.
Keep in mind that physical, or mechanical, exfoliation of this type may not be suitable for all skin types. The AAD doesn’t recommend scrubs for irritated, acne-prone, or sensitive skin.
Create an Easy Oatmeal Soak to Calm Your Skin
A cup of oatmeal in a warm bath can naturally rehydrate dry skin. The oat product itself is soothing, and it helps your skin retain moisture from the bathwater. Or, for a mess-free soak, tie the oats in pantyhose to your faucet and run your bathwater through them.
If you have eczema, oatmeal may offer relief from dry, inflamed, or irritated skin associated with both atopic and contact dermatitis. In one study published in 2020, researchers observed that colloidal oatmeal treated hand eczema with its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and protective effects.
Exfoliate Your Face with a Homemade Oatmeal Honey Mask
Oatmeal also makes a great exfoliator or mask. Mix 2 tablespoons of oats with 1 tablespoon of honey and a dash of water. You can use it just to exfoliate and wash it off right away, or leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes as a soothing, hydrating mask. Research shows that honey may have antimicrobial properties that may also help accelerate wound healing.
Use Milk Compresses for Irritated Skin
Milk has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains lactic acid, a mild, natural exfoliant. One study showed that the use of a lactic acid and ceramide–containing lotion twice daily was found to significantly improve skin hydration while eliminating dead skin cells. This indicates lactic acid products may provide exfoliating benefits.
Lactic acid is “one of the most hydrating [alpha-hydroxy acids] on the market.” It’s one of the safer acids for sensitive skin and may also be used during pregnancy.
To make a milk compress, try soaking a clean cloth (like a washcloth or a towel) in a bowl of cool milk, and holding it in place over any dry area. It has been recommended that using these compresses on your skin for 5 to 10 minutes at a time is helpful for irritated skin that’s itchy, too. Note that lactic acid can sting cracked skin, so use with caution.
Feeling mild tingling is sometimes common, but if you experience burning, stop using it and talk to your dermatologist or aesthetician. While studies show that lactic acid may be beneficial in restoring the skin barrier and treating related conditions, such as eczema, you may want to avoid this remedy if you have an active flare-up with cracked skin.
