Dry skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including daily bathing habits (hot showers and drying with a towel), winter weather, and the loss of natural oils as we age.

You don’t have to go to a dermatologist in order to treat your dry skin. Consider adding natural remedies to your home-care routine. These dry-skin remedies may actually be found in your own kitchen.

Instead of buying a product, why not opt for a natural dry-skin remedy?

There are many skin products on the market, so it might be worth looking into natural remedies, says Christine Poblete Lopez, MD, a resident program director and vice-chair of the department dermatology at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

Dr. Poblete Lopez says that natural oils and remedies are more pure than other products, making them a better option for many people. Other over-the-counter products may contain a lot of ingredients. They not only have active moisturizing agents, but also preservatives. This is often true for water-based products. They, as well as products that contain fragrances or alcohol, can cause skin irritation, an allergic reaction, and dry out your skin.

When it comes to beauty, it is often a good idea not to complicate things. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Pure oils are great for dry skin, unlike water-based creams and lotions that contain preservatives.

Natural Remedies to Soothe Dry Irritated skin

Sebum is a natural oil that your skin produces. However, everyday actions, such as forgetting to apply moisturizer or washing hands with soapy water, can strip your skin of its natural oils.

Oils can be beneficial for people who don’t have acne. This is because of overproduction of sebum, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Extra oil could cause skin to lose its sheen and protect it from moisture. Tea tree oil can be used to treat mild to moderate acne if you have it. There is evidence that this oil has been shown to improve skin’s sheen and protect against future breakouts.

You can use oils alone or in combination with other ingredients to make DIY nourishing creams or exfoliating rubs. There are many ways you can reap the moisturizing effects of oils. Castor oil, avocado oil and lavender oil are all natural treatments for dry skin. However, this is only if you don’t have any acne-prone skin.

Coconut oil, another oil that you might have in your pantry, may be a good option for people who aren’t prone to breakouts. A clinical trial that was double-blind, randomized, controlled and conducted on a group of people with atopic dermatology, a skin condition that causes itching and dryness, showed excellent results using virgin coconut oil.

Aloe vera is a plant that has natural healing properties and can be infused with oils to make it a natural moisturizer. Research has shown that aloe vera gel is rich in mucopolysaccharides. These help to lock moisture into the skin, making it a natural moisturizing skin-care product you will want to use.

10 Natural DIY Treatments to Moisturize Dry Skin

Warm bathwater is a great way to use your favorite oil in its purest form. These natural remedies are also available:

1. Use an olive oil cleanser to soothe dry skin

Olive oil is a great natural oil that can be used as a moisturizer and cleanser. This is according to Brandy Crompton who is a licensed aesthetician and was the former manager at LeBliss Salon and spa in Louisville, Kentucky. Crompton suggests that you apply the oil to your skin, then rub it into your skin. After the oil has cooled, place a damp, warm cloth on your face and wipe off any excess oil. She says olive oil is a great choice for cleansing because it doesn’t strip skin of its natural oils but will clean your skin.

2. Rich, Creamy Avocado Mask

A homemade avocado mask is another natural remedy for dry skin. Crompton recommends pureeing half of an avocado and adding 1 teaspoon of olive oil. For very dry skin, you can add 1 tablespoon of honey. After applying the mask, allow it to dry on your skin for about 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off. You should feel moisturized. However, you can also double the benefits by using your regular moisturizer.

3. Make a natural olive oil and sugar scrub

Use olive oil and sugar to create a moisturizing scrub. Crompton suggests that you combine 1/2 cup sugar with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. You can add lavender essential oil to your scrub if you wish. This will add a natural scent and promote relaxation. Use the scrub to gently massage your skin. Then wash it off. To seal in the benefits of freshly exfoliated skin, apply a soothing moisturizer.

4. Make an easy oatmeal soap to calm your skin

Poblete Lopez says that adding a cup of oatmeal in a warm bath can help to moisturize dry skin. She says that the oat product is soothing and helps retain water from the bathwater.

5. Use a homemade Oatmeal Honey Mask to exfoliate your face

Oatmeal can also be used as a mask or exfoliator. Combine 2 tablespoons of oats, 1 teaspoon honey and a splash of water. Crompton recommends warming the mixture and then applying it to your skin. It can be used to exfoliate, then rinse it off, or it can be left on for 15-20 minutes to create a soothing, hydrating treatment.

6. Coconut Oil before Bed

Tsippora Shainhouse MD, a dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care Beverly Hills, California, says that coconut oil is a solid at room temperatures. She recommends using it as a moisturizing lotion at night or any time. Apply the oil to chapped hands and heels. Layer with thick socks or nonlatex gloves.

7. Make Your Own Bath Oil

Dr. Shainhouse states that natural oils are excellent for moisturizing skin and helping to restore the natural skin barrier. You can also test other natural oils, such as coconut oil and olive oil, that aren’t irritants like argan, jojoba, and avocado oils. Shainhouse suggests adding a few drops of the oil to a running tub. To avoid oil rubbing off, give your skin a quick soak. After that, gently dry your skin by patting it dry. To keep your skin soft and moisturized, you can apply a little bit of your favorite oil to your skin after your shower.

8. For itchy skin, use milk compresses

Shainhouse says that milk has natural anti-inflammatory qualities. “It also contains lactic acid, which is mild, natural exfoliant.” Cincinnati Health Institute recommends making a milk compress by soaking a cloth (such as a towel or washcloth) in cool milk and placing it over any dry areas. Shainhouse suggests applying these compresses to your skin for five to ten minutes at a stretch. It is especially useful for itchy or irritated skin. Harvard Health Publishing warns that lactic acid can cause skin to become cracked.

9. Take a look at a fruit enzyme cleanser or exfoliant

Fruit enzymes are a lifesaver during dry-skin seasons. Shainhouse says that these alpha-hydroxy acids can be used to gently exfoliate the surface layer of dulling skin cells on the body and face. Shainhouse recommends that you use a fruit enzyme-infused wash or mask at least twice per week. Papaya, pumpkin, and pineapple are good examples of fruit enzymes.

10. Aloe Vera can be used to soothe dry, itchy skin

Aloe vera gel is often used to treat sunburns. However, it can also be useful during dry winter months. Aloe vera gel reduces redness and irritation caused by excess dryness. It can also help to prevent future acne breakouts. However, Shainhouse warns that allergic contact dermatitis can occur in some people. Therefore, you should do a patch test before applying the product to large areas of skin.

Five Expert Tips to Avoid a Dry-Skin Relapse

You can also take other steps to protect your skin from drying out.

• Moisturising should be a regular part of your skin-care routine. The AAD recommends that you moisturize your skin as soon as you get out of the shower.
• Other skin-friendly bathing practices should be developed. According to the AAD, you should avoid hot showers and keep your baths to a maximum of 10 minutes. Avoid harsh ingredients in regular soap bars. Instead, use a mild cleanser and liquid body wash.
• Avoid exposing your skin too harsh chemicals. This includes alcohol and apple cider vinegar. Shainhouse states that these ingredients can cause dry skin to worsen and even burns in certain cases.
• Get plenty of water. You can hydrate your body, and moisturize your skin.
• Dress for the weather. Sunscreen in the summer is not enough to protect you from sunburns. Shainhouse advises, “Remember to wear gloves before going outside in the winter air to prevent dryness or chapping.”