Dry, flaky skin is one of the most common problems associated with the cold weather because the cold air takes away moisture leaving the skin dry and flaky. But keep in mind that this is not exclusive to the cold season alone. It also depends on your body ability to produce sebum, or the natural oil. The sebaceous glands are responsible for sebum production inside the body. Overly active sebaceous glands may cause oily skin, and under active sebaceous glands may cause dry, flaky skin. Hormonal changes may also disrupt your body’s natural sebum production. That is why it is important to know the remedies that could work for you.

The Problem with Dry Skin

Dry skin in itself is not a serious, life-threatening condition. But when it persists, it can cause a succession of health problems. For one, because of the absence of water and the lack of the skin’s natural moisturizer, dry skin may become itchy. And because it is very difficult to let an itch go by without scratching it, frequent scratching may cause a break in the skin which is a good entry point for bacteria. The simple break in skin integrity may soon cause inflammation, and then infection.

Another thing with dry skin is that it makes you look older than you really are. A dry skin is an inelastic skin. The skin may appear wrinkled and old. And it may deceive other people of your real age.

What to do if you have Dry Skin

Over-the-counter beauty products have invaded the market, and frankly speaking, choosing the right one has become a chore. The beauty industry is a fast growing industry because people want to look good and feel good about themselves. With so many beauty products to choose from, where do start? How do we know that what they are selling us actually works? Your friends may have recommended a product to you but then again, what works for them may not have the same effects on you.

Synthetically made products give you the risk of adverse and side effects. Instead of giving you the healthy skin that you have always wanted, it could have the opposite effects on you. You would not want that, so why take the risk? The good news is, there are effective natural remedies which you can utilize – nature’s gifts that are accessible, affordable and readily available. Sometimes, you don’t even have to look far. The remedies may be found right inside your cupboard.

1. Almonds

   Almonds have been widely known for its various health benefits. It has been shown to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol, promote heart health, and cancer prevention. As far as the skin is concerned, almond oil helps make the skin soft, supple and smooth. You may also create a face scrub by soaking an almond in water, peeling and grinding them and then adding rose water into it to form a paste. Directly peeling and eating almonds which have been soaked in a bowl of water overnight also helps keep the skin moist. You may eat the soaked almonds every day.

2. Olive Oil

   Olive oil will help you say goodbye to dry, flaky skin. True, you may feel like you are about to get fried with all the oil in your body, but the effects of a simple sacrifice are gratifying. Olive oil boasts of antioxidant properties which helps counteract the effects of free radicals – substances which causes cell damage and premature aging. It helps by assisting in the repair of cells and it also absorbs ultraviolet radiation – harmful rays coming from the sun. The olive oil has vitamin E which is essential for healthy skin and hair. If you want to hydrate your skin to make it more soft, use olive oil, especially when you are getting a massage.

3. Aloe Vera

   A lot of people have been using Aloe Vera to address their skin problems. A potent solution to dermatological issues such as cracked skin, eczema, psoriasis, wounds, blisters, burns and insect bites, Aloe Vera helps keep the skin stay hydrated. It also contains healing agents which keeps the skin soft and healthy. It hydrates and moisturizes the skin, soothes itching and it also exerts an anti-bacterial effect, reducing the risk of infection. In order to benefit from the health effects of the Aloe Vera plant, simply get its leaf and cut it open. You will be using the Aloe Vera’s gel part.

4. Oatmeal

   Oatmeal has been used in the treatment of Acne. Needless to say, it is good for the skin. It can also help soothe dry and irritated skin, promote healing and open up the pores. Fact is, most of the beauty products that are being sold these days contain oatmeal as an important ingredient.

   The perfect way to end your day is to indulge yourself in an oatmeal bath. On lukewarm water, add a cup of milk, about 2 cups of oatmeal and one tablespoon of honey. Soak in the mixture for ten to twenty minutes. The oats are actually abundant in vitamin E which is essential for healthy skin. Using oatmeal on chapped hands will also help as it acts as an exfoliant, scrubbing off dead skin cells.

5. Cornstarch

   A cornstarch bath can help relieve itchiness and soothe the skin. Get a handful of cornstarch, sprinkle it inside the bath tub with water and then soak in it.

6. Salt

   After a bath or a shower, get a handful of salt and then massage it onto your skin. It acts as an exfoliant by getting rid of dead skin cells, remove dryness of the skin and helps your skin healthier and smoother.

7. Baking Soda

   Getting into the tub with a water and baking soda mixture in it can also help relieve itching. This will prevent you from causing cuts and wounds unto your self. Soaking in the water-baking soda mixture for thirty minutes at least twice a week is an effective remedy against itchy skin.

Sources
beautytips
tlc.howstuffworks.com
realself.com
dailyglow.com
ehow.com
bitterrootrestoration.com
thealoevera.com
thedailygreen.com