Human skin needs moisture to remain smooth, supple, and glowing. Without it, the skin’s ability to defend against external impurities like dirt and bacteria is compromised, making it highly prone to infections, scarring, delayed healing, and highly visible wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.
Combine this with the fact that the skin loses its moisture-retaining ability as it thins with age, and adding a moisturizer to your twice daily skin routine suddenly sounds highly appealing. Discover 8 of the best natural moisturizers to enliven your dry skin. Additionally, you can also consult an aesthetician or a dermatologist for an effective skincare regimen.
Table of Contents
1-Coconut Oil:
Collagen helps retain skin tightness and regenerate new skin cells. Coconut helps boost collagen production and function through its high lauric acid content, which penetrates deep into the skin for maximum moisturization without the greasiness of petroleum jelly.
Simply heat some unrefined, virgin coconut oil by wringing it between your palms and rub thoroughly into dry skin. For chapped hands and heels, wear non-latex gloves and thick socks after application for extra protection.
2-Honey:
In addition to being highly effective for acne treatment, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of honey help eliminate dryness and fight wrinkles, blemishes, and irritation. Simply make a paste of 2 tablespoons honey and 8 tablespoons water, apply directly over skin, and leave to dry. Wash off gently with warm water.
3-Avocados:
Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, and omega-3 oils, avocados are healthy super foods that also prevent skin dryness and wrinkles by lubricating each skin layer. To reap its moisturizing benefits, lightly rub the inner side of an avocado peel over dry skin, let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse with warm water. You can also apply mashed avocado as a 15-20-minute face mask for instant softening.
4-Buttermilk:
Just as milk is good for itchy skin , the lactic acid found in buttermilk (chaach) combats dryness and skin aging by breaking down and removing dead skin cells, accelerating new cell growth (cell turnover), and flooding them with moisturizing nutrients. Simply dip a clean washcloth in cold buttermilk, lay it over your skin for 5-10 minutes, then rinse gently.
5-Cucumbers:
These water-rich fruits are stocked with vitamins A and E, magnesium, and potassium; all of which increase skin moisture by promoting blood circulation. Additionally, cucumbers also reduce wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes.
Blend 1 cucumber into a puree and mix in a few drops of honey. Apply the mask over dry skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. For puff-reduction, simply place cucumber slices over the eyes for 15-30 minutes.
6-Sugar:
Sugar is an excellent exfoliant that removes dry, dead, and flaky skin and encourages skin cell turnover. To use sugar as an exfoliant, mix 2-3 tablespoons of virgin olive or coconut oil with ½ cup sugar and rub firmly but gently over skin. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water for instant glow.
7-Castor Oil:
The high fatty acid content accelerates the oil’s absorption into the skin, while the linoleic acid forms a barrier around the skin cells to prevent loss of moisture. Simply massage a few drops of castor oil over dry skin every night before bed for effective overnight hydration and repair.
8-Hibiscus Tea:
A traditional African remedy for dry skin and wound healing, the hibiscus plant contains anthocyanin; an antioxidant that prevents skin aging, and protects it from UV-related damage. To make a moisturizing hibiscus cream, grind 2 tablespoons hibiscus tea into a fine powder and melt 1 cup extra virgin coconut oil. Add the hibiscus powder to the oil and cover. Leave for a few minutes.
Now separate and strain the tea from the oil using a straining cloth and let it cool until it solidifies. Whip the solidified oil in a mixer for 1-2 minutes until you get a pinkish cream. Put into a glass jar and apply daily.
Any natural mixture should be made in small batches as the ingredients tend to spoil due to lack of preservatives. Also, consider consulting with your doctor on suitable home remedies for dry skin if you are already undergoing treatment for a skin condition like eczema and psoriasis.
You can also book an appointment with a top Dermatologist in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT doctor for your dermal concerns.
