Kartik Saraswat
With sweaters, blankets, family gatherings, and hot chocolate, winter brings itchy and dry skin that makes you use home remedies to repair your skin. While there are a lot of creams that claim to keep your skin nourished, home remedies have saved the boats.
What are the signs of dry skin?
Dry skin often shows various signs and symptoms, which may include:
- Flakiness or scaliness
- Raw, irritated skin
- Rough texture
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Cracks in the skin
The medical term used to describe dry skin is xerosis. The severity of symptoms can vary and may manifest differently depending on the specific body area affected.
Home Remedies For Winter Skin Care
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil deserves its well-deserved praise as a versatile remedy, except for those with oily skin types. However, for individuals with dry and lackluster skin, coconut oil serves as an exceptional moisturizer.
Gently warm a few drops of the oil and massage it onto your face. You can leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes or even overnight before rinsing it off with soap. Occasionally, you can enhance its benefits by adding sugar and using the mixture as an exfoliant.
Moreover, when faced with the discomfort of constant sniffling and nose blowing during a cold, applying a few drops of coconut oil can help soothe irritated skin around the nose. This natural remedy effortlessly promotes a dewy and fresh appearance with minimal effort.
Turmeric
Turmeric, the age-old spice renowned for its vibrant color and flavor in curries, offers more than just culinary delights. Turmeric contains curcumin as an active compound that boosts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These qualities enable it to counteract free radicals, making it beneficial for treating dry skin.
To apply topically on your face, create a mixture of honey, milk, and turmeric, and apply it once a week. This blend not only aids in addressing dryness but also helps reduce uneven skin tone and acne scars.
Papaya and Honey Pack
Papaya is rich in antioxidants. It can work well as an anti-aging agent. Talking about honey, it is a humectant that softens your skin. For making a papaya and honey pack, you need one ripe papaya and honey.
Mash the papaya and add honey to it. Form a thick paste. Apply it on the neck, hands, face, and feet and leave it for half an hour. Wash it off afterward. For best results, you can do this twice a week.
Avocado Mask
Creating a homemade avocado mask offers a natural and effective solution to soothe dry skin. Packed with antioxidants and probiotics, this face mask promotes healthy and radiant skin.
Combine ½ avocado with ¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt, known for its lactic acid content that may enhance skin texture.
Additionally, adding a drizzle of manuka honey and 1 teaspoon of turmeric can provide potential anti-inflammatory benefits and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.
Apply the mixture onto clean skin and allow it to set for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing off, revealing rejuvenated and moisturized skin.
Yoghurt
It is a natural exfoliator and can glow up your skin in winter. Yoghurt has lactic acid that dissolves dead skin and moisturizes the skin by penetrating inside. Moreover, it is the best antidote for dry skin.
Mix yoghurt with a few drops of lemon juice and honey. Apply the paste on your face, and wash it off in 20 minutes.
Eat winter skin-friendly foods
Good nutrients and hydration intake can help you to protect your skin from harsh winter weather.
Food items that are good for your skin during winter –
- Jaggery
- Seasonal vegetable and fruits
- Berries and nuts
- Leafy veggies
Glycerin
Glycerin is a good humectant that restores your skin’s moisture. Use Glycerin with a sterile cotton pad. Apply it on dry areas and leave it on till it gets dry.
Milk
Milk possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties and contains lactic acid, a gentle and natural exfoliant. The use of a lotion containing lactic acid and ceramide, applied twice daily, significantly improved skin hydration and eliminated dead skin cells.
Lactic acid is among the most hydrating alpha-hydroxy acids available in the market. It is considered safe for sensitive skin and can even be used during pregnancy.
To create a milk compress, soak a clean cloth in cool milk and apply it to dry areas of the skin. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes
It is important to exercise caution when using lactic acid on cracked skin, as it may cause a stinging sensation.
Why Opt for a Natural Dry-Skin Remedy Rather Than Buy a Product?
If you find long ingredient lists concerning or confusing, it might be worth considering a home remedy. Over-the-counter products often contain numerous ingredients, including moisturizing agents and preservatives.
Water-based products, in particular, tend to have a high number of ingredients because bacteria can easily grow in such formulas. However, despite good intentions, these preservatives, along with additives like alcohol and fragrances, can potentially lead to irritation, dry skin, and even allergic reactions.
If you have allergies or sensitive skin, you may prefer to simplify your skincare routine. For instance, instead of using water-based lotions and creams that contain preservatives, opting for oils with a natural base can be a suitable choice for dry skin when a specific skin condition is not involved.
It is always advisable to consult with a dermatologist before incorporating any new DIY recipe into your skincare routine to ensure safety.
Your skin has a natural oil called sebum, which acts as a protective barrier against moisture loss. However, everyday activities like forgetting to apply moisturizer or using drying soaps can strip away these natural oils.
For individuals without acne, oils can help restore the skin’s shine and maintain its protective moisture barrier.
Final words
In conclusion, I would say that home remedies are the best to treat your skin naturally. However, having a word with the dermatologist is also suggested. Your skin is very precious and you need to take extra care of it in winter.
Using the above-mentioned home remedies, you can help your skin get that moisture back in no time.
Frequently asked questions
1. How can I take care of my skin in winter naturally?
- Avoid extreme cold climate
- Moisturize daily
- Humidify regularly
- Avoid tanning
- Protect your skin from wind
- Minimise the use of soap and hot water
- Sun protect
2. How can I hydrate my face naturally?
- Get enough sleep
- Use gentle cleanser
- Drink a lot of water
- Eat nutritious food
- Limit alcohol and coffee
- Avoid smoking
- Use lukewarm water
3. Which oil is best for skin in winter?
Here are 8 oils best for dry skin
- Olive oil
- Jojoba oil
- Lavender oil
- Argan oil
- Rosehip seed oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Avocado oil
4. How can I moisturize my skin overnight?
A few tips to cure your skin overnight include –
- Appy glycerin-based serum or Hyaluronic acid before going to bed
- Use face oil
- Tap your skin to get rid of water droplets
- Use lukewarm water to wash your face
- Use thick moisturizer
5. What vitamin deficiency causes dry skin?
Having Vitamin deficiency can cause dry skin. For instance, if you have a deficiency of niacin, zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, or iron, your skin can become dry.
