We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Best Home Remedies for Dry Skin?

By Bethany Keene
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,235
Share

Dry skin is a common condition that can cause skin to become flaky, red, cracked, and itchy; and it can appear all over the body. Dry skin is especially common in the winter, but some people are just more prone to it than others, and experience it all year round. There are many home remedies for dry skin to try that can relieve the itching and prevent the dryness from coming back.

One of the best home remedies for dry skin is to change the temperature of the shower or bathtub. Rather than taking scalding hot showers and baths, switch to lukewarm water, which is much gentler on the skin. This is especially true on the face; use cooler, lukewarm water when washing the face, and pat the skin dry - do not rub.

The soap that is used for cleansing the face and body is also important. It is a good idea to choose a soap-free cleanser, as soap is very drying. Liquid and gel cleansers tend to be gentler on the skin than bar cleansers as well. If a particular cleanser seems to be causing irritation, simply switch to a different one. Exfoliating cleansers may be great home remedies for dry skin, because they can help to remove dead, flaking skin; just be sure not to use one too frequently, which could make the condition worse.

Moisturizer is, of course, one of the best remedies for dry skin. It is best to apply moisturizer immediately after stepping out of the shower or washing the face, because the moisturizer can help to seal the water in the skin. Body moisturizers should be thick and rich to last all day. Apply a moisturizer that contains sunscreen to the face during the day, and apply a rich night cream to moisturize skin overnight.

Moisturizers that contain shea butter, cocoa butter, and aloe are often great choices for home remedies for dry skin. If hands or feet are particularly dry, apply a thick layer of moisturizer before bed, then put on socks and soft gloves; this will help the moisturizer to be better absorbed. In addition, wear gloves when doing the dishes or using household cleaning products. Some people find that taking a bath with oatmeal or cornstarch in the water can be a great way to soften dry skin as well. A humidifier added to a room at night can also moisten the air and prevent skin from drying out.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By ysmina — On Mar 19, 2013

I have dry, flaky skin on my face due to eczema. What works for me is gentle scrubbing several times a week with coarse sugar and lukewarm water. Then, I apply argan oil as a moisturizer.

Once in a while, I also do a face mask with honey and yogurt. It makes my face super soft and supple.

By SteamLouis — On Mar 18, 2013

Natural oils are the best home remedies for very dry skin in my opinion. Olive oil and coconut oil are my favorites. I also use cocoa butter when I can afford some, it smells delicious.

I take some of these oils and rub them into my skin immediately after my shower. I don't dry myself off, I let it mix with the water on my body and then I allow my skin to absorb it for a few minutes.

I also take a few drops and apply to extra-dry areas like elbows, knees and knuckles before I go to sleep.

By ZipLine — On Mar 17, 2013

This might sound like a weird remedy, but lard is very good for dry skin. In fact, our mothers and grandmothers often used this on us as infants when we had dry skin and diaper rashes.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-home-remedies-for-dry-skin.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.