12 Effective Home Remedies for Dry Skin

October 16, 2023

This article has been reviewed by experts

Dry skin is not just a minor problem; it can indeed cause significant discomfort and may even affect your appearance, thereby adversely impacting self-esteem and confidence. Dry skin symptoms include itching, flaking and a feeling of roughness, which can be uncomfortable and even painful in severe cases. Dry skin can make your skin look dull, as it lacks the healthy glow associated with well-hydrated skin. It can also lead to the premature development of fine lines and wrinkles. In some cases, untreated or chronic dry skin can lead increase the risk of complications such as eczema, allergic skin reactions, cracked skin or sores and secondary infections. As dry skin treatment often requires long-term therapy, home remedies for dry skin are a popular and effective choice. We’ll take a look at some of the best home remedies for dry skin.

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12 Home Remedies For Dry Skin

Sesame Oil (Til Tail)

Sesame oil is considered a nourishing and warming oil in Ayurveda. It helps improve skin hydration by deeply moisturizing and soothing dry skin. It is commonly used in Abhyanga to promote skin health and prevent dryness.

Scientific support: Research published in the Asian Journal of Beauty & Cosmetology found that sesame seed oil was particularly effective for treating dry skin conditions within 8 weeks (1).

Haldi Doodh Paste

Haldi or turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while milk provides moisture and also contains natural fatty acids. A paste of these ingredients can help alleviate dry skin and improve skin tone.

Scientific support: Milk has proven moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve dry skin symptoms and moisturize the skin, while Haldi reduces inflammation, making it one of the best home remedies for dry skin itching (2,3).

Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that promote skin rejuvenation and hydration. Consuming amla or applying amla-based pastes can help nourish the skin.

Scientific support: Studies suggest that amla may help fight dry skin and other skin conditions associated with aging because of its rich composition of bioactive compounds including phenolic acid and antioxidants (4).

Sandalwood (Chandan)

Sandalwood has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. Sandalwood paste can help alleviate dryness and irritation while providing a pleasant fragrance. It has been used as standard ingredient in Ayurvedic skincare for centuries due to its skin-calming properties.

Scientific support: Modern studies that have examined the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment of skin conditions with sandalwood oil have lent support, demonstrating efficacy and safety even when treating paediatric eczema/atopic dermatitis patients – researchers noted a 50% reduction in affected area and symptom severity (5).

Rose Water (Gulab Jal)

Rose water is known for its cooling and hydrating properties in Ayurveda, making it a common ingredient in skin care products. It can help tone and refresh dry skin when used as a facial mist or in skincare routines.

Scientific support: Rose water is cooling and refreshing on the skin, but it also works to hydrate the skin, with research highlighting its ‘moisturizing and glowing effect’ (6).

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it a lightweight and effective moisturizer that can help balance skin hydration. Jojoba oil has been studied for its use in skincare and is known for its emollient properties.

Scientific support: Jojoba oil has been used for decades as a natural moisturizer in skin care products across the world, with research showing improved hydration and lipid ratio (7).

Yoghurt

Yoghurt contains probiotics and lactic acid, which can help exfoliate dead skin cells, soothe dryness, and promote a healthier skin barrier.

Scientific support: Although more research is needed, preliminary studies already confirm that probiotics and prebiotics play an important role in skin health and healing, when applied topically (8).

Almond Oil

Almond oil is perhaps the most commonly used of all home remedies for dry skin in winter. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids that can moisturize and nourish the skin, relieving dryness and improving skin softness.

Scientific support: As a staple ingredient in natural moisturizers across the world, almond oil has been rigorously studied for its potential skincare benefits. Findings from these studies have shown that the oil has emollient and sclerosant properties, improving skin complexion and tone (9).

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains fatty acids that can help moisturize and replenish the skin’s natural barrier. The ingredient has been a traditional skincare product in India for centuries, especially in the Southern and coastal states.

Scientific support: Many studies, including one published in the International Journal of Dermatology, found that applying coconut oil to dry skin improved hydration and reduced water loss from the skin (10).

Oatmeal Baths

Oatmeal baths and soaks have long been used as home remedies for dry legs skin or dry skin on the torso. However, as a gentle anti-inflammatory ingredient, it is also regarded as safe for delicate facial skin. Oatmeal’s skincare benefits are mainly linked to compounds called avenanthramides, which have anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects.

Scientific support: Research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology demonstrated that oatmeal-based products can provide significant clinical improvements in skin dryness, moisturisation and strengthen the skin barrier (11).

Honey

All of us have come across home remedies for dry skin on the face with honey and with good cause. Honey has natural humectant properties, which means it attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It also has antibacterial properties, protecting dry skin from secondary infections.

Scientific support: Research from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology shows that honey-based moisturizers can improve skin hydration and reduce dryness (12).

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It helps to hydrate and calm dry, irritated skin, making it helpful in dealing with a wide range of dry skin conditions.

Scientific support: Researchers in Japan found that aloe sterols can significantly improve skin quality and health as they stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in dermal fibroblasts (13).

While these remedies have scientific support for their effectiveness in treating dry skin, it’s essential to remember that individual responses may vary. It’s always a good practice to perform a patch test first. In addition to using these remedies, it’s also crucial to take steps to address dry skin, such as using appropriate moisturizers, avoiding harsh soaps and hot water, staying hydrated, and seeking medical advice if dryness persists or worsens. In some cases, an underlying medical condition may be contributing to dry skin, and addressing that condition may be necessary for effective treatment.

FAQs

Can I use neem oil for dry skin?

Yes, you can use neem oil for dry skin as it has moisturizing and soothing properties in addition to its antibacterial benefits. However, it should be adequately diluted and tested on a small area first as neem oil is strong and can sometimes cause further skin irritation.

Which oils should I avoid for dry skin?

You should avoid skincare products with alcohol, fragrances, and harsh exfoliants, as these ingredients can exacerbate dryness and irritation in the skin.

When should I seek medical treatment for dry skin?

Seek medical treatment for dry skin if it becomes severe, persistent, or is accompanied by symptoms like severe itching, redness, open sores, or signs of infection.

Disclaimer: This article is written from a health and lifestyle perspective. It is for general information and not meant to substitute any medical advice. Please consult your doctor for appropriate medical consultation.