Winters are synonymous with dry, itchy, and uncomfortable skin. Though dry skin caused due to various factors, cold and dry climate is one of the most common causes of dry skin. Despite the best care, it is difficult to manage dry skin in winter because of low humidity levels in the atmosphere. Without sufficient moisture in the atmosphere, it will be difficult for the skin to stay hydrated; hence, it turns dry and scaly.
Winter dry skin, also known as winter xeros is or winter itch, due to symptoms of excessive itching associated with dry skin, happens when the skin loses its hydration. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, which is rich in lipids that help in holding the skin cells together and giving them a smooth texture. When these lipids are damaged due to dry weather conditions or excessive scrubbing, the skin cells fall apart and become flaky and cracked. Dry skin can be easily treated with simple skincare routines at home. Read on to know some home remedies to treat winter dry skin.
Home Treatments For Dry Skin In Winter:
The only cure for dry skin is conditioning the skin with sufficient oils and hydration. There are numerous commercial products containing skin-conditioning agents and emollients that help treat dry skin, but these products are laden with chemicals and may damage the skin. Dry skin can best be treated with simple natural ingredients at home. These ingredients are not only inexpensive and easily available, but are effective, harmless, and gentle on the skin. Let us look at how we can use these natural ingredients to care for dry skin.
1. Natural Oils Treatment for Dry Skin in Winter:
One of the best home remedies for treating winter season dry skin is with nourishing natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, mustard oil, olive oil, etc. These oils are loaded with essential fats that fill the skin cells with the needed oils and moisturize them effectively. Natural oils are also rich in proteins and other nutrients that help nourish the skin cells and heal the skin’s cracks and dryness. The anti-bacterial properties of these oils help treat skin conditions like eczema and other infections. Most of the oils treat inflammation very effectively and heal the redness and rawness associated with dry skin. Natural oils are excellent in sealing the moisture in the skin cells and maintaining essential hydration. They also make the skin soft, supple, and radiant (1).
Ingredients:
- A required amount of coconut oil or olive oil or almond oil or mustard oil, or any oil that suits your skin.
Preparation Time: 10minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Take required amount of any of the above-mentioned oils in your palms and gently apply it on the affected areas.
- Massage for at least 5 minutes making sure it is absorbed into the skin.
- Leave it on overnight.
Frequency of Use: Every day.
Precautions If Any: It is always recommended to do a patch test to check for allergies.
2. Aloe Vera Gel for Dry Skin in Winter:
Natural aloe vera gel is one of the best remedies for most of the skin conditions, including very dry skin. It is used widely in skincare and beauty treatments around the world. Aloe vera has properties that stimulate the sebaceous glands and restore the natural oils in the skin. It is also very effective in sealing the moisture in the skin cells and helping in maintaining hydration. Aloe vera boosts the production of collagen, which helps in keeping the skin young and soft. Aloe vera has high anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, infections, etc. It also heals the cracks and red patches very effectively (2).
Ingredients:
- Fresh aloe vera gel extracted from the aloe vera leaf.
Preparation Time: 20minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Extract the aloe vera gel from the leaf.
- Apply this gel on the affected areas by gently massaging.
- Leave it on overnight.
Frequency of Use: Everyday.
Precautions: While extracting aloe vera gel from the aloe vera leaf, make sure to cut the external green layer thoroughly as it has toxic properties.
3. Gram Flour Face Pack:
Gram flour is used widely in skincare in ancient Indian medicine; it is very useful in treating dry and dull skin. It helps in nourishing the skin with proteins and essential vitamins and restoring the health and radiance of the skin. This is also very effective in cleansing the pores of the skin and stimulating the sebaceous glands. Gram flour is mixed with cream and honey to make a nourishing skin pack to heal skin dryness. Cream of milk is high in fats and proteins that help the skin heal from cracks and fissures. Honey is one of the best moisturizers and helps in making the skin soft and supple by maintaining hydration.
Ingredients:
- Two tablespoons gram flour.
- One teaspoon honey.
- One teaspoon fresh cream.
- Quarter teaspoon of turmeric.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix the above ingredients thoroughly to form a fine paste.
- Apply this paste on the affected area by gently rubbing in circular motions.
- Allow it to remain for 30 minutes.
- Wash with warm water.
Frequency of Use: Thrice a week.
4. Coconut Oil and Banana Skin Pack:
Banana is very effective in treating dry skin on the face in the winter. It is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, which help in nourishing and healing the skin. Banana has cooling properties that help in soothing dry skin and moisturizing it. Coconut helps in conditioning the skin with its natural fatty acids and proteins. It provides essential hydration to the skin and also heals the cracks and makes the skin soft and supple. The anti-bacterial properties of coconut oil help in treating skin infections and making the skin healthy (3).
Ingredients:
- Half a banana.
- Two tablespoons of coconut oil.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes.
Directions of Use:
Mash the banana
- Mix coconut oil and the mashed banana thoroughly to form a smooth paste.
- Apply this mixture to the affected area thoroughly, gently massaging in circular motions.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water.
Frequency of Use: Thrice a week.
Precautions If Any: None.
5. Neem Leaves Pack for Dry Skin:
Neem leaves are very effective in treating skin conditions, including dry skin and dry face. It also very good at moisturizing the skin and stimulating the sebaceous glands in secreting natural skin oil for sealing the moisture within the skin. Neem is very effective in healing the cracks and soothing the itchy sensation. Neem is one of nature’s best antibiotics, and it helps in treating infections and skin conditions like eczema.
Ingredients:
- Two tablespoons dried neem leaves powder.
- One teaspoon of honey.
- Pinch of turmeric.
- Required amount of water.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Take the above ingredients in a bowl and mix well to form a smooth paste.
- Apply this paste on the affected area thoroughly.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash off with warm water.
- Wash hair with a mild shampoo.
Frequency of Use: Twice a week.
6. Rose Water and Glycerin Mixture:
Rosewater and glycerin mixture is a very effective and an age-old remedy for dry skin. Glycerin is a natural moisturizer and an excellent humectant that helps lock the moisture in the skin cells. Rosewater is the best treatment for dry itchy skin as it helps in soothing the skin cells and conditioning it. Rosewater is very effective in balancing the pH balance in the skin surface and stimulating blood circulation. It also helps the sebaceous glands produce natural oils and maintain the balance of oil on the skin. Rosewater makes the skin look radiant, smooth, and youthful and is very good for treating dull and dry skin in winter.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon of glycerin.
- One tablespoon of rose water.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes.
Directions of Use:
- Mix rose water and glycerin thoroughly.
- Apply the above mixture on the dry skin area with a cotton ball.
- Leave it on overnight or wash off after a few hours with plain water.
Frequency of Use: Every day.
[ Read More: Rose Water for Acne ]
Additional Tips To Treat Dry Skin In Winter:
Let us look at some tips and precautions for caring for dry skin in the winter season:
- Always use a humidifier during winter.
- Avoid wearing rough fabrics or wool on your skin and instead, use soft material like cotton.
- Apply moisturizers immediately after a shower. Moisturize your hands whenever you wash them. Moisturize your body at least three times a day.
- Use gentle moisturizing soaps and herbal soap-free cleansers.
- Avoid using lotions or other beauty products that contain alcohol and artificial fragrances.
- Drink at least 3 litres of water throughout the day.
- Eat a healthy diet with a balance of good fat.
- Do not shower or expose your body to water for more than 10 minutes.
- Always wash your body with warm or cold water.
- Exfoliate your skin regularly, but make sure to use gentle exfoliators especially made for dry skin.
There are plenty of solutions to treat dry skin in winter at home. Natural ingredients are always the best option as they are mild and help the skin in many ways. If the symptoms persist or the cracks start bleeding or showing signs of infection, you must consult a doctor immediately. Open skin cracks or fissures may lead to secondary infections that need to be treated with antibiotics. Along with using antibiotics, natural ingredients with anti-bacterial properties can also be used to eliminate infectious skin conditions. With the right care and precautions, you do not have to worry about the winter season.
