Baby, it’s cold outside…The cold season is officially here, and for many people like me, this means dry skin. Since the humidity indoors, and outdoors reaches a low during the winter months, our skin is fighting hard to stay moisturized. In times like that, it is important to really give your skin what it needs in order to avoid red, brittle, and itchy skin. But what dry skin solutions are right for your skin? The cosmetics industry has literally blown up in the past 2 decades, and you can pretty much find a cream for everything, anywhere, and at any given price. Unfortunately, many products have chemical ingredients, such as preservatives, alcohol, and fragrances, that might have adverse effects on your skin. Therefore, natural dry skin solutions are definitely worth a try, since natural oils are pure, which makes them the better choice for people with sensitive skin. When using natural oils, it is very important to pay attention to the quality of the respective oil. The number one rule in my personal beauty corner is: KEEP IT SIMPLE, sometimes less is more.
Here are my 5 natural DIY dry skin solutions:
+ Olive Oil
So simple, and so effective. The color, the texture, and the fresh smell are already an indicator that it can only be beneficial for inside and out. You can use it pure, or mix it up with other natural ingredients.
Quality:
Never use anything less than extra virgin olive oil and pay attention to certifications by the International olive council
Benefits:
– Antioxidant: Olive oil acts as an antioxidant, which means it prevents oxidation which is a process that produces free radicals.
– Antibacterial effect: it can be used to soothe areas affected by an infection and improve healing
– Moisturizer: Olive oil can be used to help soften skin and it has shown to be especially beneficial when used after sun exposure.
According to a study it has shown helpful in prevention of cancer cell growth after UV exposure in mice.
How to use:
If you decide to use it pure, it is a perfect makeup remover. Just use a few drops on a cotton pad and it will remove all make-up with
ease. You can also just apply it to your skin after a bath or shower and it will help you seal the moisture in your skin.
It is also a perfect addition to your homemade face mask. One of my favorite, quick and easy olive oil face masks is:
OLIVE OIL & HONEY:
Combine 3 Tbs of olive oil with one Tbs of honey and spread it evenly. This face mask combines the ultra-hydrating effects of olive oil with the antibacterial effects of honey, which makes it a perfect moisturizer. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
+ Avocado
Avocados are little miracles when it comes to overall health. I love to add avocado to almost any of my meals. You can use it as a topping for salad, a spread for your breakfast bread, or just as a very yummy salsa when you’re in the mood for a snack. It’s not only delicious but it offers a lot of vitamins and monounsaturated fats, also called the “good fats”. Avocado is not only good to eat, it also does magic to your skin.
Benefits:
– Goodbye to dry skin: the vitamins in avocado, especially biotin, helps prevent skin dryness.
– protects your skin from damage due to UV- light or other signs of aging
– antimicrobial properties can help minimize breakouts
– increases skin elasticity which means fewer wrinkles
How to use:
Eating avocados will contribute to your overall health. Its monounsaturated fats are great for your heart and will benefit your skin
from inside. But you can also apply the mashed avocado paste directly to your skin, or use avocado oil as a cleanser. Both will have
an incredible effect and get you that glow you’re aiming for. My favorite rich avocado mask is:
AVOCADO & OLIVE OIL & HONEY
Mash up half an avocado, add 1 tsp of olive oil, and 1 Tbs of honey. Leave on for about 20 minutes, and wash it off with warm water. Your skin will thank you.
+ Coconut oil
I love using coconut oil. Every time I apply it to my skin it takes me on a mental vacation to a sunny and warm place. Just like the other oils mentioned in this post, coconut oil is an amazing natural dry skin solution with plenty of other benefits.
Quality: You should look for coconut oils that are labeled unrefined, virgin, or extra virgin.
Benefits:
– seals moisture and reduces dryness
– helps improve skin texture when applied on a regular basis
– soothes irritated skin and has a calming effect
How to use:
I personally use coconut oil as a full-body moisturizer. I love the smell and it gives my skin exactly what it needs after a relaxing bath.
The only thing you need to watch out for is your clothes since it might leave some stains. I really love it for my face though. It’s so light, and you kind of get that extra bit of glow, just by applying a tiny bit of coconut oil. I also have a favorite coconut oil exfoliator and quick morning face mask I’d like to share:
COCONUT OIL & SUGAR
1 Tbs of coconut oil combined with 2 Tbs of raw sugar are creating a thick paste which is a perfect exfoliator. Gently massage your face with it for about 30 seconds and then rinse it off. Your face will feel smooth, and hydrated.
COCONUT OIL & LEMON & HONEY
This is your good morning quick glow! Whenever I wake up looking extremely tired, because I probably didn’t get enough sleep, I use this refreshing vitamin bomb on my face. Leave it on for 5 minutes
+ Argan Oil
Argan oil is an ingredient found in many products of the beauty industry due to its very positive effects on skin health. The use of argan oil dates back to the 13th century, and it has traditionally been used to treat skin, hair, and nails. The oil is harvested from the kernels of Moroccan argan tree fruit. It can be applied to the skin as pure oil, or ingested as a supplement. There are a variety of benefits when including argan oil into your dry skin solution routines.
Quality: 100% argan oil, cold-pressed
Benefits:
– Treats several skin conditions, such as psoriasis or rosacea
– heals infections, due to antioxidant, -bacterial, and -inflammatory properties
– protects skin from the sun
– has anti-aging effects, and prevents wrinkles
How to use:
I usually use my argan oil pure and apply it as a face moisturizer twice a day. It’s a perfect substitute for any cream because it absorbs very fast, and leaves your skin with a natural, healthy glow. It’s also perfect as a base for make-up.