10 Dry Skin Remedies That Are Already In Your Kitchen

Research shows that Black Americans may be more likely to have dry skin if they don’t moisturize properly. To make matters worse, it’s usually easier to tell when a Black person’s skin is dry. While there are multiple lotions and creams that you can use to do this, some of the most effective natural moisturizers might already be in your kitchen.

10 Natural Dry Skin Remedies

1. Avocado

Avocado isn’t just healthy when you eat it. Studies show that the high fat and antioxidant content are great for keeping your skin healthy when applied directly to dry areas. To use it, you can crush a ripe avocado to make a mask. You can also combine it with yogurt or honey for additional benefits.

2. Oatmeal

With this option, you would prepare an oatmeal bath by adding oatmeal powder to warm water. Oatmeal is known to soothe irritating skin by increasing its moisture so taking an oatmeal bath occasionally can give you some relief.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains saturated fatty acids that give it the ability to act as an effective emollient. That means using it can fill in the gaps in your skin’s natural oils that might cause dry skin. To use coconut oil, you should apply it directly to the affected areas. While studies show that the oil is as helpful as petroleum jelly, it’s a potential allergen for some people so try it on a small section of your skin first.

4. Olive Oil

This is another oil that can increase your skin’s moisture. The only caveat with olive oil is that it’s a particularly heavy oil that can block your pores and lead to acne. It’s best to use it in small quantities on dry areas.

5. Honey

The good thing about honey is that it has moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. That means it can help your skin heal while fighting dryness. Health experts recommend slathering it on your skin as desired.

6. Aloe Vera

You might have heard of aloe vera being great for burns but it has other benefits too. Thanks to its soothing properties, aloe vera is not only effective for fighting dry skin but it can also ease redness and itchiness.

7. Milk

While milk can do wonders for your skin when you drink it, soaking the affected areas in dairy can also help to alleviate dry skin. However, studies still need to be done to determine its effectiveness.

8. Herbal Tea

Dry skin can be caused by inflammation so products that have anti-inflammatory properties are usually effective. Using cool, wet tea bags on affected areas can soothe dry skin and encourage moisture. Some great options are chamomile, jasmine, and green tea.