Dry skin is not a serious condition, but it can be extremely uncomfortable, especially during winters. In certain scenarios, it can be a sign of an underlying health disease. You should visit a doctor if your dry skin is accompanied by symptoms like redness, sores, infections, or peeling. Fortunately, on most occasions, dry skin is caused due to environmental factors and unwarranted use of chemical-based personal hygiene products. This condition can be easily controlled with some simple dry skincare home remedies, which include a combination of topical applications and diet.

• Pick the right moisturizing cream or lotion – You can use dry skincare creams or lotions to alleviate the symptoms. Make sure that you choose products that don’t have ingredients like parabens or sulfates as they aren’t beneficial to your skin in the long run. Preferably, pick organic creams or lotions or the one that your dermatologist recommends. If you step out in sun a lot, then use a sunscreen lotion to evade the onset of dry skin, roughness, and fine lines. Some of the well-known brands for dry skin care creams or lotions are Nivea, Kiehl’s, Aveeno, The Body Shop, Burt’s Bees, Palmer’s, CeraVe, Rodin Crema, and Acca Kappa.
• Use coconut oil – Coconut oil is one of the best natural ingredients for your dry skincare regime. Its application repairs the epidermal tissues, removes dead skin cells, and protects the skin from sunburn as well. Furthermore, it has antiviral, antioxidant and antifungal qualities that help prevent skin infections. Apart from nourishing your skin, coconut oil is also a great alternative to makeup removal products. For long-term benefits for your skin and overall health, coconut oil can be introduced into your daily diet as well.
• Aloe vera – Not just incredibly soothing for sunburns, minor cuts or scratches, aloe vera is packed with antibacterial properties that help ease soreness, itchiness and inflammation. It is even effective for severe skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis. For best results, apply aloe vera gel on your skin right after showering.
• Install a humidifier – If the air in your home is too dry, then you should install a humidifier in your home to maintain the right moisture levels. This is especially important if you live in a region with low temperatures for the most part of the year.
• Take oatmeal baths – This is a popular folk remedy for a dry and inflamed skin. The colloidal oatmeal is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities. This home treatment is not just effective for the usual dry skin woes but is also useful for relieving symptoms of different kinds of skin diseases. After having an oatmeal bath, ensure that you use a good body lotion to preserve the moisture.
• Change your diet – You should increase the intake of rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Tomatoes, carrots, beans, peas, lentils, and blueberries are some antioxidant-rich foods that contribute towards a healthy skin, by protecting your cells against free radical damage. Likewise, fatty fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel help in fight inflammation and keep the skin moisturized. Ingredients like olive oil, soy, bell peppers, walnuts, red wine, green tea, and dark chocolate are also good for combating dry skin. Additionally, consume plenty of hydrating fluids and exercise moderation while having caffeinated drinks or alcohol.
• Avoid all harsh skin care products – A leading cause of dry skin, chemical-based products like soaps, creams or makeups can cause an imbalance in the body’s natural pH levels. Along with dry skin, these products might also cause itchiness and tenderness. Therefore, it safer to use products that have a natural formulation or are certified as hypoallergenic. Likewise, if you swim regularly, ensure that you take a shower with water and mild soap or body wash after stepping out of the pool. This is because public pools might have high levels of chlorine which makes the skin excessively dry.
• Exfoliate once or twice a week – Gently exfoliating your skin is a vital part of a dry skincare regime. Scrubbing the skin once or twice a week can help eliminate dead skin cells. This is especially imperative if you use makeup products daily. Moreover, it will allow the dry skin cream or lotions to work their way through your skin layers and help keep your skin more moisturized for a prolonged period.
• Alter your shower temperatures – Individuals who often take hot showers have a dry skin. This is because the scorching water temperatures can burn the skin, rubbing away its moisture and make it itchy and rough. Therefore, use lukewarm water to bathe so that your skin’s texture doesn’t alter.

The remedies mentioned above can effectively tackle dry skin. However, even after changing your skin care regime, if you can’t achieve any considerable results then you must see your dermatologist.