Smita Diwan
Dry skin is not good. Don’t ignore this issue. There are problems that can crop up because of dry skin — Eczema or Atopic dermatitis is a condition wherein excessive dryness of skin may lead to redness, inflammation and cracking. Folliculitis is another skin condition that results in inflammation of the hair follicles. However, there are 7 wonderful ways of how you can deal with skin dryness at home, and that too free-of-cost.
Olive oil:
This is used as a base ingredient by companies that manufacture moisturisers. Use natural olive oil, this way you will spare your skin the chemicals used by manufacturers while making these products. Olive oil contains anti-oxidants that can prevent dryness, inflammation and irritation of skin. Apply olive oil with cotton swabs soaked in the oil and leave for a few minutes before rinsing.
Scrub using olive oil, lemon and salt:
If you apply olive oil directly over your skin, it may feel sticky. Here is a scrub which you can easily make at home. Take juice of one lemon, one tablespoon of olive oil and five tablespoons of ordinary salt and mix it. Apply on your skin and it will feel soft and supple.
Honey:
Honey works like a magic on dry skin. Apply honey on the dry skin, and leave it for some time. Honey acts as a moisturizer and softens skin.
Coconut oil:
Applying coconut oil on dry skin and also on cuticles, hands and joints, moisturizes skin. Add a few drops of coconut oil to water while taking bath. It will give you a nice fragrance and your skin will feel soft.
Aloe:
This plant has amazing healing effects on dry skin. Its gel is a jelly like substance which is found in the inner part of the leaf. Direct and regular application of the jelly on your skin will have magical effect.
Papaya, pumpkin, cinnamon powder and yogurt:
Yogurt mixed with mashed papaya is an excellent face mask. You can also make an exfoliator by mixing cinnamon powder with mashed pumpkin. Apply these masks for about 5-15 minutes. So, why go to the parlour for costly treatments!
Fine brown sugar and oil (any):
This is also an easy scrub, which you can prepare by mixing fine brown sugar with any oil – olive or coconut. Apply this with slow circular movement on the face. To enrich this home-made scrub, you can also add a tablespoon of honey to it.
