Simple Homemade Remedies For Dry Skin To Try This Winter

Dry skin is a common issue that affects many of us, especially during the colder months when the air is dry and harsh. Whether it's your face, body, or even your pet's skin, the need for gentle, natural, and effective solutions is universal. As a small-scale soapmaker who values sustainable and eco-friendly practices, I've gathered some of the best homemade remedies for dry skin from my grandma's notebook, that are not only kind to your skin but also to the planet. Little did grandma know that her DIY skincare tips and tricks will help so many people across the world.

In this article, we'll explore a range of natural remedies for dry skin, including how to care for your skin in winter, the best soaps for dry skin, and even tips on treating dry skin on dogs. Whether you're new to homemade skincare or a seasoned DIY enthusiast, these homemade remedies for dry skin are easy, affordable, and highly effective.

How to Take Care of Your Skin in Winter Naturally?

Winter can be brutal on the skin, stripping it of its natural oils and leaving it feeling tight, flaky, and irritated. One of the best homemade remedies for dry skin during winter is to use natural oils that deeply hydrate without clogging pores. Oils like jojoba, almond, and avocado are rich in essential fatty acids that nourish the skin. A simple DIY oil blend can include:

• Ingredients: 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil, 1 tablespoon of almond oil, and 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Directions: Mix the oils in a small glass bottle. After cleansing your skin, massage a few drops onto damp skin to lock in moisture.

This natural remedy for dry skin is not only effective but also free from harsh chemicals found in many commercial products. Remember to patch-test any new oils to ensure they are suitable for your skin type. The recipe is best applied on the body, as these oils have a tendency of clogging pores if spread on the face, so keep that in mind when applying this DIY oil blend.

Which Soap is Best for Skin in Winter?

When it comes to choosing soap during winter, it's essential to opt for those made with natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin. Many commercial soaps contain sulphates and synthetic fragrances that can exacerbate dryness. Instead, look for handmade soaps made from plant-based oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter.

As a soapmaker, I recommend using a simple cold-processed soap that includes:

• Ingredients: Olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and oatmeal.
• Benefits: Olive oil and shea butter provide deep moisture, while oatmeal soothes and gently exfoliates.

Soaps with these ingredients are great homemade remedies for dry skin because they cleanse without stripping away natural oils, leaving your skin soft and hydrated. Check out our honey and beeswax all-natural soap that combines all these ingredients, or make your own Autumn honey soap with this recipe.

How to Protect Skin from Winter Dryness?

Protecting your skin from winter dryness goes beyond just using the right products. It's also about maintaining a holistic routine that includes proper hydration, avoiding long hot showers, and using a humidifier indoors to keep the air moist.

Among the most effective homemade remedies for dry skin on the face is a hydrating mask made from honey and avocado:

• Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a splash of olive oil.
• Directions: Mash the avocado and mix it with honey and olive oil. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

This mask is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it a potent natural remedy for dry skin on the face. The honey acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin, while the avocado nourishes and repairs the skin barrier.

Home Remedies for Dry Skin on Face

The face is often the most exposed and sensitive part of our skin, making it prone to dryness, especially in colder climates. For a natural remedy for dry skin on the face, consider using aloe vera gel mixed with rosehip oil.

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 5 drops of rosehip oil.
• Directions: Mix the aloe vera gel with rosehip oil and apply it to clean, damp skin. This blend is perfect for morning use as it’s light and absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling refreshed.

Aloe vera has soothing and hydrating properties, while rosehip oil is packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidants that help to regenerate and moisturise the skin. This is a great homemade remedy for dry face, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Natural Remedies for Dry Skin on Dogs

As always, I have to include at least one paragraph focused on dogs, otherwise it won't be me! My 1.5 year-old Frøya has suffered with dry skin since her birth, actually. She came to our house always scratching and you could see some dandruff on her fur occasionally.

After getting a recommendation from our vet to "simply use shampoo for sensitive skin" and obviously it not helping, I decided to take the matter in my own hands. For this reason, I researched what would be the natural remedies for dry skin on dogs, and I was (somewhat) surprised to find out not oils were making the biggest difference, but oatmeal! Yes, what we normally use as a skin scrub (which logically would lead to dead skin cells falling off, causing the dandruff appearing), actually works wonders on dogs. And it is safe for pets. A simple and effective natural remedy for dry skin on dogs is an oatmeal bath.

• Ingredients: 1 cup of plain oatmeal, finely ground.
• Directions: Add the ground oatmeal to a warm bath and let your dog soak for 10-15 minutes. Oatmeal is known for its soothing properties and can help alleviate itching and dryness.

You can also use coconut oil as a natural moisturiser for your dog's dry skin. This is what I've been doing with Frøya as well, since coconut oil is also antibacterial and antifungal treatment. I would simply massage a small amount into her coat and skin, focusing on dry areas. Oatmeal bath and coconut are two very effective homemade remedies for dry skin that not only moisturise, but also add a nice shine to your pet's fur that you can probably see when the light is right.

Natural Remedies for Dry Skin: Oils, Butters, and More

There are numerous homemade remedies for dry skin that you can incorporate into your daily skincare routine. Here are some of my favourites:

• Shea Butter: Known for its rich, creamy texture, shea butter is an excellent emollient for dry skin. Use it as a body butter or add it to DIY balms and lotions.
• Coconut Oil: A versatile oil that can be used from head to toe. Its antimicrobial properties also make it a great addition to natural deodorants and hair masks.
• Calendula Infusion: Calendula flowers infused in a carrier oil like olive or sunflower can create a soothing balm that’s ideal for dry and irritated skin.

These homemade remedies for dry skin are simple to make at home and can be customised to suit your specific needs and preferences. Not only do they help combat dryness, but they also promote healthier, glowing skin.

The Benefits of Exfoliation for Dry Skin and How to Do It at Home

When dealing with dry skin, exfoliation might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, gentle exfoliation plays a crucial role in maintaining smooth, hydrated skin, especially when combined with the right homemade remedies for dry skin. Similarly to the effect it has on dog skin (as discussed above), exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface, which can often exacerbate dryness and flakiness. By regularly sloughing off these dead cells, you allow your skin to absorb moisture more effectively, enhancing the benefits of any natural treatments you apply afterward.

One of the most effective homemade remedies for dry skin includes a natural exfoliant that is gentle yet effective. Unlike harsh commercial scrubs that often contain microplastics or other abrasive chemicals, homemade exfoliants can be customised with ingredients you likely already have at home, making them not only eco-friendly but also tailored to your skin's specific needs.

A simple DIY exfoliating scrub can be made using sugar and honey, both of which are excellent natural remedies for dry skin. Sugar acts as a mild exfoliant, gently buffing away dead skin cells without causing irritation, while honey is a natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Here's a quick recipe:

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of fine sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a few drops of olive oil.
• Directions: Mix the sugar and honey in a small bowl, then add the olive oil until you reach a paste-like consistency. Apply the scrub to damp skin in gentle, circular motions, focusing on dry areas. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.

This homemade remedy for dry skin not only exfoliates but also hydrates, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. For those with extremely sensitive skin, you might opt for an oatmeal-based scrub. Oatmeal is renowned for its soothing properties and is gentle enough for even the most delicate skin types.

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of yoghurt, and 1 teaspoon of honey.
• Directions: Combine the ground oatmeal, yoghurt, and honey in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your skin, gently massaging it in circular motions. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

Not only is this exfoliant a wonderful homemade remedy for dry skin, but the yoghurt also contains lactic acid, a natural exfoliant that helps brighten and smooth the skin. This approach to exfoliation ensures you are removing the dull surface layer without stripping away essential oils.

It's important to note that while exfoliation is beneficial, it should be done sparingly, especially for those with dry skin. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation and worsen dryness. A good rule of thumb is to exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your skin's tolerance.

Incorporating regular exfoliation into your routine can significantly boost the efficacy of other homemade remedies for dry skin. By clearing away dead cells, your skin is better able to absorb the nourishing ingredients from oils, masks, and moisturisers. It's a simple yet effective way to enhance your overall skincare routine, ensuring that your skin stays hydrated, smooth, and ready to face the elements.

Exfoliation is often overlooked, but when done correctly with gentle, natural ingredients, it becomes an invaluable part of your arsenal of homemade remedies for dry skin. Whether you're dealing with flaky patches in the winter or persistent dryness throughout the year, integrating this step into your routine can make a noticeable difference in the health and appearance of your skin.

Conclusion: Embrace Homemade Remedies for Dry Skin

With so many natural and homemade remedies for dry skin, it's easy to create a personalised skincare routine that suits your lifestyle and values. By choosing ingredients that are sustainably sourced and fairly produced, you're not only taking care of your skin but also supporting eco-friendly practices that benefit the planet.

Whether you're battling winter dryness or looking for a year-round solution, these homemade remedies for dry skin offer a gentle, effective approach to skincare. Try incorporating a few of these tips into your routine, and you'll soon notice the difference in your skin's health and hydration.

This article was all about homemade remedies for dry skin, as told by my grandma. They help moisturise, nourish and revitalise the skin no only in the cold Winter months, but also all-year-round.