The causes of dry skin are numerous, ranging from regular bathing practices (such as taking hot showers and wiping oneself dry with a towel) and harsh winter weather to the loss of natural oils in your skin as you get older.



The good news is that you might not need to see a dermatologist to treat dry skin unless you're treating a skin issue. Instead, you may want to think about including a home cure in your skin-care routine.

In fact, you could already have the materials in your home for these remedies for dry skin. Many of the items we list below, like coconut oil, tea, and aloe vera, are sometimes referred to as "remedies" even though they have been used as homoeopathic medicines for millennia in civilizations all over the world. Importantly, though, before attempting any home remedies, make sure to speak with a board-certified dermatologist if you are managing a skin issue that may be the root of your dry skin. You can avoid making your dry skin worse by doing this.

According to Jennifer Adell, a certified aesthetician and senior aesthetician at New Beauty and Wellness in Westport, Connecticut, "home remedies are fantastic for many skin types, especially if you are in a rush or choose for alternative skin-care cures." However, you should see a dermatologist or aesthetician if you have persistent skin disorders like rosacea, psoriasis, or cystic acne.

Why Choose a Natural Dry-Skin Treatment Over a Product?


If you are concerned or bewildered by extensive ingredient lists, it may be worthwhile to try a home remedy. Over-the-counter lotions may include a variety of ingredients, according to Christine Poblete-Lopez, MD, residency programme director and vice chair of the department of dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. They include not only active moisturising solutions, but also preservatives.

According to Michigan State University, this is frequently the case with water-based solutions since bacteria may develop quickly in these formulations. Despite their good intentions, these preservatives, in addition to additions like alcohol and scents, can cause skin irritation, dryness, and even allergic responses.


If you have allergies or a sensitive complexion, you might choose to keep your skin care routine simple. For instance, oils have a natural foundation, unlike preservative-packed water-based lotions and creams, making them an excellent option for dry skin when a skin problem isn't present.

Although they aren't always risk-free, oils and other over-the-counter medications aren't subject to FDA regulation in the United States. To be cautious, it's always a good idea to see a doctor before incorporating any new DIY skin-care recipe.


How Natural Treatments Can Calm Dry, Angry Skin

Sebum, an oil that your skin naturally generates to protect it from moisture loss, may be stripped away by common activities like forgetting to use moisturizer or washing your hands with a drying soap. Oils can help those without acne regain their skin's luster and moisture barrier.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, dermatologists often advise persons with acne to pick an oil with caution because acne is typically brought on by an excess of sebum (AAD). Tea tree oil is one option; however, you should speak with a dermatologist before starting a new acne treatment because there is some evidence to suggest that tea tree oil may improve mild to moderate acne, including a previous randomised controlled study and an uncontrolled pilot study published in the August 2017 Australasian Journal of Dermatology. Particularly tea tree oil may irritate skin.

There are several methods to utilize oils' moisturizing properties, either by themselves or in combination with other components, to create a homemade nourishing mask or an exfoliating rub. Castor oil, lavender oil, and avocado oil are potential components that Poblete-Lopez believes certain people with dry skin may benefit from using.


Another oil you could have in your kitchen cupboard is coconut oil, which is an excellent option for those who are not acne-prone. People with atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema and an allergic skin condition marked by dryness and itching, reported fewer symptoms when they applied virgin coconut oil to their skin in a prior randomised controlled experiment.

The indoor plant aloe vera, known for its inherent healing abilities, is also a potent moisturizer. Aloe vera gel has mucopolysaccharides, like hyaluronic acid, which help seal in moisture and make it another naturally hydrating skin-care ingredient you'll want to try, according to a review published in the June 2019 issue of Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.


13 Homemade Natural Treatments for Dry Skin

Try one of these simple DIY solutions the next time your dry skin needs some TLC.

1. Prepare a moisturising olive oil mixture to relieve dry skin

Extra-virgin olive oil is a good substitute for moisturiser if you urgently need more moisture, but only in a pinch, according to Adell.

Olive oil has squalene, vitamin E, antioxidants, and other healing characteristics, according to the author. Adell adds that due to the possibility of pore blockage, this might not be a smart option for people with skin that is prone to acne.


Consult a dermatologist to confirm if this treatment is appropriate for you before using olive oil topically. According to study found in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in December 2017, olive oil may lessen inflammation, however using it topically alone may harm your skin's barrier.

Adell advises using olive oil sparingly and choosing a pure form that hasn't been refined with other oils if you do decide to give it a try, such as adding a few drops to a face mask or massaging the oil into particularly dry regions like your elbows.


2. Create a rich, creamy avocado mask at home

Adell has used an avocado homemade mask in her own house with her family as another all-natural remedy for dry skin. She claims that the probiotics and antioxidants in the face mask will help to promote healthy, radiant skin. According to a separate review in the September 2019 Nutrients, she suggests combining 1/2 avocado with 1/4 cup plain Greek yoghurt (whose lactic acid content may improve skin texture), along with a drizzle of manuka honey and 1 teaspoon of turmeric for potential anti-inflammatory benefits and to improve symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.

Wait 5 to 10 minutes before washing the mixture off the skin after it has been scrubbed with it.

Eat the remaining avocado half. One avocado was ingested daily by female patients in a small pilot trial that was reported in the September 2022 edition of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. The skin was found to be more elastic and tighter.

In a different investigation, which was released in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in September 2020, saffron extract, water, and avocado oil were mixed. Although it's unclear if this mixture hydrated the skin much, researchers did find that it regenerated the skin and lessened the visibility of wrinkles.


3. Create a natural sugar and coconut oil scrub.

You can think about using a light DIY sugar scrub to address dead skin cells that might be causing your skin to feel and look dry. According to Michigan State University, 1 cup of brown or granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of coconut oil should be combined. As stated by randomized controlled research published in the January 2022 issue of the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, you can optionally add an essential oil like lavender, which has a natural smell and may encourage relaxation and reduce anxiety. For up to 30 seconds, gently massage the scrub into your skin before rinsing it off with warm water. Finally, the AAD advises locking in the advantages of recently exfoliated skin by using a soothing moisturizer.

Remember that not all skin types may respond well to this kind of mechanical or physical exfoliation. Scrubs are not advised by the AAD for sensitive, inflamed, or acne-prone skin.


There is widespread advice to avoid using sugar scrubs on sensitive skin, particularly on the face. Physical exfoliation may easily aggravate and irritate the skin on your face, which is far more sensitive than the skin on your body, according to the expert. My preferred exfoliating techniques include enzyme powders or chemical peel pads.


4. Concoct a simple oatmeal soak to soothe your skin.

Dry skin may be naturally moisturised with a cup of oats in a warm bath, according to Poblete-Lopez. She notes that the oat product itself is calming and that it aids in keeping the moisture in your skin after a bath. Or, for a mess-free soak, tie the oats in pantyhose to your faucet and fill your bathtub with water.


According to DermNetNZ, if you have eczema, oatmeal may provide relief from the dry, itchy, or irritated skin linked to both atopic and contact dermatitis. In a double-blind study that was released in Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology in March 2020, researchers found that colloidal oatmeal's anti-inflammatory, calming, and protecting properties helped cure hand eczema.


5. Use a homemade oatmeal honey mask to exfoliate your face.

Oatmeal can also be used as a mask or exfoliator. 2 tablespoons oats, 1 tablespoon honey, and a splash of water should be mixed together. You may use it as a simple exfoliant and wash it off immediately away, or you can use it as a calming, moisturizing mask and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. According to a review published in the October 2021 issue of Open Life Sciences, honey may possess antibacterial qualities that hasten wound healing.


6. Use Coconut Oil Just Before Bed

A common at-home remedy for good hair and skin is coconut oil, which has origins in African and Indian civilizations, according to a review in the July 2022 issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. A board-certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, California, Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, advises using coconut oil as a moisturising lotion before bed or at any time. Apply the oil, then cover with thick socks or non-latex gloves, to treat chapped hands and heels.


7. Think about using nourishing oils

Dr. Shainhouse explains that natural oils are excellent for hydrating the skin and assisting in the restoration of the natural skin barrier, which is sometimes compromised by routine hand- and face-washing with water and drying detergents that strip the skin of its natural protective oils. You may experiment with various natural oils that are unirritating besides olive or coconut oil, such as jojoba, argan, and avocado oils. Shainhouse advises pouring a few teaspoons of the chosen oil to running bathwater in order to utilise it. Treat yourself to a quick bath, and to prevent removing all the oil, pat your skin dry gently afterward.

However, according to a study that was published in December 2017 in the journal Women's Health, women may not benefit the most from oil baths due to hazards to their vaginal health. Instead, you can think about using a little bit of your favorite oil to keep your skin smooth and moisturized after a shower.


8. Apply Milk Compresses on Skin that is Itchy

Shainhouse asserts that milk has inherent anti-inflammatory effects. Lactic acid, a gentle natural exfoliator, is also present. The use of a lactic-acid and ceramide-containing lotion twice daily was found to significantly improve skin hydration while removing dead skin cells in a 14-day controlled study that was published in the August 2020 Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. This finding suggests that lactic-acid products may have exfoliating benefits. However, in order to corroborate these findings, a longer-term study is required.

Lactic acid is also "one of the most moisturising [alpha-hydroxy acids] on the market," according to Adell. It's one of the safest acids for sensitive skin, according to her, and it's safe to take even when pregnant.


Cincinnati Health Institute suggests soaking a clean cloth (such as a washcloth or towel) in a bowl of chilled milk and putting it in place over any dry areas to create a milk compress. Shainhouse advises applying these compresses to your skin at intervals of 5 to 10 minutes. It is extremely beneficial for itchy, irritated skin.

Lactic acid, on the other hand, can irritate broken skin, so use with caution, according to Harvard Health Publishing. "While slight tingling is normal, if you suffer burning, discontinue use and consult with your dermatologist or aesthetician," Adell advises. While research published in Dermatologic Therapy in September 2018 suggests that lactic acid may be effective in repairing the skin barrier and treating associated disorders such as eczema, you should avoid using this therapy if you are experiencing an acute flare-up with cracked skin.


9. Think about using a fruit enzyme cleanser or exfoliant.

Fruit enzymes may be an enjoyable approach to relieve dry skin. "These alpha-hydroxy acids are wonderful for gently exfoliating the surface layer of dulling dead skin cells on the face and body," Shainhouse explains. Furthermore, according to the FDA, AHAs not only help eliminate dead skin cells, but they may also enhance the look of aged skin and your general skin texture.



Shainhouse suggests using a fruit-enzyme-infused wash or mask twice a week. Some helpful fruit enzymes to look for, according to study released in November 2021, include bromelain (found in pineapple), papain (found in papaya), and ficain (found in figs).


10. Apply Aloe Vera on Irritated or Dry Skin

While aloe vera gel is commonly associated with sunburn therapy, it can also be beneficial during the dry winter months. According to prior studies, it works by reducing redness and irritation caused by excessive dryness, and it can even reduce indications of age, as well as acne outbreaks and skin injuries. Shainhouse warns that aloe can cause allergic contact dermatitis, a kind of eczema, in some people, so do a patch test before applying it to a broad area of skin.


11. Apply honey to dry patches as a spot treatment

According to prior studies, honey possesses emollient and humectant properties that can soften your skin and aid in moisture retention. Additionally, it is a complementary therapy for a number of skin problems like dermatitis, psoriasis, and dandruff.



Another prior study found that honey, particularly manuka honey, is good in healing wounds: It maintains the afflicted area's moisture, has a thick consistency that serves as a barrier against infection, and is naturally antibacterial.

These characteristics make honey an excellent foundation for face mask recipes and a potent spot treatment for areas of dry, irritated skin. Manuka honey promotes wound healing while reducing skin irritation, as Adell points out with the avocado mask. Apply honey in little quantities on your face for optimal benefits. Several minutes should pass before you rinse it off.


12. Tea Bags Can Be Brewed to Calm Inflammation 

If you currently drink tea, you might be able to utilise some of your pantry's tea bags for other purposes. This, according to Adell, includes caffeinated green and black teas as well as herbal teas like chamomile and jasmine.Black tea bags may help balance the natural pH level of your skin, according to the Cincinnati Health Institute, while green and black tea bags may have a cooling and anti-inflammatory impact on your skin.


According to Adell, the caffeine in these teas may reduce blood vessels in this sensitive area of skin, reducing the appearance of under-eye circles. For five to ten minutes, she advises placing a cold, moist tea bag under each eye.



The results of a small research on 22 persons with face atopic dermatitis who received 20 minutes of gauze compresses soaked in weak, room-temperature black tea and then applied an emollient cream were published in the December 2019 issue of the Journal of Dermatological Treatment.

Participants saw no observable negative effects and noticed relief in their skin complaints after three days of five compresses each day.


Adell claims that chamomile may lessen inflammation and irritation in relation to the potential advantages of brewed herbal tea bags. It can be used to treat rashes, flaky skin, and itchy skin by relaxing inflamed skin tissue. She advises using chamomile that has been brewed and chilled to your skin for up to 30 minutes. Jasmine tea can treat acne, the author adds.

13. Return to Your Roots With Petroleum Jelly

You almost certainly have a container of Vaseline or Aquaphor in your medical cabinet. These include petroleum jelly (also known as petrolatum), which according to the AAD can help relieve dry skin, avoid chafing, and promote skin healing. Even better, petroleum jelly may be safe to apply on the entire body, including the lips and eyelids. Some individuals swear by petroleum jelly and smear it all over their faces overnight, a technique known as "slugging."

The AAD recommends using petroleum jelly as required throughout the day, but it works best on wet skin. If you have acne-prone skin, avoid using it on your face as it may trigger outbreaks.