Natural remedies for dry, flaky skin

Vitamin C serum is all the rage in skin care right now, and that's because it can help address a lot of issues, including protecting skin from damaging free radicals due to UV exposure, which can make skin more susceptible to dryness. Look for an organic, all-natural formula. They typically include glycerin, aloe, and other nourishing ingredients.

Get relief from the itchiness associated with dry skin by using oatmeal. The grain has been used for this purpose for hundreds of years and contains chemicals that counteract inflammation. To get this benefit, grind your oatmeal into a fine powder, add one cup to your bathtub as you fill it with lukewarm water, and soak for 10-15 minutes.

Try virgin coconut oil as a daily moisturizer on the body. “Coconut oil is mainly composed of saturated fats, which are amazing at repairing your skin’s natural barrier function and can also keep moisture in the skin by slowing down the evaporation,” facialist and laser expert Debbie Thomas told Elle UK. It’s ability to absorb quickly into the skin is an added bonus. However, it should be noted that coconut oil is considered comedogenic, therefore you should limit its use on the face in order to avoid clogged pores.

Cleopatra is rumored to have used the oil and we can see why. Olive oil has antioxidant and hydrating properties that will restore your skin's moisture levels, while still remaining gentle enough for treating conditions like eczema.

Grapeseed oil contains vitamin E and linoleic acid, which helps your skin heal quicker. Its anti-inflammatory properties are an added bonus for those with irritated skin. Unlike coconut oil, this is non-comedogenic, making it gentle enough to use on the face and for those with sensitive skin.

Sesame oil doesn't just add great flavor to your meals. The oil contains vitamins A and E which repair the skin. Using it on the skin also helps restore elasticity and it promotes the production of collagen, which strengthens the skin.

Mix equal parts olive oil and brown sugar for a body scrub that will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. The texture of the brown sugar, which is gentle enough to be used on the face, helps slough off dead skin cells and comes with the added bonus of being a natural humectant. The antioxidant and hydrating properties of olive oil gives dry skin the extra moisture that it craves.

A rosewater mist is perfect if you’re looking for a gentle way to give your skin a quick boost. “It can help hydrate, refresh, soothe, and cleanse your skin,” Maria Barry, a medical aesthetician at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, told Refinery29. You can make your own rosewater by combining a 12 drops of rose oil with one cup of distilled water.

Use a dry brush with soft yet firm bristles all over your body to get rid of dead skin cells daily. Start from the bottom up, always brushing towards your heart being careful not to use so much pressure that you end up scratching your skin. Follow up with a shower and your moisturizer of choice.

If scrubs sound too harsh for your skin, grab some milk. The liquid contains lactic acid which gently exfoliates the skin. You can apply it directly to the face with a cotton pad or go for a full-body skin-softening soak by adding a few cups to a warm bath.

If you’re looking for something thicker consistency than milk but still enjoy the exfoliating of lactic acid, try plain greek yogurt. It makes the perfect base for a face mask.

Let pumpkins do your dirty work for you. According to the The International Dermal Institute, the fall staple “is packed with fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which increase cell turnover, to brighten and smooth the skin." Combine it with brown sugar for a stimulating body scrub.

The fruit is a serious powerhouse when it comes to skin benefits. Besides being loaded with vitamin C and other antioxidants that help fight free radicals that damage the skin, its enzymes are a natural exfoliator, which makes it a great addition to DIY face masks.

Avocados are rich in vitamins and minerals with proven healing qualities for the skin. You can get creative with incorporating avocado into your beauty routine by adding it your smoothies or using it in a face mask. Combine half of an avocado with some yogurt and honey and leave it on for 15-20 for a moisturizing and softening treat for your skin.

Bananas are rich in potassium which restores moisture levels and smooths dry skin. It also contains vitamins that fight free radicals and slow down the signs of aging. You can use bananas as a treatment by mashing them and aplying the paste to your body. Banana peels also deliver the same effect. Rub them on your heels to treat cracked skin before throwing them away.

Dark chocolate is a powerful antioxidant rich in vitamins and minerals that can can help moisturize your skin. It is enough of a reason to make this your dessert of choice. You can also enjoy its benefits topically by enhancing a DIY sugar scrub with cocoa powder.

Honey is a natural humectant that is powerful enough to attract moisture and lock it into the skin. This is music to anyone suffering from serious dryness. Start with clean, dry skin, apply a layer of raw honey, let it do its magic for 15-20 minutes, and rinse it off to see the benefits for yourself.

Give irritated, itchy skin a break by applying the gel inside of aloe vera leaves. The gel has healing properties that reduce inflammation, which is why you often see it in products made for treating sunburn.

Kiss dullness goodbye with the emollient and skin smoothing properties of almond oil. Applying the oil to the skin does double duty by not just treating dryness and improving its tone, but reducing irritation as well. Use it alone or layer it under a cream for a boost.

Apple cider vinegar has a similar pH to your skin. Soak in a warm bath with eight ounces of the powerful ingredient to bring back balance.

According to WebMD, studies have found that these teas contain polyphenols, which has anti-inflammatory properties which can help your skin. A study published by the Archives of Dermatology found that 54% of patients with eczema saw an improvement in their skin after drinking three cups of oolong tea per day.

Turmeric is strong enough to slow down collagen breakdown in the skin and can reduce redness caused by inflamation. Consider taking a turmeric supplement or combine it with milk and olive oil in a DIY face mask.

Having the right levels of omega-3 fatty acids in your system will boost your cells’ ability to retain water, which dry skin needs. Flaxseed is a great source which you can incorporate into your diet by adding it to your cereal or taking an oil supplement.

According to WebMD, a handful of walnuts is just as potent as 3.5 ounces of salmon. It is an excellent alternative for those concerned about mercury levels in fish but still want the skin benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

Excessive dryness can cause an itching sensation on the skin. Mint contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that can soothe it. Give yourself some relief by taking a bath with mint leaves and peppermint oil.

The condiment contains hydrating oil and vinegar which will helps destroy any bacteria that is causing irritation. Apply it to your dry hair and scalp and let is set for 15 minutes before rinsing it out. Proceed with your normal shampoo routine.

Cool off and help the remedies you are using to treat dryness absorb into the skin with ice. “If you apply a serum to the skin and put ice on it afterwards, the capillaries restrict and it creates a pulling effect that helps ingredients penetrate deeper,” aesthetician Renée Rouleau told Vogue.

Your soap could be cancelling out other steps that you’re taking to bring back moisture to your skin. Go for a mild, fragrance-free option instead.

The answer to your dry skin woes could be as simple as adjusting the temperature of the water when you take a bath or shower. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using warm instead of hot water, and suggests that you only spend between 5-10 minutes on the task.

Living in a dry climate doesn’t mean your hands are tied when it comes to your home’s environment. Add moisture back into the air with a humidifier and your skin will thank you.

While several studies contradict each other on whether or not increasing your water intake can actually change your skin, it can at least create the illusion that it is hydrated by making it appear plumper. Consider adding a few slices of cucumber for a refreshing boost that is rich in antioxidants.