If you’ve read our previous article last week you’ll know that there are some people who are more likely to get dry skin than others. It all depends on your environment and your own skin’s nature. Below are some natural tips to help beat that dry skin, moisturize and leave yourself with skin that is smooth to the touch.

1. Olive Oil

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Olive oil is an amazing natural moisturizer. Why is it so good for us?

It is not only hypoallergenic but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothes reddened skin.

It helps to keep the skin’s natural moisture levels balanced while preventing it from drying out. Olive oil does this by being absorbed deep into the skin and providing a long-lasting barrier against drying.

Olive oil also contains vitamin A and E which are great for repairing sun damage.

So how can you incorporate olive oil into your beauty regimen?

  • Rub or spray a thin layer of olive oil onto your skin after bathing.
  • Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with brown sugar and honey as a moisturizer & exfoliator when bathing.

2. Milk

milk

That humble glass of milk you might be holding (or it might be in your fridge 🙂 ) is full of Vitamin B, alpha hydroxy acids, calciums and other antioxidants. As nature’s perfect food it is full of benefits for your skin as well as your health.

  • The anti-inflammatory properties of milk can help soothe dryness, reduce pigmentation and relieve sunburn.
  • The fats can help replenish lost oils.

If you have extra milk nearing expiry, put it into your bath tub and have a soak.

No bath tub? Easy; just dip a cotton ball in the milk and dab it all over the dry skin for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off.

3. Honey

honey

Honey is renowned for its high level of antioxidants and its antibacterial properties. These properties can help your skin by:

  • Unclogging pores
  • Moisturizing and helping improve retention of moisture in the skin

Need some pampering after a hard day out?

Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 1 teaspoon olive oil and apply to the skin for a quick and easy face mask. Leave on for 15 – 20 minutes then wash off.

You could even add in lemon juice or oatmeal to increase the moisturizing benefits of your DIY face mask!

Smooth and silky skin! Easy!

4. Yogurt

 

yoghurt

Yogurt. Tart, light and refreshing. It gets its characteristic taste from lactic acid produced by good bacteria that is also found abundantly in our stomach!

  • Lactic acid is a mild anti-bacteria that kills bad bacteria without harming the skin or aggravating dryness or itchiness.
  • Yoghurt also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can help sooth redness and swelling.
  • Yoghurt also has exfoliating properties, meaning that it can help you remove dead skin

Apply unflavoured yogurt directly to your skin, leave for 10 minutes and rinse off.

Or mix in some honey, lemon juice or mashed papaya get a  better moisturizing effect.

5. Shea Butter

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Shea butter as the name implies is a fat that is extracted from the nut of the African shea tree. This food helps the skin because:

  • It contains Vitamin A & E as well as fatty acids which can even help reduce symptoms of chronic dry skin and eczema.
  • The essential fatty acids and nutrients aids in the production of collagen, improving the skin’s natural elasticity.

Want to feel a little luxurious? Make your own body butter from shea butter!

Mix shea butter with coconut oil in a double boiler. Stir in almond oil and essential oils (optional).

Let the oil mixture partially solidify at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Whip the partially solid mixture until it looks like whipped butter.

Enjoy !