The cosmetic industry rakes in stratospheric amounts every year by way of sales of moisturizing lotions and creams. These are absolutely necessary to keep your face and skin hydrated, giving you that much sought after glowing, radiant look. Well hydrated skin is an essential part of looking and feeling young and healthy and can work wonders on your self-esteem.
If you suffer from dry skin you will know all too well the problems associated with it, namely the flaking, itchy skin that is constantly peeling and making you look decades older than you actually are. At such times, no amount of money seems too much to spend to repair the ravages wrought by dry skin. However next time instead of visiting your friendly neighborhood pharmacy for some moisturizing cream or your spa for some ridiculously expensive therapy, try some home remedies in order to hydrate your skin. There are several natural remedies that can help to give your skin the necessary hydration. Before attempting any of these natural ways to look good however, you will need to make certain lifestyle changes.
At the very outset make sure that you stop smoking and avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages. These contain innumerable toxins that just exacerbate the effect of your dry skin and add to those wrinkles. Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun. Make sure that you use an effective sunscreen for protection especially during those summer months. A hat can add to your style quotient as well as protect your face and neck from the damage caused from UV radiation.
Take short baths and use warm instead of hot water. Use mild soaps that contain moisturizers as they will help keep your skin soft and supple. Use a moisturizing lotion or cream immediately after a bath. Winter months can be exceedingly cruel to your skin and you will need to moisturize frequently. Using a moisturizer in your bedroom at night will help protect your skin from the dangers of dry air.
Your diet too plays a big role in the health of your skin. Dry skin may be the first symptom on the road to dehydration and therefore you need to drink at least ten 8 glasses of water every day, increasing it a little more during the summers. Avoid a lot of junk food. Eat well balanced meals with plenty of dietary fiber, fruits and vegetables. These will supply your body with essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B and E which are essential to skin health. Salmon, herring and mackerel with their omega-3 fatty acids are also good for your skin and should be included in your diet.
Moisturizing creams and lotions can be made at home using a range of recipes. One effective treatment for dry skin is applying fresh milk cream to your skin. You can use this recipe to hydrate your face too. Another recipe calls for blending raw peanuts and milk into a fine paste which can then be applied to your skin. If you are not averse to the odor and feel of oil, use any vegetable oil such as sunflower oil, coconut oil or peanut oil as a hydrating lotion. Petroleum jelly is another effective moisturizer for whole body including the face and lips.
Hydrating face masks can be made using a mixture of apple and honey. This is particularly effective in cases of oily skin that is prone to outbreaks of pimples and acne. The high concentrations of alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) in apple make for an excellent exfoliator. Mix 1 grated apple along with 5 tablespoons of honey and apply it to your face. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing.
Another effective face mask uses a mixture of dried chamomile and milk in equal proportions. The mixture should be left to steep for two hours after which honey and wheat germ should be added to make a creamy solution which can be applied to the face.