Dry Skin Remedies

 Image via Pinterest. 

 

Dealing with dry skin is a problem almost everyone has to face at some point in their life. But know that there are daily changes in your routine that can serve as a dry skin treatment if you want soft skin. Here are four easy steps to getting smooth skin.

1. Exfoliate
Exfoliating sloughs off dead, dry skin, leaving a layer of fresh, soft skin exposed. By eliminating the layer of scaly skin cells on top, you can enjoy the supple skin underneath. That said, the supple skin will only stay soft if you take care of it.

2. Moisturize
Moisturizing your skin (especially freshly exfoliated skin) is crucial. If you've exfoliated in the shower, then pat your skin dry and immediately slather on a hydrating oil or a rich emollient. Your pores are dilated after a shower, which makes it an ideal time to rub on a moisturizer since your skin will absorb and retain it better.

Read the rest of my tips at Daily Glow. 

3 Ways To Exfoliate Your Body

Exfoliating your skin regularly guarantees that you have healthy, glowing skin since the process removes dry, dull skin. Most people exfoliate their faces and feet, but the reality is that you should be exfoliating your entire body, especially if you are prone to dead skin buildup. That said, be careful of overexfoliating as this can irritate your skin and make it dry.

1. Scrub
A sugar or salt scrub is the most common exfoliating method for your body. These scrubs typically have an exfoliating agent (e.g. salt or sugar) that removes dead skin and a moisturizing agent (such as oil) that serves as an emollient. If you want to make a DIY scrub, then mix equal parts sugar and extra virgin olive oil for a homemade body scrub.

Read the rest of my article for two more ways to exfoliate at Daily Glow. 

Image courtesy of Trilogy Spa via Pinterest.

Dry Skin: The Courtney Cox Solution

I have the driest skin so when I saw an article where Courtney Cox shares her dry skin woes, I was shocked. Mainly because anyone who has seen her in Cougar Town can attest that her skin looks anything but dry. 

What's her secret? Dry Brushing. 

Cox shared on xoJane.com, where she is (or was, as of last year) a beauty columnist: 

"I have the dryest skin!!! I know I need to drink more water, but until then another thing that really helps is to take a loofah or a thistle brush. I brush upwards and it hurts. Then I shower. While I'm still wet I put on almond oil -- Aura Cacia Sweet Almond. Don't rub it off with your towel, just pat your skin or let it dry naturally. If you’re crazy dry, then put on another cream or oil. I happen to be a coconut nut, so I use Pure Fiji coconut milk and honey."

Needless to say, I'm investing in a thistle brush and her suggested brand of oil ASAP.

Keratosis Pilaris

I have a self-diagnosed condition of keratosis pilaris (otherwise known as chicken feet). I won't grace you with a picture of the tiny dots that have taken over my upper arms, but for you curious cats out there, you can get a sneak peek into what this looks like.

What is it? Essentially, the skin condition caused by keratin (a protein in the skin) forming plugs inside the hair follicles. The end result is a manifestation of little bumps. The good news is it is not fatal; but the bad news is it looks aesthetically unpleasing. (I like my polka dots on my clothes, not on my arms, thank you very much!)

According to the Mayo Clinic (Oh, how I hope they're correct about this), keratosis pilaris usually goes away by the age of 30. That being said, I'm not raising my hopes because I noticed that my dad suffers from the same condition and he is way past his 30's!

I've found a lot cures online involving glyolic peels and microdermabrasion, but I really want to try something less…harsh, for the lack of a better word.

A quick Google search (I realize this is not the most accurate of sources) led me to try rubbing the affected areas with a pumice stone. I gave this method a try for one simple reason: Pumice stones are renown for removing dead skin cells on our feet, so why not for keratosis pilaris?

It's been 4 weeks since I've been using a pumice stone in my shower. (My process is simple--I rub a little body wash and then scrub the area in circular motions. After my shower, I make sure to moisturize with oil.) I've noticed a reduction in the redness and total number of bumps in my upper arms (my affected area), but it's far from gone. I'm going to definitely continue using a pumice stone and see where this takes me. If not for keratosis pilaris, then for the freakishly soft skin I have on my upper arms now courtesy of my 99 cent stone!

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Indian Turmeric Face Mask

I call it Indian, but this is really a common face mask used all over South Asia. I have a friend who swears by this mask; she claims she diligently applied this to her arms and legs for a year and managed to fade her tan and get rid of hyper pigmentation.

There are 3 key ingredients for this mask: Turmeric, Lemon Juice and Gram Flour. And lucky for us, two of the three ingredients are known for their own beauty enhancing abilities.

For starters, turmeric has antioxidants. You know them. The stuff that is found in pomegranate juice and green tea that prevents heart disease and cancer, and more superficially speaking, the stuff that fights aging. The second ingredient, yogurt, is packed with zinc and lactic acid which battles acne, hyperpigmentation and exfoliates your skin.

If that's not reason enough, then consider what the American Cancer Society has to say:

In India and Malaysia, there is a custom of making turmeric paste to apply directly onto the skin, a practice now under study for the possibility that it may prevent skin cancer.

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon Turmeric

1/2 cup Gram Flour

1/3 cup Yogurt

DIRECTIONS

Mix all the ingredients together until a thick paste is formed. Apply yogurt until a creamy texture is formed (approximately 1/3 cup; could require more). Apply generously to your face (or skin/arms/etc) and allow it to dry.

Basic Sugar Scrub

Making a body scrub has never been so easy. This is probably the most basic scrub and the easiest to make. I can't speak for every kitchen, but the ingredients involved--sugar and extra virgin olive oil--are always stocked in my kitchen.

Olive Oil-Sugar Scrub

Take two parts sugar for one part extra virgin olive oil (2 cups of sugar for every 1 cup of olive oil) and mix in a bowl. Add the sugar in small amounts to make sure it is evenly blended in the olive oil. Store in a jar or airtight container.

How To Use: Use the scrub generously all over your body or on your hands. I found it to be a little too abrasive for my facial skin so I opted against using this as a face scrub, but if you have really dry skin, this just might work for you!

Illusion of Longer Legs

According to Allure magazine, to create the illusion of having longer legs, the shade of your pedicure should match your natural skin color--specifically, foot color. According to the magazine, this trick "fools the eye, extending the line of your leg in a subtle but perceptible way."

Information Source: Allure Magazine

Image Source: Pinterest