Natural is always the better option
close up of dry skin
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Dry skin can occur for a number of reasons. Many people struggle with chapped lips and hands in the winter. Hot showers could also dry out the skin, especially if they are long and frequent. And some people naturally have dry skin due to genetics or aging. However, dry skin can lead to cracks that open up the body to infection. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve and moisturize the skin, including home remedies and lifestyle changes.

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Make New Shower Habits
Body care concept. Happy black woman applying moisturizing lotion on shoulder, using nourishing cream after bath, enjoying home skin treatments
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Showering or washing the face and hands makes the skin vulnerable to dryness. Moisturizers help by locking in the skin’s existing moisture. So within a few minutes of showering or washing your face, apply a moisturizer of your choice and let it soak in. While you’re at it, avoid boiling hot showers or baths, don’t rub the skin too hard when towel-drying, and never shave without shaving gel or with a blunt razor. All of this can lead to dry and irritated skin.

Prevent Winter-Induced Dry Skin
Woman checking the hand with very dry skin and deep cracks
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Hands are often the most affected by dry wintery weather, since they are the most frequently washed and thereby prone to chapping. Wear gloves when you go outside, and do tasks like washing dishes to help reduce dryness. Additionally, bring moisture into the home through a humidifier, as suggested by Healthline.

Olive Oil
Olive based cosmetic serum, cream and water with sprig of olives on a pastel background
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Extra-virgin olive oil can effectively treat very dry skin, but don’t use it too often. “Olive oil contains vitamin E, antioxidants, squalene, and other properties that repair damaged skin,” says Jennifer Adell, a licensed aesthetician and the senior aesthetician at New Beauty and Wellness in Westport, Connecticut.

Research indicates olive oil may reduce inflammation and soften the skin but it may hurt the skin barrier when used on its own. So use pure olive oil sparingly, such as on very dry areas like elbows. Or you can add a few drops to a face mask.

Oatmeal
Natural Ingredients Homemade Body Oatmeal Sea Salt Scrub with Olive Oil Honey Milk White Towel Beauty Concept Skincare Organic Aroma Spa Therapy
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An oatmeal bath is a well-known home remedy for irritated skin, and for good reason. Adding a cup of oats to a warm bath can help with hydration. It’s also soothing, so if dry skin is causing discomfort or itchiness, it may provide some relief.

Coconut Oil
organic cosmetics with coconut on white background top view
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Coconut oil is sometimes considered a cure-all when it comes to home remedies, but it’s certainly true when it comes to soothing dry skin.“Coconut oil becomes a solid at room temperature, so use it as a moisturizing cream at bedtime or anytime,” recommends Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care to Everyday Health. “For chapped heels and hands, apply the oil, then layer with thick socks or non-latex gloves.”

Milk Compress
Body or face natural care lotion or bath milk decorated with rose flowers and petals
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“Milk has natural anti-inflammatory properties,” says Shainhouse. “It also contains lactic acid, a mild, natural exfoliant.” This means it can help hydrate the skin while getting rid of dead cells. It may also help soothe itchy, irritated skin, but avoid it if your skin has cracked.

You can make a milk compress by soaking a clean washcloth or tower in a bowl of cool milk. Then hold the cloth over the affected part of the body for 5 to 10 minutes.

Aloe Vera
Bowl of aloe vera gel and board with leaves on white wooden background
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Aloe Vera is more than balm for burns. It can improve the skin by reducing redness and irritation caused by dryness. Since it contains mucopolysaccharides like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera can also help trap moisture and promote hydration. However, some people are allergic to aloe vera so do a patch test before applying it to larger amounts of skin.

Honey
Preparation of turmeric face mask with honey and yogurt.
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If aloe vera is no good, fewer people experience allergic reactions to applying honey topically. Research shows that honey can have healing and anti-inflammatory effects in addition to moisturizing. Use it as a spot treatment on particularly rough patches or as a base for a face mask. Leave on for a few minutes before rinsing it off. One study shows that honey may also be helpful for various skin diseases but speak to your doctor before trying this kind of home remedy.

Petroleum Jelly
woman using petroleum jelly onto skin at home close up.
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Vaseline or Aquaphor is a mainstay in many people’s medicine cabinets. Their main ingredient is petroleum jelly, or petrolatum. It can alleviate dryness and protect the skin from chaffing. Moreover, it’s safe to use all over the body, including eyelids and lips. However, avoid applying it to the face, chest, or back if you are prone to acne. It works best on damp skin so try it after a bath or washing your hands.

Products for Dry Skin
Asian young woman looking face skin in the mirror have a red rash on her face from cosmetic allergy
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There are seemingly limitless options when it comes to products for dry skin. However, the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommended ointments or creams over lotions, since they tend to be more effective. They suggest looking for products containing the one or more of these ingredients:

Dimethicone
Shea butter
Glycerin
Hyaluronic acid
Lactic acid
Lanolin
Mineral oil
Petrolatum
Jojoba oil
“Fragrance-Free”
Additionally, look for gentle and fragrance-free skin care items. “Fragrance-free” is not the same as “unscented” though. Unscented products tend to include chemicals to neutralize the smell of other products, which can potentially irritate dry skin. Meanwhile, fragrance-free refers to the lack of perfumes and the like.

When to See a Doctor
Female dermatologist explaining skin treatment procedure to a beautiful smiling African woman. Dermatologist talking with a patient.
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If you don’t see any improvement, speak to a dermatologist. Sometimes, extremely dry skin requires a prescription ointment if the over-the-counter ones don’t help. Keep in mind, dry skin may be a sign of a skin condition that won’t go away without treatment.