Exfoliate and moisturize: 6 Natural and effective remedies for dry skin on your face

09/08/2019 / By Melissa Smith

Not everyone has flawless skin, especially on the face. Some people are more prone to having dry skin on the face than others. There are many reasons why dry facial skin occurs, such as changes in temperature or humidity; using soaps with harsh chemicals; and skin problems like eczema.

The skin naturally produces an oil called sebum, which is important for the skin to keep it hydrated and protected from infection. When the skin does not produce or replenish enough sebum, it can cause dryness. Dry skin can be itchy, flaky, bumpy, or cause red patches. Fortunately, there are many gentle treatments and remedies that can relieve dry facial skin and prevent it from coming back.

Moisturize every day – Moisturizing daily can improve your skin’s natural barrier function, which promotes water retention. You can apply moisturizer before bed and wash it off with a gentle cleanser in the morning. Some of the best natural moisturizers you can use to relieve dry facial skin include pure aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and shea butter. Coconut oil is both a moisturizer and an anti-inflammatory, which makes it a great remedy for dry skin, as well as eczema-prone, allergic skin.
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser – Many soaps contain colors, fragrances, and other chemicals that can irritate and dry out the skin. Therefore, it is better to choose mild, fragrance-free facial cleansers or soaps. Avoid those that contain alcohol, artificial colors, and plastics. Check the label of the product and if you find one of these chemicals, do not buy them: diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, and those that derive from mineral oil like petroleum and paraffin. You can also use honey as a facial cleanser. It is a great cleanser and is extremely moisturizing, making the skin soft and smooth. To use, apply a small amount of honey onto your palm and rub it between your palms. Massage it onto your face and wash off with warm water.
Exfoliate to remove dead skin – The skin generates new cells and sheds old cells, typically replacing itself within about a month. For this reason, you have to exfoliate your skin. If not, dead skin cells will accumulate on your face, causing dry patches and clogged pores. By exfoliating, you are removing dead skin cells, thereby reducing dry patches and improving the skin’s overall texture. You can use cleansing brushes, exfoliating washcloths, and facial scrubs to exfoliate. Papaya is also a great natural exfoliator. It contains the enzyme papain, which dissolves dead skin cells, heals skin, and lightens fine lines and age spots. To use, mash the fruit into a smooth paste and apply to face. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Practice better bathing habits – When bathing or washing your face, use warm, not hot, water. Hot water can remove the skin’s natural oils. In addition, limit your showers and baths to five to 10 minutes to help heal dry skin. Spending too much time in water can remove sebum. After bathing or washing your face, make sure to apply moisturizer to lock in moisture.
Use a humidifier – Indoor air can sometimes be dry due to constantly running air conditioning and central heating units, causing the skin to be dry. Using a humidifier can add some moisture to the air indoors.
Natural medicines – Nature offers various remedies for relieving dry skin. These include coconut oil, honey, sunflower seed oil, and olive oil. (Related: Natural remedies for soothing irritated skin.)