Simple, Natural Steps for Dealing with Chapped Skin
Skin feels dry and rough when it loses moisture and its natural oils. This can leave skin feeling tight and uneven.
A good moisturizer helps put that softness back.
Neglecting the skin is the main reason for skin deterioration due to the elements.
Recurring contact with environmental factors like strong sunlight, extreme or intense cold may all be responsible for chapped skin. Simple steps like sunscreen, moisturizer and proper clothing help keep skin comfortable.
Soaps, harsh chemicals and even water can leave skin feeling dry and rough when you're around them often, like washing hands and dishes many times a day.
Avoid Harsh Soaps and Chemicals
Harsh laundry detergents, or hard, harsh fabrics and tight-fitting clothing must be avoided and discarded. They can leave skin feeling rough. Wear loose and comfortable clothes made from natural fibers.
Repeated rubbing can also leave skin feeling rough. Using rubber gloves when cleaning or scrubbing with abrasives or harsh compounds can help avoid skin damage.
Using Supplements & Herbs to Handle Chapped Skin
Deficient levels of vitamins A, B and C or low and depleted amounts of the essential fatty acids (fats found in foods and plant oils) can all lead to the appearance of dry and chapped skin.
Evening primrose oil is a popular skin-softening oil.
Aloe vera: aloe vera is gentle and moisturizing. It also helps to remove dead skin cells. Apply an aloe vera cream like Corium 21, which has certified organic aloe vera as its first ingredient, to dry areas.
Calendula and comfrey have skin-softening properties. They can be used in a facial sauna or to make herbal or floral waters.
Add five drops of lavender oil or oat extract to bath water. After the bath, apply diluted evening primrose oil.
Drink teas of chamomile, dandelion or peppermint.
Add one tsp. of herbs to one cup of boiling water and drink daily.
Tea tree oil is a popular addition to skin-care routines. Add one drop of oil to your favorite day or night cream to help moisturize and smooth skin.
Essential Oils For Dry Skin
- Chamomile
- Geranium
- Hyssop
- Lavender
- Patchouli
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Ylang-Ylang