Left: Sheetal Rawal, scientist (human genetics) & founder of Apsara Skin Care
By: Sheetal Rawal
Dry skin is an extremely common issue, especially in the colder months. We normally turn to moisturizers or scrubs to help our skin, but most products contain various different parabens and sulfates, which can dry out our skin even more. They may moisturize our skin for some time but over the course of the day, the dryness returns. These chemicals might irritate our skin and predispose it to many inflammatory disorders like dermatitis.
The challenge is to find products that bring moisture back into the skin without upsetting its natural oil balance.
For hundreds and thousands of years, people have turned to nature to care for their skin. With the advent of the industrial age, we have certainly experimented with mass-produced products made with many synthetic ingredients. The hope is that of a quick fix. However, over the last decade or so we are realizing (more and more) the harmful side effects of many of these lab made ingredients. The happy news is that there is clearly a large collective desire to go natural with lifestyle choices.
Coming back to dry skin, this skin type can respond rather quickly to healthy changes like using skin care products with high-quality natural ingredients in them. Equally important is stopping the usage of products with skin irritating and harsh ingredients like alcohol, petrochemicals, parabens, sulfates, etc.
"I have been using this product for about 6 months now. I have seen a lot of progress in the way my skin looks. It's glowing more. It's getting better and better every day."
Let's discuss a few ingredients that you can find right in your pantry or cabinets at home. These ingredients are excellent to heal dry skin.
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil contains many antioxidants and several healthy fatty acids that our skin loves and literally soaks up! Many times, dry skin is just lacking these fatty acids, proteins that olive oil can provide in abundance. And the antioxidants are an added bonus. A few drops massaged in on damp skin 2 times a day, as simple as that.
2. Avocado
Another excellent defense against dry skin. It contains many fatty acids that nourish the skin and help improve the skin inside out. It contains a high content of Vitamin E, which
helps heal and beautify dry skin. To 2 tsp. of avocado add 6 drops of aloe vera gel and massage into the skin for 5 minutes. Leave on for another 15 minutes and wash. Follow with your lotion and serum for dry skin, as simple as that.
3. Oatmeal
An all-natural ingredient that can be used to heal dry skin. The polysaccharides in fine oatmeal flour serve as a protective barrier on the skin. This acts as a shield to prevent water loss and keeps necessary oils in the skin. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that benefit the overall health of your skin. To 1 tsp. of oatmeal flour, add enough almond milk to make a paste. Use this as a face mask up to 2 times a week.
Need another remedy for dry skin? Watch this video to learn how to make a mask that uses both avocado and oat. Enjoy and please subscribe to my YouTube channel!
4. Almond Oil
A wonderful natural ingredient for dry skin. It can be used for sensitive skin as well. It is high in Vitamin E and is considered one of the best lubricators for your skin. It is also high in
antioxidants, which help to keep free radical damage in check. Antioxidants can also help against the drying effects of sun exposure. Almond oil is easily absorbed by the skin and does not leave it with an oily finish. Almond oil is highly recommended in Ayurveda for its anti-aging properties. It is great for all skin types. Use a few drops to massage well into damp skin before bed.
5. Water & Moisture
Remember to hydrate yourself throughout the day to ensure that your skin is getting the necessary moisture. Dehydrated skin can look dry. Avoid washing your skin with hot water. Hot water opens the pores, and too much hot water can strip your skin of its necessary oils. These necessary oils provide essential defense and nourishment to the skin. Having a humidifier on at night can do wonders to keep your skin well hydrated.
Go ahead and experiment with these natural ingredients. I hope your skin falls in love with them. Let us know what you thought of this information. Be generous with your comments. We love to hear from you all.
If you need skin care advice from an expert, fill out this form and Sheetal will respond back asap.
Go natural. It is good karma!