Home Remedies for Dry, Irritated Skin

Dry, irritated skin can be caused by a variety of factors. Dry air, cold, sun exposure, pollution and chemical reactions to make-up or soaps can all cause dry, irritated skin. Sometimes the problem is inside the body rather than outside. Deficiencies of vitamin A, B or E can all cause dry skin. There is a huge skin care industry marketing products for dry skin. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars for products, why not try a home remedy? Home remedies can work as well or better than expensive products and chances are you have everything you need right in your home.

Nutritional Home Remedies

Nutrition is important not only for healthy skin, but also for overall health. Omega-3 fatty acids are vital because they can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke along with a variety of other health benefits, according to the Mayo Clinic. Increasing omega-3 intake can help correct dry, irritated skin. The simplest home remedy is to eat fatty fish such as salmon or tuna twice a week. If you don't like fish, sprinkle flax seed on yogurt in the morning or in your food. Another option is to eat a handful of walnuts twice a week.

Environmental Home Remedies

Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the home. Exercise is another home remedy, as it causes the blood to circulate which encourages blood flow to nourish the skin. Shower after exercise because sweat can irritate and dry the skin. Drinking plenty of fluids can also help keep skin from drying.

Moisturizers

Use oils such as grape seed oil, jojoba oil or olive oil to lock in moisture. Make a mask made from peanut butter, mashed ripe bananas or cooked oatmeal and honey and let sit on the skin for 15 minutes, then rinse. This can help cleanse and moisturize the skin. Before trying any of these ideas, do an allergy test first on a small patch of skin.

For the Feet

Soak feet in a warm tub for approximately 20 minutes. Fill the water with soothing oils or scents to make it more relaxing. After the soak, take a pumice stone and scrub off any dry, flaking skin and rinse. Put lotion on feet immediately after to lock in moisture. Before bed, wash feet and slather on petroleum jelly. Put on a pair of thick socks and when you wake up your feet should be moisturized and smooth.

Considerations

Wear cotton clothing with a smooth texture to reduce irritation of the skin. Use unscented products to bathe or wash clothes. Wash dishes in baking soda rather than harsh chemical liquid soap. Cut fingernails and wear gloves to bed to stop you from scratching during the night, which can greatly irritate skin.