Organic Care for Dry Skin

What Causes Dry Skin?

You know what dry skin looks and feels like: cracked, chapped, flaky, tight skin that just can't seem to hold moisture. There are many different causes for dry skin, including:

• Genetics
• Exposure to the elements, including cold, dry or windy conditions
• Oil glands that are not producing enough, leaving the skin poorly lubricated
• Lack of A and B vitamins in the diet
• Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis
• The use of certain drugs, including antihistamines and diuretics
• A complication of diabetes or thyroid problems
• Overexposure to chemicals in cleaning supplies, cosmetics and soaps

That last one is especially important when you're thinking about organic care for dry skin. If your dry skin is being caused in part by the chemicals in products you use, why would you want to add more chemicals to the mix in an attempt to treat it?

Homemade Organic Care for Dry Skin

Many people are interested in making their own organic skin care remedies because they can be assured that all of the products being used meet their high standards. Luckily, there are many simple recipes available for dry skin products that you can make at home.

Some of the best organic care for dry skin comes in the form of moisturizing masques you can put on and let soak into your skin. For example, put plain organic mayonnaise on your skin. Let it soak 15 or 20 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

Another organic remedy you can try is a puree of a banana and a peach, avocado or papaya. Leave this one on the skin 20 to 30 minutes and rinse.

Many people recommend washing the face with mineral water instead of tap water. You might want to try this if you have very sensitive skin. Don't ever use hot water to bathe or wash your face or hands, as this can dry your skin further.

Olive oil is a wonderful moisturizer that can be applied anywhere on the body, including the lips and hair, throughout the day. Organic olive oil is readily available at most grocery stores, and you can apply it with a cotton swab or just with your hands. Be careful that you don't sit down on the couch or in bed before the oil has a chance to soak in.

One more wonderful home remedy for dry skin is taking a milk bath once a week. Simply fill the tub with warm water and a couple tablespoons of powdered milk, along with a teaspoon or two of almond oil or olive oil. Soak as long as you like, but remember to pat dry rather than rubbing and moisturize well after your soak.

Buying Dry Skin Remedies

If you don't want to make your own skin care products, there are many organic dry skin products available at natural foods stores and online. Here are a few you might want to check out:

• Anna Bellina has a line of 100 percent organic products, including a line of dry skin products especially for aging skin.
• Aubrey Organics has all natural skin care products, including moisturizing lotion with SPF and a moisturizing bar made with jasmine and white camellia oil.
• MiEssence has organic cleansers, mineral masks, skin conditioners and moisturizers developed for dry skin as well as different products for mature skin.

Keeping Your Skin Healthy

Once you've started to get the moisture back, you want to keep it that way. Make sure you drink plenty of water and use sunscreen on exposed skin every day. Moisturize after bathing and after washing your hands.

Short showers or baths are better for the skin. The less soap you can use the better, since soap strips away your skin's natural moisturizers. Use a humidifier in the house or in your office to provide a little more moisture in the winter months, and remember that regular aerobic exercise is great for the skin.

For more great skin care tips, check out the helpful articles at LoveToKnow SkinCare.