Do you get itchy skin in the winter ?
Is the itching and flaking driving you crazy?
Don’t worry; you can take steps to protect and soothe your skin. With proper care, healthy, glowing skin is achievable, even during winter.
Stop Itching Skin Naturally
Itchy skin can be treated naturally, with a combination of topical and oral remedies to relieve itchiness and support the immune system.
Dry itchy skin may be due to a loss of moisture through the over use of synthetic detergents, cosmetics, perfumes and soaps that contain chemical detergents, scents and colorants Ironically some creams used to help dry itchy skin actually make it worse.
Some people are allergic to the chemical ingredients that are used in most hand, body and facial lotions or creams..
Use chemical free creams soaps and shampoos, that are chemical and additive free.
What Causes Dry Itchy Skin ?
Every day 4-8 oz. of water evaporates through the skin, and we don’t even notice Replenishing water by drinking more fluids is helpful, but does not guarantee smooth and resilient skin.
Moisture balance is regulated by chemical reactions in tissues, and is not directly related to the amount of water you drink.
Human skin has its own mechanism to prevent moisture loss.
Our skin cells work hard to create a protective layer. This layer consists of oils, aminoacids, sugar compounds and other elements.
All together they bind with water and don’t let it evaporate. Water, that is not allowed to leave skin surface, is absorbed by the outer layer cells.
The skin becomes softer, smoother and more flexible.
Hot or cold air, low humidity, frequent contacts with water or cleansing solutions ruin the protective layer, and skin loses its natural ability to hold moisture.
When water level in the skin drops , the skin becomes dry, itchy and flaky.
As we age, skin’s protection mechanism slows down and skin becomes dry. In some people dry skin is inherited genetically.
How can I fix my dry itchy skin ?
Proper nutrition is important; include whole food vitamins and essential fatty acids in your diet.
Essential fatty Acids are excellent long term nutrients for itchy conditions.
Flax Seed Oil has been known to relieve long term symptoms of psoriasis and dry skin.
You can also make your own dry skin natural remedy just by combining common foods and applying them to the skin.
Some foods act as an internal remedy for dry skin as well.
Some of the ingredients that can be used in a home remedy for extremely dry skin are honey, yogurt, olive oil, and oatmeal.
Honey, a dry skin natural remedy, is a substance that is healing to the skin. When applied to the skin it is healing and moisturizing. It helps dead skin cells move from the surface and stimulates renewal and regrowth of skin tissues. It is also antibacterial. .
Yogurt can be used as a skin cleanser, acting as a natural moisturizer.
Oatmeal heals and soothes dry skin, and helps the skin to get rid of dead skin cells.
Olive oil works as an emollient, which means it soothes and softens. It helps the itching of eczema. Eczema is sometimes associated with dry skin but not always. Olive oil can also be used on the scalp as a remedy for extremely dry skin and hair.
If you suffer from dry skin, try adding some heathful oils to your diet. It doesn’t take a lot, as oils are very high in calories.
Nuts are full of beneficial oil, as are fatty fish, such as salmon and mackeral.
Some herbs that are beneficial as an internal remedy for dry skin problems are marshmallow, dandelion, and chamomile.
Here is a list of plant products that have been found beneficial in creating a dry skin natural remedy (to be used on the surface of the skin):
- aloe vera
- apple
- apricot pulp
- banana pulp
- chamomile
- elderflower
- fennel seed
- grape pulp
- green honey
- mango pulp
- marshmallow root
- whole milk
- oatmeal
- rose petals
- yogurt