By Rebecca Hitchon
Now that we are well into the swing of autumn, like me you will probably be feeling like your skin needs some extra TLC and protection from the colder weather. Dry skin is an annual dilemma that many of us think we can solve by stocking up on any products that claim (often misleadingly) to restore moisture. However, did you know that you can use what you have in your home and make some simple lifestyle changes to actually combat the problem?
Adjust your shower routine
Taking a lukewarm shower instead of a hot one is a simple solution that can make all the difference when it comes to dry skin. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, making it more difficult for our skin’s natural protective barrier to retain moisture. At a time when the colder air outside and heated air inside is already impacting this barrier, shorter and less frequent showers are key.
Our skin loses over 25 percent of its ability to hold moisture during the colder months.
Restore hydration with natural oils
Even though colder weather disrupts the balance of our skin’s natural oils, a little plant-based oil can do the trick to rehydrate our skin and strengthen its protective barrier. To see a noticeable difference without spending a fortune, we recommend 4 different oils to incorporate into your beauty routine.
Both olive oil and jojoba oil mimic your skin’s natural oils and prevent the skin from producing an abundance of oil when treating dryness, which can cause acne. Another effective option is grapeseed oil, which regulates the skin’s natural oil production, alongside avocado oil which is full of healthy moisturising fats.
Focus on your diet
We all know which foods benefit organs like the heart but we cannot ignore how our diet can benefit the body’s largest organ, the skin. When you have dry skin, your skin cells are being damaged quicker than your body can fight against, which is why a nutritious diet can work wonders.
Foods rich in antioxidants and essential fats improve skin health, elasticity and hydration. Good food sources include fatty fish, avocado and believe it or not, dark chocolate.
Exfoliate with DIY scrubs
At KeiSei, we love helping you to easily achieve a more natural lifestyle and what better way to do this than using the ingredients you have in your kitchen cupboards? Here is our pick of the best DIY scrubs for dry skin to use 1-2 times per week, leaving them on for 5 minutes to harness the natural power of their skin-boosting ingredients.
Sugar scrub
Mix 1 tablespoon of brown or white sugar and 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil to unclog pores and exfoliate dead skin cells, as well as give your skin essential nutrients from the oil.
Oatmeal scrub
Mix 2 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of honey and a little water until you get a paste that will maximise oatmeal’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Yoghurt scrub
Mix a quarter of a cup of plain yogurt, 2 teaspoons of honey and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. The lactic acid from the yoghurt will exfoliate and moisturise the skin, while honey has powerful hydrating effects.
Nourish skin with DIY face masks
Scrubs could be harsh on your skin if it tends to be sensitive, which is where our selection of DIY foody face masks come in. We would recommend using them 1-2 times per week, leaving them on for up to 15 minutes.
Strawberry mask
Mix 1 teaspoon of strawberry juice, 1 teaspoon of olive oil and half a teaspoon of fresh cream to get a dose of vitamins that will protect the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Avocado mask
Mash half of an avocado until smooth then mix in 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Avocado nourishes dry skin with its blend of proteins, minerals and vitamins.
Cucumber mask
Cut a quarter of a cucumber into small pieces and blend into a paste, then mix in 1 tablespoon of plain yoghurt to experience cucumber’s intense cooling and moisturising properties.
It is reassuring to know that there are plenty of natural remedies to combat dry skin at home, especially during this anxious period where you might not want to venture out as much. They are easy, inexpensive and it’s also fun to play around with DIY creations, so what are you waiting for?
What are your favourite treatments for tackling dry skin during autumn? Let us know in the comments below.
Rebecca Hitchon
Rebecca is passionate about cultivating a more sustainable lifestyle and enjoys being able to mix this with her love for writing, alongside completing her final year of a journalism degree and working on her blog: rebeccahitchon.wordpress.com.
4 comments
Dry skin can cause many skin problems. That can lead you to unpleasant skin. As time passes you will start aging faster if you won’t take care of your skin properly.
Yes exactly, it is important for so many reasons to keep our skin at its healthiest and most hydrated.