Patches of dry, flaky and itchy skin are common during the winter months. While they can appear on almost any part of the body there are typically common on the legs, face, and hands. There are many skin conditions that cause dry skin patches such as eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infections, this article will deal with dry skin patches due to environmental factors, such as cold weather and low humidity and the lack of hydration to the skin.
Below are some simple steps to help you treat dry skin patches:
- Limit the time you spend in the bath or shower. If you like extremely hot showers, adjust your water temperature down. Showers and baths strip the body of its natural oils thus causing the skin to become overly dry.
- Apply an emollient rich cream on dry patches while skin is still damp. Continue to apply cream frequently throughout the day. I have used Eucerin with much success for dry patches on my hands. Other options are Vitamin E and oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, tea tree oil, grape seed oil, etc. where a little dab will work wonders.
- Evaluate your soap. There are varieties on the market that can provide moisturizing ingredients. If you use a deodorant soap use only in areas that need it, underarms, etc. These types of soap are harsh and very drying. Better yet consider making some homemade soap rich in essential oils that offer so many benefits to the skin. They make great Christmas presents too!
- Exfoliation is recommended for dry patches if the area is not inflamed or has broken skin. Exfoliates will slough off the dead skin on top thus allowing your moisturizer into the lower layers of the skin.
- Hydrate from the inside! Drinking water is vital to good health and good skin. Most people do not realize the importance water plays in their overall health.
- Diet - unfortunately fresh fruits and vegetables are scarce in the northern climates, however try to follow a diet that is rich in Vitamin E, A, C, essential minerals and omega-3 fatty acids or consider vitamins and supplements.
Remedies for dry skin patches:
1 drop
tea tree oil
1/2 teaspoon
almond oil
Rub into dry patch
Aloe Vera for Dry Skin
Aloe Vera gel has wonderful properties thus it is widely used in skin care products. Aloe Vera contains the vitamins A, C, E which are known for their antioxidants. Apply directly to the dry patch. Be sure to purchase 100% aloe Vera gel or better yet grow you own plant.
Tea Tree for Dry Skin Patches
Another option is to add tea tree oil right into your moisturizer.
Milk for Dry Skin Patches
Soak a washcloth in milk and lay on dry skin patch for five minutes. This is soothing if the dry skin patch is itchy too.
Lavender Body Wash
Soothing and relaxing Lavender Body Wash combines silk proteins with soothing Lavender, Aloe Vera and Green Tea to cleanse and provide antioxidant skin care protection. Heals and repairs dry skin, rough or cracking skin!
Dry Skin Face Mask
Moisturize and detoxify dry skin. Eliminate skin rash, roughness, flaking, and skin irritation. Deep hydration while cleansing, soothing and heals rough, tired, dry, flaking skin.
Dry Skin Face Wash
Dry Skin Face Wash is a gentle cleanser that does not use harsh surfactants to cleanse the skin. It uses herbal extracts to deep cleanse pores along with Omega 3's and natural oils to moisturize while it cleans.