Dry and rough skin is a common condition that affects many. Even though it may sound like a minor issue, dry skin can make you look dull, tired and lusterless. No matter how much one tries, you just can’t get the right glow on your face. Not only that; dryness can lead to faster ageing, wrinkles and dry white patches on the face, arms and legs. Pollution, dust and frequent weather changes just add to the skin troubles and suck out the natural moisture from the face.

Commercially available beauty products contain huge amount of chemicals which cannot replenish the natural cells and therefore cannot provide long term relief. Also, it is important to address these issues quickly as prolonged dryness can cause dermatitis.

First and foremost, the root cause of dryness is dehydration. One should drink plenty of water to rehydrate the skin. Including green vegetables and fruit in the diet also helps in replenishing the lost moisture. Topical application of homemade masks and peels can go a long way in curing dryness.

Here are some simple home remedies to make your skin soft and supple:

1. Application of olive oil

Olive Oil contains natural antioxidants and fats which can replenish the lost moisture and hydration. It also provides a layer of moisture to soothe the itching caused by dry patches and eventually cures them.

Massaging the skin with olive oil an hour before the bath helps in restoring natural oils. You can also make an easy scrub by mixing brown sugar with olive oil and scrub over dry areas. This scrub gently removes dead skin and makes the skin soft and glowing.

Applying a thin coat of olive oil before the moisturizer helps in effective retention of oils in the skin.

2. Honey

Honey is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic and antifungal agent. Because of all these properties, honey acts as a natural moisturizer. Not only does it add much needed oils but also ensures that the natural oils are retained in the skin. Vitamins and minerals present in honey add to the natural glow on the skin.

Before taking a shower, massage honey gently into the affected parts of skin. Leave it on for a couple of minutes before taking a shower. Another effective body mask can be made by mixing equal parts of honey, olive oil and warm beeswax.  Application of this mask on daily basis helps in eliminating dryness.

A combination of avocado and honey also works as an excellent face mask to cure dryness.

3. Coconut oil

Who says that coconut oil is just good for hair? Coconut Oil contains fatty acids which cure dryness and make the skin glow from within. Take a bath in warm water so that the pores in the skin open up. Then, follow up with a light massage with coconut oil so that the oil can penetrate the pores and restore the lost moisture.

4. Almond Oil

Almond Oil is an excellent emollient and rich source of vitamin E. It soothes and softens the skin and restores the moisture. It is non greasy therefore can be applied directly to the skin. For best results, leave it on overnight.

Including almonds in your diet is also a good way to replenish moisture in the skin.

5. Milk and yogurt

Cleopatra herself swore by the benefits of milk and yogurt for the skin! Leaving aside the mighty, simple application of milk and natural yogurt to dry skin can cure dryness and rough patches. Yogurt and milk are rich in lactic acid, probiotics and antioxidants which can restore the natural balance and moisturize the skin.

Apart from these home remedies, one must avoid certain things to ensure that the skin doesn’t get dehydrated and dry.

1. Avoid washing the face with hot water as hot water strips the skin of its natural oils.
2. Excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol can make skin dehydration worse.

So, look no further than your kitchen cabinet and make your skin glow from within.