15 Home Remedies for Silky Smooth Skin

Dry skin is a commonly occurring skin condition due to lack of sufficient moisture content in the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. Generally, this layer produces sufficient oil and remains hydrated. However, due to cold, low humidity and dry weather conditions or certain lifestyle and habitual practices like showering multiple times a day or using harsh soaps and alcohol contained cleansers, the skin is not able to keep up with the loss of moisture and natural oils. This results in parched skin, itching, rash formation and a host of other skin related medical problems.

Moisturisers can help to lock in the skin’s moisture content and protect it from dryness. Choosing the safest moisturiser for the skin can be a simple task with these natural home remedies:

1. A SOOTHING MILK BATH

Milk is an excellent exfoliating agent due to the presence of lactic acid. It also helps in increasing the moisture retention ability of the skin. For a milk bath, soak a clean cloth in cold milk and leave it on that area of the skin which is dry or has rashes, for five minutes. Gently rinse off the milk from the skin so that the skin still retains some of the milk’s lubrication.

2. EPSOM SALT

Dryness can cause the skin to thicken and become leathery especially at the elbows, ankles and soles. Add two cups of Epsom salt to a tub with lukewarm water and soak for some time to let the salt exfoliate the skin. Adding strips of dried seaweed to the bath will make the skin even softer. Rubbing in Epsom salt to the rough areas of the skin while it is wet helps in speeding up the exfoliation process.

3. ALOE VERA GEL

Aloe Vera gel is known for its healing and exfoliating properties. Cut the aloe vera leaf at the base, split it open with a knife and scrape out the gel. Apply it on the irritated skin.

4. ALPHA-HYDROXY ACID AND UREA MOISTURISERS

Alpha-hydroxy acid as well as urea help in softening the skin by removing the outer flaky and loose skin cells. For such a moisturiser, apply a face mask of avocado pulp puree. It is not only an excellent emollient but is also rich in vitamins C and E.

5. SOFTER AND LIQUID SOAPS

Avoid harsh soaps and those containing deodorants or fragrances. They dry and irritate the skin. Switch to moisturising soaps and liquid soaps which are gentler on the skin.

6. SHOWER SPARINGLY

Do not shower multiple times a day and avoid spending more than 15 minutes in the shower. Also avoid hot water and use lukewarm water instead. Longer and hot showers strip the skin off the natural lubricating oils.

7. VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Dryness of skin can also be the result of vitamin and mineral deficiency. 100mg of vitamin B-complex supplement can be taken every day. It contains riboflavin, thiamin and pantothenic acid. Beta-carotene can be taken in divided doses of 15mg with meals. 15mg of zinc can also be taken as part of the daily diet. Choose a pill formula which supplies vitamins A, B6, C and E along with riboflavin, folate, selenium, zinc and other essential minerals. Your doctor would be able to assist you further on this.

8. DRINK WATER

Drinking water helps in keeping the skin hydrated. It also helps in removing toxic substances from the body through the excretory system. The easiest way to keep track of the body’s water requirements is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.

9. FISH

Fish have omega 3 fatty acids, which protect the skin against sun damage and reduce inflammation. Fishes containing selenium keep the skin supple and smooth by preserving elastin in the skin. Herring, salmon, mackerel and anchovies are some good choices.

10. FLAXSEED OIL

Take two tablespoons of flaxseed oil with salads or oatmeal. But ensure that it is added to food items which are already cooked. This is because flax seed oil breaks down into less-useful compounds when cooked.

11. FRUITS

Mangoes, watermelon, pineapple, oranges, grapes and berries like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries and other water rich tropical fruits help in keeping the body hydrated. They contain antioxidants, vitamins A and C and minerals, which help in nutrient replenishment and collagen production to keep the skin healthy and supple. These fruits can be eaten as snacks or toppings or with salads. A strawberry-spinach salad with balsamic vinegar and olive oil combo is great for the skin.

12. VEGETABLES

Orange and yellow vegetables are an excellent source of beta-carotenes, antioxidants and vitamins A and C which are good for the skin. Roasting or sautéing these vegetables help in releasing more beta-carotenes. Leafy and green vegetables like spinach contain iron, folates, phytochemicals and vitamins A, B and E. These protect the skin by keeping it hydrated.

13. EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

It is a good source of vitamin E and good fats and can be added to salads and other cooked preparations. It can also be used for topical applications on the skin.

14. EGGS

Eggs have a high protein content which aids in cell regeneration. The presence of sulphur and luten also improves the skin’s elasticity. Eggs can be consumed in many ways: poached, boiled, scrambled or fried, although it’s better to consume it in moderation when scrambled or fried. Topical application in the form of masks helps in hydrating the skin. For an egg mask, whip the egg whites until frothy, apply it as a mask and rinse off with warm water after a while.

15. NUTS AND SEEDS

Nuts like walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts and seeds of sunflower, pumpkin and flax, are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins A, B and E, which are good not only for the skin but the entire body.

All of these tips can be easily followed at home and they are beneficial to health in multiple ways. Many of these can be incorporated into the daily routine to not only prevent skin dryness, but also to have a glowing and supple skin and healthy body.