Skin changes with age and usually, not for the better! It becomes thinner, loses fat, and no longer looks plump and smooth as it once did. For many of us seasoned folks, dry skin creeps up and patches can suddenly appear that are rough and scaly.
Fancy store-bought moisturizers can be a pricey investment especially for seniors on a budget. Daily moisturizing is necessary to rehydrate the top layer of skin cells and seal in moisture. Dry skin is not a serious health problem but it can result in complications such as chronic eczema (red patches), or bleeding from excessive itching that can lead to infection. The itching due to eczema has been shown to have a greater impact on African-American patients because they are likely to have a more severe case of the condition, and experience greater treatment challenges.
Here are a few natural and inexpensive moisturizers you can find right in your kitchen to help combat dry skin.
Honey is a natural anti-bacterial that fights acne, unclogs pores, and acts as a cleanser that will leave your skin feeling smooth and glowy. Mix two tablespoons of honey with eight tablespoons of water until a paste forms. Apply to skin and allow it to dry, then gently wash off with warm water.
Olive oil has been used for centuries as a moisturizer. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The use of olive oil improves the skin’s moisture. Its antioxidants help to increase collagen production in the skin to help fight the signs of aging. Try using olive oil as a moisturizer without any added ingredients, apply it directly to your skin. Blot off any excess oil with a clean towel or cloth. Be sure to choose a high-quality product that doesn’t contain additives or chemicals. booktsmadison@gmail.com
Castor oil is a wonderful moisturizer with fatty acids that quickly absorb into the skin. It’s an effective lubricant for dry patches that hydrate the skin from the inside, out. It contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that creates a barrier to prevent skin from losing moisture. Try massaging a few drops on those dry patches every night.
Avocados, we love eating them, but they also work wonders on the skin by lubricating every layer. The yummy fruits contain high levels of fats and vitamins like A, D and E to help skin retain moisture. Eat a ripe avocado and then rub the inner side of the peel lightly on your face. Let the avocado residue sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Cucumbers are the perfect dry skin food. They are nature’s anti-inflammatory skin soothers that are packed with magnesium, potassium, vitamins A and E. Its juice contains many essential nutrients that moisturize the skin cells, keep them cool, and free from toxins. The vitamins in cucumbers work on dark eye circles. You also get a dose of retinol and silica which help regenerate skin cells. Start small and simply place slices of cucumber over your eyes for an easy de-puffing. You can also puree a cucumber and add a few drops of honey to make a soothing, hydrating facial mask.
Yogurt is a fermented dairy staple and moisturizing natural face treatment that is good for all skin types. The best yogurt for skin care is thick, unflavored (plain) yogurt, which can be easily applied and contains no unnecessary ingredients. Yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that cleanses, nourishes, and moisturizes skin. To soothe dry skin, make a face mask by applying plain yogurt to your face and leaving for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. For plant-based yogurt options, there are dairy-free choices that contain lactic acid and offer the same moisturizing benefits of milk-based yogurt.