As you age, the skin becomes more susceptible to dryness and can appear rough, scaly, flaky, or cracked. Suppleness and elasticity can also lessen over time. Even the natural oil-producing sebaceous glands can lose their ability to moisturize the skin. There are tons of costly products on the market that claim to reinvigorate dry skin, but in fact, many remove more of the essential skin oils necessary to help keep it moist and retain water.
So, what to do?
Stop spending obscene amounts of money on products that promise to do, but fail to produce. Make a beeline, instead, for your kitchen, where you will find plenty of natural and inexpensive moisturizers that will kick ash to the curb.
Olive oil–contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols that soothe the skin and repair damaged cells due to dryness; it also helps to prevent wrinkles and soften fine lines; apply the olive oil directly on the skin and keep it on overnight
Honey–acne-prone skin will really benefit from its natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties; honey is a moisturizer that can leave the skin feeling soft and glowing; massage raw honey directly on the skin and leave it on for up to 20 minutes, then rinse
Coconut oil–this oil is excellent for dry skin especially during the cold winter months; apply the oil to your face, elbows, knees, hands, then leave it on overnight, you’ll wake up to radiant skin
Aloe vera–the plant contains leaves that store a gel-like substance which is an excellent moisturizer; cut one leaf, squeeze the gel out, apply to the areas on your body that need moisture, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse
Papaya–the tropical fruit contains restorative antioxidants and nutrients as well as natural enzymes that keep the skin moisturized; mashed papaya can treat cracked heels, inflammation from acne, and helps to reduce skin discoloration; squeeze out some pulp and add a little honey to make a paste, keep it on for about 10 minutes then wash off
Unsalted butter–when applied to the lips, this serious moisturizer will keep them smooth and hydrated even in single-digit weather
Water–drinking enough water will help keep your skin hydrated; medical experts recommend at least eight glasses of H2O daily to help the body and skin retain moisture
Castor oil–as kids we hated it; castor oil is a mixture of fatty and linoleic acids; the fatty acid helps our skin absorb the oil quickly; the linoleic acid makes it easy for the skin to retain moisture; works great on dry patches of skin
Cucumber–naturally hydrates inside and out; whip up a hydrating mask by combining a mashed up cucumber with honey; apply all over your face and wash off with warm water after half an hour
