Dealing with xerosis or dry skin can be frustrating, especially when it leads to cracked skin or even infected skin. Many expensive treatments promise relief but turn out to be ineffective treatments, leaving the skin struggling to retain moisture in its outer layer. Instead, natural solutions like sunflower seed oil, oatmeal bath, and petroleum jelly can help rebuild the skin barrier and deeply moisturise the skin.
Moreover, a well-balanced diet rich in hydrating foods and traditional homoeopathic medicines such as coconut oil, tea, and aloe vera—trusted by different cultures worldwide—can provide the necessary support to heal and strengthen the skin.
These natural treatments and home remedies help restore moisture, offering effective relief while working to protect the skin from further damage.
We will explore the 10 best home remedies to treat dry skin on the face. Let’s dive out!
10 Home Remedies to Treat Dry Skin
If you are planning to hydrate your skin naturally, we have got you covered. Here are some of the best moisturisers for dry skin at home.
- Coconut oil
When it comes to treating dry skin, coconut oil is a game-changer. Studies revealed that coconut oil can be both safe and effective for improving skin hydration, as it hydrates even the most sensitive areas of your body, like the skin under your eyes or around your mouth. It helps increase lipids (fats) on the surface of the skin, which can significantly improve moisture retention.
With its rich content of saturated fatty acids, coconut oil acts as an excellent moisturiser, filling in the gaps between skin cells and creating a smoother surface. Many cultures, like African and Indian, have used coconut oil for hundreds of years to treat skin issues like atopic dermatitis or scaly skin. Additionally, studies say that applying virgin coconut oil before bedtime allows the oil to sink in and work overnight for best results.
Experts like Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a board-certified dermatologist, recommend using coconut oil for dry skin or chapped heels and hands, adding a layer of thick socks or non-latex gloves to lock in moisture. You can even use it as a moisturising cream at room temperature, providing all-day hydration. Also, adding essential fatty acids (EFAs) to your diet will help maintain a hydrated and protected skin barrier.
- Sunflower Oil:
According to the studies, sunflower seed oil is a powerful moisturiser, improving hydration and strengthening the skin’s barrier. Unlike olive oil, which may cause damaged skin, this natural oil is rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, helping the skin retain moisture and stay healthy.
Furthermore, it is especially beneficial for moisturising dry skin and soothing eczema, as it deeply hydrates, preventing dryness and flakiness.
With its anti-inflammatory effects, it helps reduce irritation and redness while being non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. If you want a little more benefit, then you can apply a few drops on clean, damp skin after showering or mix it with jojoba or argan oil for a DIY facial oil blend. It can enhance hydration and overall skin health.
- Petrolium Jelly
If you struggle with dry, irritated patches, using petroleum jelly is one of the most inexpensive that does not break the bank and also can be the best solution for long-lasting moisture. Not only does it benefit the younger ones, but it can also be a jackpot for older individuals as it helps heal the skin barrier and is a great choice for mature skin. It is made of mineral oil; it covers the skin with a protective layer that traps moisture underneath, preventing dehydration.
The AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) recommends applying it to damp skin after a bath or shower but avoiding acne-prone areas like the chest and back to prevent breakouts or folliculitis. Many people keep Vaseline or Aquaphor in their medicine cabinet for everyday use, applying it overnight for healing and to soothe sensitive areas like lips, eyelids, and feet. Some follow a skincare trend called slugging, where they apply a thick layer before bed.
With just one ingredient, it’s gentle, non-comedogenic, and won’t clog pores, making it a trusted choice for those who need extra hydration.
- Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a powerful home remedy for dry skin, providing relief from redness, irritation, and excess dryness, especially in the winter. Studies found that it helps lock moisture into the skin using
mucopolysaccharides like hyaluronic acid.
Additionally, it contains antioxidants that repair damaged cells, promote collagen production and improve skin health by increasing elasticity, strength, and structure. It is also helpful for the people with eczema or psoriasis, as they can apply it to affected areas.
If using fresh aloe vera, simply break a leaf, squeeze out the gel, and apply it to the skin before rinsing. Store any excess gel in an airtight glass container in the fridge to prevent waste. However, Shainhouse, a board-certified dermatologist, advises a patch test, as some may develop allergic contact dermatitis.
- Honey
The research has found honey beneficial for skin diseases such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. It offers moisturising, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an ideal home treatment to relieve dry skin, as it helps soften and retain moisture.
For more benefits, manuka honey is especially effective in healing wounds. Because of its antimicrobial nature, it forms a thick consistency that acts as a barrier against infection. Its moisturising and humectant effects make it a good base for a face mask or a powerful spot treatment for irritated patches. For best results, mix equal parts of warm water with honey, apply to the face, leave for 15-20 minutes, then rinse to reveal a softer, suppler complexion.
- Oatmeal
An oatmeal bath is a natural ingredient to treat dry skin by forming a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture and soothe irritated areas. It would be best to use colloidal oatmeal (ground oatmeal), as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This makes it a powerful folk remedy used for centuries by grandmothers and great-grandmothers.
If you have eczema, atopic dermatitis, or inflamed skin, grinding oatmeal into a fine powder using a food processor and mixing it with warm water can provide relief. Dermatologists like Dr. Poblete-Lopez recommend soaking for 15 minutes to rehydrate and protect the skin. You can also tie a pack of oatmeal to the faucet with pantyhose and let the bathwater run through it for a mess-free soak. This super effective remedy helps remove dead skin cells, making the skin glow and staying moisturised for longer.
- Antioxidants and omega-3s
When the skin is dry, it becomes more vulnerable to damaging elements, making it harder to repair skin cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating foods rich in antioxidants can help minimise damage from toxins and promote healthy cells that contribute to skin health.
Including blueberries, tomatoes, carrots, beans, peas, and lentils in your diet provides essential nutrients, while omega-3 fatty acids from salmon support a glowing-skin diet. Additionally, fruit enzymes like bromelain (pineapple), papain (papaya), and ficain (figs) contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help exfoliate dulling dead skin cells on the face and body.
Experts like Shainhouse recommend using a fruit-enzyme-infused wash or mask twice per week to remove impurities, improve texture, and reduce ageing effects. Furthermore, a simple home remedy involves massaging pure carrot juice onto stressed skin, leaving it for 20 minutes, then rinsing for a naturally soothing effect.
- Milk Compresses
We all know that milk is known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent remedy for irritated skin. According to Shainhouse, its lactic acid works as a mild, natural exfoliant, helping to eliminate dead skin cells while improving skin hydration.
Moreover, studies found that you can use a ceramide-containing lotion daily twice to get a significant improvement in moisture levels. Experts like Adell also highlight alpha-hydroxy acids as some of the most hydrating and safer acids for sensitive skin, even during pregnancy.
To create a milk compress, soak a clean cloth or towel in a bowl of cool milk, then place it on dry areas for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce itchy, dry skin. However, if you feel a mild tingling, be cautious and if burning occurs, stop immediately and consult a dermatologist or aesthetician.
- Avocado
Avocado oil is packed with moisturising properties that allow the skin to absorb it easily, leaving it soft, smooth, and glowing. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E, avocados help in improving skin texture and protecting against UV rays.
Avocado DIY face mask is a great way to moisturise dry skin—just smash half an avocado, massage it onto the skin, and let it soak in for 10 minutes before rinsing. You can also mix it with healing ingredients like honey or turmeric for added benefits. Alternatively, you can buy avocado oil and apply it directly to the skin. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that women who ate an avocado every day saw an improvement in facial skin elasticity and firmness. Another study found that a mix of water, saffron extract, and avocado oil helped reduce lines and left the skin rejuvenated.
This natural blend is chock-full of antioxidants and probiotics that can soothe inflammatory symptoms like eczema. Simply set the mask for 5 to 10 minutes on clean skin before rinsing. With their numerous well-researched health benefits, avocados remain a powerful remedy for hydration.
Bonus Tips to Help You Manage Dry Skin
Keeping dry skin healthy requires a skin-care routine that focuses on hydration, protection, and prevention. Here are some essential tips to maintain moisturised and healthy skin:
- Apply moisturisers regularly. Using moisturising lotion or moisturising creams after bathing helps restore moisture and prevent dryness. It is best practice to look for products containing shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or jojoba oil for extra nourishment.
- Avoid Skin Irritants: Stay away from lotions that contain alcohol, harsh chemicals like apple cider vinegar, and fragrances or preservatives in regular bar soap, as they can worsen irritation and lead to burns.
- Follow Skin-Friendly Bathing Habits: Reduce hot showers and baths, limit bathing time to 5 to 10 minutes, and opt for mild cleansers or liquid body wash instead of harsh soaps to protect your skin barrier.
- Be Gentle on Your Skin: Avoid scratching, rubbing your skin too hard when towel drying, or using a blunt razor without shaving gel, as these habits can trigger dryness and irritation.
- Use a Humidifier: If you live in a desert climate or use excessive air conditioning, a good-quality humidifier can add moisture to the air and prevent dehydration.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Although research on drinking water and treating dry skin is not definitive, staying hydrated can support overall health benefits.
- Dress Appropriately for the Weather: In summer, apply sunscreen with SPF 40 to shield against sunburns and skin cancer. During winter, wear protective clothing and moisturising gloves to prevent dryness.
Conclusion
Dry skin can be frustrating, but with the right natural remedies and daily care, you can keep your skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. Simple treatments like coconut oil, oatmeal baths, honey, and avocado work wonders in restoring moisture and repairing the skin barrier.
Small lifestyle changes—like using a humidifier, drinking plenty of water, and protecting your skin from harsh weather—can make a big difference. Whether you’re applying aloe vera gel or switching to gentle skincare habits, consistency is key. With these home remedies and expert-backed tips, your skin will stay healthy, glowing, and well-nourished all year round.
