It works by alleviating redness and irritation related to excess dryness, and it can even decrease signs of aging, as well as acne breakouts and skin injuries, according to previous research.

Shainhouse cautions that some people develop allergic contact dermatitis, a type of eczema, to aloe, so you may want to perform a patch test before you apply it to a large area of skin.

Honey has emollient and humectant effects that can soften your skin and help it retain moisture, according to past research. These properties make honey a good base for face mask recipes, and it can be a powerful spot treatment for patches of dry, irritated skin.

As Adell notes for the avocado mask, the addition of manuka honey increases wound healing while decreasing inflammation in the skin. For best results, apply honey in small amounts to your face. Leave on for several minutes before rinsing it off.

If you already drink tea, you may be able to find other uses for tea bags you have in your pantry. Adell says this includes herbal teas like chamomile and jasmine as well as caffeinated green and black teas. The caffeine in these teas may help with under eye circles by safely shrinking blood vessels in this delicate area of skin, says Adell.

She recommends applying a cool wet tea bag under each eye for 5 to 10 minutes. A small study published in the December Journal of Dermatological Treatment looked at the effect of minute gauze compresses soaked in weak, room-temperature black tea, followed by an emollient cream, on 22 people with facial atopic dermatitis.

After three days of five compresses a day, participants saw an improvement in their skin symptoms, with no noticeable side effects. As for the possible benefits of brewed herbal tea bags, Adell says that chamomile may reduce inflammation and irritation. She also notes that jasmine tea can address acne.

Chances are you already have a jar of Vaseline or Aquaphor in your medicine cabinet. These contain petroleum jelly also called petrolatum , which the AAD notes can help alleviate dry skin, prevent chafing, and support skin healing.

Better yet, petroleum jelly may be safe enough to use all over the body, including on your lips and eyelids. You can apply petroleum jelly throughout the day as needed, but the AAD says it works best on damp skin. Avoid applying it to your face if you have acne-prone skin, as it may cause breakouts.

After restoring moisture to your skin, follow these steps to protect it and keep it from drying out again. Additional reporting by Diana Rodriguez and Laura McArdle. Health Conditions A-Z.

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By Kristeen Cherney, PhD. Medically Reviewed. Ross Radusky, MD. Next up video playing in 10 seconds. How Natural Remedies Can Soothe Dry, Irritated Skin Your skin naturally produces oil, called sebum, which protects it from moisture loss, but everyday actions — such as forgetting to put on moisturizer or washing your hands with a drying soap — can strip away these natural oils.

DIY a Rich, Creamy Avocado Mask A homemade mask of avocado is another natural way to soothe dry skin, and Adell has used it at home in her own family. Make a Natural Coconut Oil and Sugar Scrub To treat dead skin cells that might be giving your skin a dry texture and appearance, you may consider a gentle homemade sugar scrub.

Create an Easy Oatmeal Soak to Calm Your Skin A cup of oatmeal in a warm bath can naturally rehydrate dry skin, Poblete-Lopez says. Exfoliate Your Face With a Homemade Oatmeal Honey Mask Oatmeal makes a great exfoliator or mask, too.

Apply Coconut Oil Before Bedtime Coconut oil, which a review in the July Journal of Drugs in Dermatology noted has roots in African and Indian cultures, is a popular home treatment for healthy hair and skin.

Consider a Fruit Enzyme Cleanser or Exfoliant Fruit enzymes can be a fun way to ease dry skin. Apply Aloe Vera to Dry, Irritated Skin While often thought of as sunburn relief, aloe vera gel can be helpful during the dry winter months, too.

Use Honey as a Spot Treatment for Dry Patches Honey has emollient and humectant effects that can soften your skin and help it retain moisture, according to past research.

Brew Tea Bags to Soothe Inflammation If you already drink tea, you may be able to find other uses for tea bags you have in your pantry. Get Back to Basics With Petroleum Jelly Chances are you already have a jar of Vaseline or Aquaphor in your medicine cabinet. Make moisturizing a part of your daily skin-care routine.

As soon as you step out of the shower, slather your skin from head to toe with a moisturizing lotion the thicker it is, the richer it is. For extra dry skin, consider an ointment or a cream, advises the AAD. You can also consider products with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or jojoba oil.

Develop other skin-friendly bathing habits. You should avoid hot showers and baths, and limit your overall bathing time between 5 and 10 minutes, per the AAD. Regular bar soap can contain ingredients such as fragrances and preservatives that can be harsh on your skin, so opt for a mild cleanser or liquid body wash instead.

Avoid exposing your skin to harsh chemicals. That includes alcohol and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients can worsen dry skin and even cause burns in some cases, Shainhouse says. Drink plenty of water.

You may have heard that drinking water helps your skin look less dehydrated. Dress appropriately for the weather. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.

If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help. You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one? If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.

Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages. Your dry skin can be uncomfortable, frustrating — maybe even embarrassing. In darker skin tones, the flaking, discoloration, and rough texture are more noticeable than in lighter skin tones.

On melanin-rich skin, dry skin is often visible. You can reduce the whitish or grayish-white appearance of dry skin by using a moisturizer with ceramides, which helps to seal in moisture.

The good news is that many people can effectively treat their dry skin at home. Take short 5 or 10 minutes baths and showers in warm water. Hot water and spending too much time bathing tends to worsen dry skin. Slather on a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after toweling off. Creams and ointments tend to be more effective than lotions.

Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. Dry skin is easily irritated, so deodorant soaps and products that contain alcohol or fragrance can irritate your dry, sensitive skin.