If you suffer from eczema or psoriasis and you’re under doctor’s supervision, or if you simply have very dry skin, there are many natural methods that can ease the discomfort and reduce itchiness.
Say No to Hot Showers
As much as hot showers are pleasant for us, our skin doesn't like them nearly as much. Hot water removes the protective oily layer from our skin and dries it out. Try to reduce the water temperature to room temperature or, even further, to lukewarm. It's really great for your circulation if you actually finish on cold. Make your showers short and avoid taking them too often.
Pat Your Skin Dry
After the shower or bath don't rub your skin with a towel, pat it gently instead. Rubbing can cause additional damage and irritation to your skin.
Moisturise While Damp
After you pat yourself dry apply moisturiser as quickly as possible to lock moisture (from the shower or bath) into the skin and prevent water evaporation.
Use Thick Creams and Ointments
Use heavier formulas like balms and ointments rather than watery lotions. Thicker products will create a protective layer that will more easily retain water in the skin. The addition of beeswax can be particularly beneficial. Consider one of our unscented balms to protect your skin.
No Alcohol Lotions or Balms
Always pay attention to the alcohol content in skin products. Look for ethanol or ethyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, and benzyl alcohol in the ingredients lists. If a product contains one of them or more, it can be potentially harmful for your skin and can worsen the dryness problem.
Moisturise with Oils
Instead of balms you can also consider using oils on your skin. Many oils possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm dry skin. Look for oils with good affinity to the skin’s sebum, which will make up for lack of natural protection. We highly recommend our highly moisturising oils and balms for this purpose.
Add Oils to the Bath
If you prefer taking a bath to a shower, there are a few ways you can make them beneficial to your skin. Adding oils to the water can help instantly and can very effectively lock moisture into your skin while you relax. Also, you won’t have to worry about moisturising afterwards.
Add Honey to the Bath
Honey is a natural humectant, which means that it attracts and retains moisture. Adding it to your bath can help your skin to retain moisture longer after leaving the water. But don’t forget to lock this moisture into your skin by applying a balm.
Oatmeal Bath
Another thing that you can add to your bath is oatmeal powder. Simply grind your breakfast oatmeal in a food processor until it’s powdered and add it to the water. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce itchiness ad dryness.
Use Natural Gentle Soaps and
Many additives (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate also known as SLS) in drugstore soaps and shower gels can irritate dry skin and worsen its condition. They are also very effective at stripping the skin’s protective layer and that’s the last thing you want if dryness is your problem. You need to use natural oil-based soaps that won’t harm your skin. Consider our simplest soap, created especially for sensitive skin, using Olive and Coconut oil and without any essential oils or unnecessary additives.
Avoid Artificially Scented Products
According to The International Fragrance Association, the word “fragrance” in the ingredients lists of cosmetics can hide over 3000 substances. Many of them are reported to have a serious effect on our health, including cancer, allergies and sensitivity. If you want your skincare and cosmetics to smell nice, choose those which have a full list of ingredients, and not just a mysterious “fragrance” expression. On the other hand, if your skin is very sensitive, the best idea is to avoid all scent in skincare. Choose the simplest products to reduce the chance of allergic reactions and/or irritation, such as our best selling balm made only with honey, beeswax and Apricot Kernel oil.
Shaving with a Blunt Razor
If you shave, always remember to have a sharp razor blade in your safety razor. A blunt razor can irritate your skin in an invisible way, making it easier for water to evaporate and for external, potentially harmful, elements to penetrate it.
Use a Humidifier
Higher humidity can reduce water evaporation from your skin and make it less sensitive. Invest in a humidifier. Your skin will love you for it.