There are two types of dry skin conditions: oil dry and moisture dry. The oily, dry skin is sensitive and has flaky patches with no visible pores. It ages and wrinkles early if not given proper care. It has a tendency to chap easily and even at an early age, may show tiny lines around the eyes and mouth.

The skin care regime for dry skin should emphasize moisturising and nourishing the skin. The dry, sensitive skin should be cleansed with nourishing ingredients and alcohol-free skin fresheners. Following are a few ingredients that can be used as cleansers, exfoliators, or moisturisers to keep dry skin moisturised, nourished and hydrated.

  1. Milk: Milk contains various vitamins, minerals and nutrients that benefit the skin in multiple ways. It adds glow to the skin, helps to fade away pigmentation and blemishes and deeply nourishes the skin within. 

    • CleanserTake 2 tablespoons of raw milk and a cotton ball. Dip a cotton ball in it and gently spread raw milk all over the face and neck.

    • ExfoliatorMilk and oatmeal exfoliator. Take 1 tablespoon of oatmeal and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of raw milk into it and gently exfoliate all over your face.

    • Face PackAlmond and milk face pack. Soak 8 to 10 almonds and make a fine paste. Add 2 tablespoons of milk to it and apply it all over the face and neck.

  2. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that maintain the pH level of the skin. It helps to treat acne, nourish dry skin, prevent aging and also treats sunburn. You can use it as a face pack or toner. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and apply it all over the face and neck. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse off. To use it as toner, take 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, mix 1/3rd cup of cucumber juice with it and 1/4th cup of water. Mix well and store it in a spray bottle. 

  3. Vitamin E: Vitamin E has the tendency to treat extreme dryness, allergic reactions, itching, and keep the skin nourished and glowing. It has great healing properties that repair and restore the skin within. You can add 1 to 2 drops of vitamin E to your daily moisturiser, or you can add it to your face pack. You can also use it as a night cream, apply it directly onto the skin. 

  4. Banana: Bananas are a highly nourishing ingredient for dry skin. It instantly moisturises and nourishes the dead and dry skin. It hydrates the skin and keeps it soft. Banana peels are also rich in antioxidants that can treat acne, aging and moisturise dry skin. For the banana face pack, take one banana and mash it completely. You can add honey/yogurt/olive/papaya as per your skin need.

  5. Honey: Honey is a great humectant that gives complete hydration to the skin. It deeply moisturises the skin and adds a glow to it. It has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and high anti-aging properties. Honey can be applied directly to the skin, or it can be used as an exfoliator or a face pack.

    • For exfoliation: To prepare a honey exfoliator, take 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey and add 1 teaspoon of coffee or sugar to it. Gently exfoliate using your fingertips. Leave it for 5 minutes and rinse off. 

    • For face pack: To prepare a honey face pack, take 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey and add 1 to 2 teaspoons of aloe vera or 1 tablespoon of mashed banana. Mix well and apply it all over the face and neck. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse off.