6 Natural Cures for Dry Skin

Feb. 25, 2012— -- Parched lips, flaky skin and flyaway, staticky hair -- we can thank winter's lower humidity, and the central heating, space heaters and fireplaces we use to counteract it, for a whole host of cold-weather beauty woes.

To keep your skin and hair from bumming you out all winter, try these natural skin care treatments from Ilona Pecnikov, director of esthetics at the New York City spa Just Calm Down, and Julie Gabriel, owner of skin care line Petite Marie Organics and author of The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skincare, Hair Care, Makeup and Fragrances (HCI, 2008). You'll be soft and silky in no time.

Dab on Olive Oil

When it comes to strategies for natural dry skin care, Gabriel swears by olive oil, an amazing multitasker. It instantly grooms dry cuticles, works wonders on hands and elbows, removes makeup, and soothes and conditions itchy, dry skin all over the body. "When your skin feels extra parched, you can dab a thin layer of organic extra-virgin olive oil under your moisturizer for an extra dose of antioxidants and good fatty acids," adds Gabriel.

The Truth About Natural Foods

Exfoliate With Yogurt, Papaya or Pumpkin

You can find plenty of options for natural dry skin care in your kitchen, or in the produce and diary aisles of your supermarket. Yogurt, especially the plain Greek variety, makes an excellent cleanser with a mild exfoliating action that will remove dry skin and leave you feeling refreshed and comfortable. Gabriel says it's a particularly safe exfoliant for very dry skin because it exfoliates using lactic acid, not scrubbing granules.

To add some oomph, try making Pecnikov's Greek Yogurt and Papaya Enzyme Conditioning Mask for Face & Décolleté: Mix ½ cup of Greek yogurt with 3 tablespoons of mashed-up papaya, and apply to skin.

Pumpkin enzymes are at play in her Pumpkin & Cinnamon Mask for Face and Body: mix one can of pumpkin and a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder.

Leave either mask on face or body for 5 to 15 minutes.

Or treat your extremities to her Three Berry Antioxidant Hand and Foot Mask: Mix 3/4 cup each of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries with ½ cup kefir in blender. Drink any leftovers!

Make a Homemade Skin Scrub

Economical and effective, a combo of sugar and any oil you may have around the kitchen makes a rich, nourishing body scrub for dry skin, according to Gabriel.

Simply mix equal amounts of fine brown sugar and oil, and rub on using light circular motions.

For an extra dose of vitamins and minerals, add a tablespoon of honey. Pecnikov adds lemon juice to her recipe.

Make sure to shower thoroughly afterwards!

Harvest the Healing Power of Honey

Honey is a time-tested cure for chapped, cracked lips, according to Gabriel.

Apply a little organic honey in the evening and wake up to smooth, yummy lips. This trick also works to soothe cracked heels and rough elbows.

Most Store-Bought Honey Isn't Honey At All, Tests Show

***

More from Rodale.com: