Winter weather typically means dry and itchy skin. Keeping it hydrated seems to be an never-ending challenge, especially hands, elbows and legs. But did you realize that food can be a fun way to give your skin a little boost of moisture and softness? You bet! Here are three DIY ideas on how to use common foods to treat dry skin.
Ground Oatmeal Mask or Soak
Oatmeal makes a delicious breakfast, but it is also a great moisturizer. The process of using oatmeal to treat dry skin is simple. All you do is create colloidal oatmeal, meaning you mix finely ground oatmeal with water. When you combine oats with a liquid, substances called polysaccharides create a salve that will nourish the skin. The oatmeal will also bring the moisture from the air into your skin and help it stay there.
When you are making a mask for your hands, elbows or face, use enough water to make a thicker solution that you can apply to the skin. Then leave it on the skin for about 10-15 minutes. As well, I always recommend first doing a skin test on your inner arm, just to make sure you’re not allergic.
If you prefer to make a foot/hand soak, or even a bath, use about 1-2 cups of ground oatmeal in hot water. Then soak for 15-20 minutes. Really, you can add ground oatmeal to any food detox bath to give those feet a little extra moisture.
Olive Oil as a Moisturizer
For all the cooks out there, olive oil is an amazing moisturizer and skin conditioner. When you’re using it during lunch or dinner prep, its the perfect time to treat dry skin spots or just rub a little into your hands or elbows.
Regardless of their culinary endeavors, anyone can use olive oil to plump up the skin. It is a great natural source of vitamins A, D, E and K. Vitamin E is especially beneficial in nourishing the skin. It creates a natural barrier that helps the skin retain moisture.
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Finally, olives are rich in squalene. Manufacturers use this organic compound in skincare products as a highly-effective emollient and natural antioxidant. Squalene is also present in skin oil that the body produces on its own.
When applying olive oil to skin, you’ll get better results if your skin is damp. As well, I would highly recommend using organic extra-virgin olive oil to treat dry skin. This ensures the oil hasn’t been synthetically altered.
Exfoliating with Pumpkin
Another food that can benefit your dry skin is pumpkin. This vegetable is a natural and very gentle exfoliant. It helps to buff away dead skin cells using its naturally-occurring enzymes and acids. It is definitely less abrasive than using a scrub.
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Pumpkin treatment is easy because you can just use canned organic pumpkin puree. Apply the puree onto the skin, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rinse off with warm water or take a warm shower to wash away dead skin. No rubbing or scrubbing required!
Once you’ve created a smoother surface, you’re likely to get better results from your moisturizing treatment.
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Moreover, views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Awareness Junkie or its staff.
