Now don’t get me wrong here, I love winter as much as you do, however, right at the onset of the season is when my skin starts feeling dry and I feel a kind of irritation comparable to images of parched lands with dry cracked earth. The fact is, dry skin can be stubborn and frustrating for many people. I also know that you’ve probably tried countless creams and lotions, only to find your skin still feeling parched and flaky not long after applying those supposedly hydrating/moisturizing products.
For me, my grandmother’s remedies became a lifesaver when all else didn’t quite seem to work. Now, bear in mind that her methods weren’t fancy or full of complex ingredients, rather they were just simple, effective solutions passed down through generations. Let me share these time-tested remedies with you”
Why Homemade Remedies Are The Best
More than just external discomfort, dry skin is a sign that your skin needs care and nourishment. While store-bought products can help, they often contain synthetic additives some of which can be downright bad for your skin in the long run. As some of you might know, my grandmother believed in sticking to nature’s pantry aka home remedies, and honestly, I can’t find a single reason why not to plus it works like magic. These remedies not only hydrate your skin but also build its natural resilience over time.
1. Olive Oil Massage
My grandmother always said, “Before the shower comes the massage.” About 30 minutes before stepping into your bath, warm some olive oil in your hands and gently massage it onto your legs, arms, and wherever your skin feels dry.
This little ritual locks in moisture, acting as a natural barrier against dryness. After your shower, pat your skin dry (don’t rub it harshly!) and follow up with a light moisturizer. My grandmother used plain almond oil as her post-shower moisturizer, but any hydrating lotion will do. The combination leaves your skin soft, supple, and glowing.
2. Honey and Milk Mask
Now, this one feels luxurious, but it’s so simple. Mix two tablespoons of honey with a tablespoon of raw milk, and apply it to your face or hands. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Honey is a natural humectant—it pulls moisture from the air into your skin—while milk is rich in lactic acid, gently exfoliating dead skin cells. Whenever I tried skipping this, my grandmother would chime in with, “Don’t neglect your skin’s drink!” She truly believed this remedy worked from the inside out.
3. My All Time Fav, Aloe Vera
If you have an aloe vera plant at home, count yourself lucky because of its vast array of benefits. Just break off a leaf, scoop out the gel, and apply it directly to dry areas. Aloe vera soothes, hydrates, and repairs cracked skin.
My grandmother used to combine aloe vera gel with a few drops of vitamin E oil, especially during harsh winters. “This is nature’s healing balm,” she’d say, dabbing it on my wind-chapped hands. To this day, I keep an aloe vera plant in my kitchen window as a nod to her wisdom.
4. Coconut Oil for Overnight Hydration
If you’re too tired for an elaborate skincare routine, this is the easiest fix. Before bed, warm some coconut oil between your palms and massage it all over your skin. It works wonders overnight, sinking deep into your skin and restoring its moisture barrier.
Growing up, I’d often wake up to the faint, sweet smell of coconut oil in winter mornings—my grandmother’s way of ensuring my skin stayed soft no matter the weather.
5. Homemade Body Butter
Body butter was my grandmother’s indulgence, but it wasn’t store-bought. She’d whip together shea butter, coconut oil, and a few drops of almond oil, creating the most luxurious cream I’ve ever used.
She’d say, “Apply this right after your shower, while your skin is still damp.” This helped lock in hydration for hours. I’ve carried on this tradition, and to this day, it’s my go-to for combating dry, flaky skin during the colder months.
6. Hydration From the Inside Out
While my grandmother emphasized external remedies, she never let me forget that good skin starts from within. She’d encourage me to drink plenty of water, eat hydrating fruits like cucumbers and oranges, and sip on warm herbal teas throughout the day.
“It’s not just about what you put on your skin, but what you put in your body,” she’d say. And she was right—when I’m hydrated and nourished internally, my skin feels better naturally.
My Two Cents
Over the years, I’ve realized how much wisdom lies in these simple, homemade remedies. They don’t promise overnight miracles, but they nurture your skin in ways that last. While I still experiment with modern skincare products occasionally, nothing beats the authenticity of natural remedies passed down through generations.
So, the next time your skin feels dry and dull, take a page out of my grandmother’s book. You might just find that her time-honored solutions are exactly what your skin needs.
A Gentle Reminder
Caring for your skin isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good. These remedies are a way to connect with yourself and practice self-care in its purest form. So go ahead, try them out, and see how they transform your skin. And remember, as my grandmother always said, “Patience is the secret ingredient.”
What are your favorite remedies for dry skin? I’d love to hear them!