Frugal Dry Skin Remedies

If you have trouble with dry skin and it seems like lotion only makes it worse, it might very well be. Lotions have so many ingredients that it's not uncommon for some of them to irritate skin. Stick to natural or simple products when it's possible and you might find your dry skin improves quite a bit.

Here are a few ideas that could help.

Use Vicks for extra dry areas like knuckles and elbows. It just takes a little bit. Rub it in thoroughly. This is especially effective at night when you won't be washing your hands for awhile.

Use Vicks on rough, dry feet after a shower or after soaking your feet in warm water. Rub it onto your feet and put socks on to keep it from getting in your shoes or on your floor. This is a treat on a cold winter's night.

Coconut oil is a good, lightweight moisturizer, but it won't last if you're using your hands much. Save it for when you're relaxing. It smells good and it's goodness soaks into your skin.

Use olive oil immediately after a shower while your skin is damp. It takes very little, so don't use too much. If you do, wipe off the excess with a cloth.

When you're cooking, don't wash your hands every time you turn around, unless, of course, it's to remove meat or something you don't want to mix with other foods. Keep a cloth handy and wipe them instead.

Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated will make a difference. There are so many choices when it comes to drinks (coffee, tea, sodas, juices, milks) that we forget that plain old water is the best. Water without anything added is the best hydration.

Protect your skin when you are going to be in the sun, wind or cold for very long. Use any natural oil or fat.

If your lips are dry , try Vicks, olive oil, lard or shortening, butter or vegetable oil. Experiment to see which one you like best. Commercial lip balms often make your lips worse over time.

All of these things are very frugal, since it takes a very small amount to treat your skin and quite often, they are things you already have so you don't have to buy anything extra. What little you use on your skn will never be noticed.