6 Simple Remedies for Dry, Flaky Skin

by Madeline Kim on Sep 05, 2022

Whether it’s winter or summer, we can experience dry, flaky skin at any time. Sometimes, dryness is a condition that can’t be fixed by applying a moisturizer alone, especially if it’s caused by certain environmental and lifestyle conditions. By figuring out the potential cause and taking a few simple steps to rehydrate your skin, you can combat dryness and flakiness for a soft, radiant complexion.

Dry skin and flakiness manifest as dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin, leading also to clogged pores and inflammation. There are many different reasons for why we might experience dry skin. They include the following:

Age
Heat
Dry, arid climate
Shaving
Skin conditions like eczema
Frequent or hot showers/baths

While some of these factors, like climate or age, are things we can’t control, we can make changes to other parts of our routines to remedy the root cause of dryness. In addition, even when it comes to things out of our control, there are several simple home remedies that nevertheless promote hydrated, youthful skin.

Use a dry brush

Dry brushing is the Ayurvedic practice of running a brush along your skin in firm motions. Doing so boosts circulation, slaughs off impurities and promotes the natural detoxification of the lymphatic system. The result is exfoliated, glowing skin cleared of flakiness and dead skin cells.

To reap these impressive benefits, before you shower, run a dry brush against your skin in short, delicate strokes beginning from the feet and moving upward to the back, stomach, arms, chest and neck. Here’s a more detailed graphic detailing how to apply the brush to your body.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation is a key practice for removing dead skin cells, unclogging pores and stimulating circulation, which in turn prime the skin for receiving other skincare products. The skin becomes more receptive to absorbing deep, long-lasting moisture. In Ayurveda, there are a number of natural ingredients that are revered for their exfoliating properties, like honey, lemon juice, yogurt and oats. If you’re looking for a natural exfoliator, products like our UMA Ultimate Brightening Rose Powder Cleanser and our UMA Absolute Anti Aging Rose Honey Cleanser harness potently-hydrating Ayurvedic botanicals to offer a gentle, yet effective exfoliating experience.

It’s important not to over-exfoliate, as that can lead to the production of excess oil and inflammation. Instead, gently exfoliate dry skin 2-3 times a week, and be sure to follow it with hydrating products.

Eat antioxidant-rich foods

External elements like free radicals can contribute to the accumulation of toxins on the skin, which in turn causes damage and dryness. One way to combat this effect while also boosting your overall health is by eating foods rich in antioxidants. These include blueberries, pomegranates, oranges, tomatoes, lentils, beans, carrots and other potent, nutrient-rich foods.

Take shorter, cooler showers

Taking long, hot showers can often do more damage than it’s worth by scalding and drying out the skin. A lifestyle fix as simple as taking shorter showers that are warm instead of hot can make a big difference in preventing your skin from drying out. Following a milder shower with an oil, serum or other moisturizer can help you cultivate skin that is soft, hydrated and smooth.

Apply a DIY mask

There are lots of ingredients you likely have in your kitchen that double as potent natural moisturizers. If your skin feels especially dry, you can provide effective relief by making your own DIY mask. Here are a couple of examples:

Banana, cinnamon & honey: Hydrating, nourishing banana, detoxifying honey and pore-purifying cinnamon combine to form a mask that deeply cleanses and moisturizes the skin. To make, mash half a banana and combine with 2 tbsp organic honey and ½ tbsp finely ground cinnamon powder. Apply to affected areas after cleansing for 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Yogurt & egg white: Yogurt helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and provide deep hydration, while egg whites tighten the skin for a taut, firm and youthful complexion. To make, mix 2 tbsp plain yogurt with 2 egg whites. Apply to clean skin and leave on for 7 minutes before washing off with warm water. Finish off with a cold water rinse.

For more examples of hydrating, brightening DIY masks, check out our blogs here and here.

Try a hydrating body oil

Especially during the summer months, a heavy-duty moisturizer may be too grating and clogging to the skin. If you’re looking for a lightweight, yet penetrating solution, you may want to try out a body oil formulated to combat dryness (our UMA Absolute Anti Aging Body Oil is a good place to start). What’s more, by using a body oil you can turn your moisturizing experience into a luxurious self-massage, helping nutrients and hydration to penetrate deeply into the skin while also boosting circulation, reducing stress and more.

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