How to Moisturize your Skin

Dry skin makes one look dull and old. No one loves that look, and that’s why it’s absolutely necessary to get your skin hydrated so that it looks healthy. And of course, everyone needs that great looking skin, not just people with dry skin. Moisturizing is essential for having and maintaining beautiful skin. Frequent moisturizing can make your skin glow and give deep hydration. Seasonal changes, together with the sun’s UV rays can cause some damage to the skin, making it dry. This dryness could lead to dry patches, itching, and a number of other skin problems. To get your skin free of these, you’ll need to moisturize it daily.

Although you can get moisturizers in retail shops and online stores, however, you can spend less and make them yourself at home. could do with some ingredients found right at your home.

10 Ways to Moisturize Skin Naturally at Home

Aloe Vera Gel

You will only need an aloe vera leaf

What to Do

• Peel off the outer part of the leaf and take out the inside stem that secretes the gel.
• Extract this gel and mash it neatly.
• Apply it as soon as possible.
• Allow it to dry for 10 minutes then wash off with some warm water.
• Repeat this once every 2-3 days.
• You may store the rest of the aloe vera gel in an air-tight container and refrigerate it for a few days.

Why this Works

Aloe vera gel is packed with vitamins A and E that are great for the skin. It also contains plant steroids that have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve the itching sensation that comes with dry skin.

Natural Oils

You will need any of these:

Jojoba oil, coconut oil, mineral oil, sesame oil, olive oil, or castor oil.

What to Do

• Apply the oil all over your body and massage for a minute or two.
• Leave it overnight and take a shower early the next morning.
• You may do this 2-3 times a week.

Why this Works

Dry and itchy skin get better deep hydration, and the oils listed offer excellent soothing effects for all skin types. They are rich in vitamins A and E, and fatty acids. They add moisture and enrich the skin with essential nutrients for skin health. Applying these oils regularly will make your skin smoother and softer.

Milk or Buttermilk

You will only need cold milk or buttermilk

What to Do

• Apply it generously to the affected area.
• Leave it for 10-15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.
• Do this twice a week before taking a shower.

Why this Works

Milk and buttermilk are effective in hydrating all skin types. They get quickly absorbed into the skin pores and contain nutrients that keep wrinkles away. If you are allergic to dairy products, this remedy isn’t safe for you.

Avocado

You will need avocado for this.

What to Do

• Cut open the avocado and remove the pulp.
• Mash it gently till no lumps remain.
• Apply it on the affected area and let it remain for about 10 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water.
• Do this twice a week.

Why this Works

Avocado is bursting with plenty of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals such as carotenoids, vitamin C, fatty acids, and vitamin E. These nutrients will nourish your skin and protect it from free radical damage. Vitamin C enhances collagen and elastin synthesis, leaving your skin firm and youthful.

Cocoa Butter

You will need only cocoa butter for this.

What to Do

• Shave the cocoa butter and rub gently into your skin.
• Leave the butter to melt with the friction and spread over your skin.
• Do this twice a week.

Why this Works

Cocoa butter increases the skin’s elasticity and moisturizes it because it contains saturated fats. Also, its polyphenol content possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that reverse the damage caused by UV exposure.

Shea Butter

You will need organic shea butter.

What to Do

• Take a little portion of shea butter and melt it by rubbing in between your hands.
• Apply it all over the affected area.
• Massage for a few minutes so it gets absorbed into the skin.
• Do this every night before going to bed.

Why this Works

Shea butter, rich in saturated fatty acid, is an effective moisturizer for the skin. It also has anti-aging and healing properties.

Mango Butter

You will need some mango butter.

What to Do

• Apply the butter all over your body and massage it in.
• Leave it on for about 30 minutes.
• Do this daily.

Why this Works

Mango is rich in antioxidants and compounds that moisturize the skin. Fortunately, it gets easily absorbed into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.

Honey

You will only need organic honey.

What to Do

• Apply some honey on the affected area.
• Leave it on for 20-25 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
• Do this 2-3 times a week.

Why this Works

Honey penetrates the deeper layers of the skin to moisturize it. It also cleans up the skin pores and restores the dull skin to its natural glow with its antioxidants.

Cucumber Juice

You Will Need

• 1 large cucumber
• 8 oz. paraffin wax
• 2 oz. carrier oil (preferably almond oil)

What to Do

• Peel the cucumber and cut in half lengthwise.
• Remove the seeds and blend the cucumber pieces into a puree.
• Heat up the paraffin wax in the microwave for 90 seconds.
• Add the carrier oil and cucumber puree and mix thoroughly.
• Massage the skin with the mixture.
• Do this every night.
• Store the rest of the mixture in an air-tight container.

Why this Works

Cucumber has a lot of water, and when you use it as a skin moisturizer, it hydrates the skin. It is also a soothing agent that rejuvenates and replenishes the skin.

Beeswax

You Will Need

• 1 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 2 oz. Beeswax
• 5-6 capsules Vitamin E oil

What to Do

• Pour the oils and beeswax in a glass container.
• Heat all these ingredients in a double boiler over medium heat and mix every few minutes to get an even mixture.
• Get all the beeswax to melt and mix it properly with the oil.
• Take the container out and let it cool.
• Add vitamin E oil from the capsules and stir well before the mixture solidifies.
• Apply this beeswax lotion on your skin and massage well.
• Leave it on overnight.
• Close the glass container with a tight lid and store for future use.
• Apply this mixture every other day.

Why this Works

Beeswax improves the skin’s elasticity and softens it. Coconut oil and olive oil are great moisturizers too, as they’ve got antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tips for Moisturizing your Skin

• Always use a gentle moisturizer.
• You may use richer moisturizers during the winter months to combat the dryness from the cold temperatures.
• Use a moisturizer with SPF in it or sunblock on top of the moisturizer to protect your skin from UV damage.
• Don’t use harsh soaps or body washes as they can make your skin dry and dull.
• Wash your face and take a shower with lukewarm, not hot water. Hot water saps moisture from the skin.
• Use a moisturizer that is universal for all skin types or one you’re certain is ideal for your specific skin type.
• Use both facial and body moisturizers, as every part of your skin deserves to be moisturized.
• Always do a patch test if you’re not sure about any ingredient.