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Say hi to Andrea, my fellow pet lover and friend 🙂 She used to complain a lot about dry skin, due to her work with animals. But after a while she found some great recipes that helped her out. I asked her to share them with you, I hope you like them! Take it away, Andrea!

If you’ve ever worked in a field where you’re constantly washing your hands, handling chemicals, or wearing latex gloves, then you know exactly how uncomfortable it is to have dry skin. Whether your hands are dry or your face is feeling tight and rough, there are gentle home remedies for dry skin that won’t strip your skin of the moisture it still has.

As a veterinary technician I have to take extra care of my hands to keep them healthy and moist. We deal with many nasty bacteria and viruses from all the pets we see, that washing our hands, arms, and face, constantly with anti-microbial soup is a must.

Unfortunately this type of rough treatment to my skin leaves them dry and itchy, and the last thing I want to do is add more pricey lab made moisturizers that might damage my skin even more.

That’s why I wanted to share with you (from all my trial and errors) these top five go to natural remedies for dry skin.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an excellent choice for skin that’s extremely dry. On top of its ability to heal dryness, it’s also a natural antiseptic and antifungal. It’s most commonly used on sunburns, but it’s quite effective at moisturizing, too. You can get aloe vera in gels or lotions, but you can also grow your own aloe vera. All you have to do is break off a leaf and squeeze the gel out. If you have skin that is cracked and painful, aloe vera will rehydrate the skin while preventing infection from forming. If you purchase a commercial aloe vera lotion or cream, make sure organic aloe vera is the first ingredient.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil will help with dry skin when it’s used topically and internally. Coconut oil consists of medium-chain fatty acids which are excellent for adding healthy fats into the body. Sometimes dry skin, nails, and hair are because you don’t have enough fat in your diet. Experts agree that a low-fat diet isn’t the healthiest, so coconut oil is a great option to add healthy fats without affecting your cholesterol or blood pressure. Raw coconut oil can be rubbed into dry hands, feet, and even your face. Oil cleansing is a face washing method where you rub coconut oil onto your face and then wipe it away with a wet rag. This method is great for people with dry skin that’s prone to breakouts.

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil is another natural oil popular because of its ability to rehydrate the skin. It’s filled with antioxidants and vitamins E and K that make skin softer, smoother, and younger. You can take olive oil internally or apply it externally to the affected areas. Add a teaspoon or two a day to your food or rub small amounts onto dry patches of skin.

4. Avocados

Many people think dry skin occurs from a dry environment, but diet actually makes a huge impact on the skin’s hydration level. A diet devoid of fatty acids will create dry skin, hair, and nails, and this has long been a fact in animal health skin care as well. Dogs who present with dry coats or skin are usually deficient in amino acids. Avocados are brimming with fatty acids that are known for creating lustrous hair and soft, supple skin. You can also make an avocado face mask with just avocado and honey. Mix them together and apply the mixture to your face for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Milk

Milk may be the perfect partner for your cookies, but it’s fantastic for your skin, too. The lactic acid found in milk exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Soak a cloth in cold milk and let it sit on areas that are dry or irritated for five minutes. Gently rinse the milk off so some of the lactic acid stays on your skin.

You don’t have to spend tons of money on expensive products that barely make a dent on your skin. This is especially true when you have limited income (a vet tech’s salary doesn’t pay much) Mother Nature has your back, providing you relief with ingredients you can find in your kitchen. Give these natural dry skin home remedies a try and you might find a new beauty routine.