Winter weather can be beautiful with snow-covered trees and fun activities like sledding. The other thing winter brings with it is icy winds and dry weather. In fact, the lack of moisture in the atmosphere is what’s responsible for our chapped lips, cracked hands, and flaky cheeks. The dryness can be relieved, however, thanks in part to natural remedies for dry skin. To find relief for your dry and flaky skin, try the following tips:

1. Home remedies

Many home remedies relieve dry and flaky skin. They are:

• Birch tea is known to relieve skin conditions like herpes and eczema. This tea is made with fresh or dry birch leaves. Drinking this three or four times a day or using it as a compress (dip in warm or cold tea and apply on the affected part) can help.
• A herbal bath made with various dried herbs can be great for your skin. Place the herbs in a mesh bag in the bathtub while you draw a bath. You can add chamomile, white rose petals, marshmallow, and comfrey.
• Glycerin mixed with water is great for dry skin. This should be applied at bedtime so it soaks into the skin completely.

2. Avoid dry skin

You can avoid dry skin if you keep a few things in mind: Drinks lots of liquid, avoid caffeine, juices, and sugary sodas. Instead, drink herbal teas, water kefir, and water. You can add a little fruit or mint to your water to make it appealing.

Fat is essential for your well being. It helps to make the skin soft and supple but you need to use the right kind of fat. You need to avoid interesterified fats, hydrogenated oils, and liquid vegetable oils like canola, soy, and corn. You can apply oils like walnut oil, flaxseed, or extra virgin olive oil. You can also consume cod liver and fish oil for better skin health.

Use mild soaps and cleansers that only wash away the dirt and grime while retaining natural oils. Most oils found in markets contain chemical fragrances and ingredients. Avoid purchasing such products.

3. Expert tips

There are a few steps you need to take to protect your skin.

• Always moisturize your skin after taking a bath. Use a rich, thick cream and apply it head to toe.
• While taking a hot bath, limit the time to 10 minutes and use a mild body wash rather than a harsh soap bar.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals on your skin like apple cider vinegar and alcohol, as they worsen dry skin and lead to burns.
• Drink lots of water to keep the skin moisturized.
• Dress properly for the weather, wear sunscreen, protect your skin from sunburn, and wear gloves to protect your hands from getting dry or flaky.
• Treat dry skin at night and slather it with creams or lotions. Cover your skin so the moisturizer is absorbed into the skin overnight.
• Many people use a humidifier to help breathe in the extreme cold. Others use it to protect the skin from getting dry. Place it close to your bed but you can also keep it anywhere in the house.
• Reduce stress as stress is a known trigger the flare-up of eczema. It can also lead to dry skin on the hands and feet as well as other areas of the body.