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In some circumstances you can calm your eczema symptoms by making small amendments to your diet?
Change your diet to help control eczemaNatural moisturisers for dry skin
Suffering from dry skin can be an irritating problem, however with so much choice now available to you, it’s definitely getting to be more manageable than it may have been a couple of decades ago. Nevertheless, it’s impossible to ignore that most of these choices come with a price tag attached and, with most of you equating quality with expense, you may have noticed a dent appearing in your bank balance.
Does it really have to be this way though? Arguably no. There are a plethora of natural ingredients available to you, some of which are much more affordable than their high-street counterparts. That’s why today I’m taking a look at 7 of my favourite natural moisturisers for dry, brittle skin!
1 – Coconut oil
Coconut is undeniably a must-have when it comes to overall skin health, although it can also boast a few enticing benefits for dry skin. Naturally rich in essential fatty acids, it’s coconut oil’s high content of lauric acid that makes it a very efficient antibacterial agent, protecting delicate dry skin from bacterial infections.
Coconut oil is also useful for promoting collagen production, keeping your skin soft and youthful, whilst warding off oxidative stress. It’s rich in antioxidants and capable of acting as a barrier against pollutants and irritants, preventing any further irritation or itchiness.
All in all, coconut oil is just an outstanding all-rounder and its incredible versatility definitely lends itself to a variety of functions, with some even using coconut oil as a natural make-up remover and cleanser! When it comes to the type of coconut oil you should be using, I would always opt for an organic, virgin form of coconut oil, such as Lucy Bee’s Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or Cocofina’s Organic Coconut Oil.
2 – Raw Honey
Sweet and sticky, honey isn’t always the most appealing moisturiser for your skin but there’s little doubt about its effectiveness. Manuka honey is the best form of organic honey to go for and it’s amazing when it comes to promoting skin regeneration and repair.
Helping your skin to hold in more moisture, it’s definitely the option to go for if you’re after a glowing, dewy complexion. Similar to coconut oil, raw Manuka honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent but it can also help to prevent premature ageing. This is because Manuka honey is capable of inhibiting the actions of a group of collagen-destroying enzymes known as MMP.
Manuka honey is a slightly more expensive option than many of the ingredients recommended on this list so it’s always worthwhile doing a bit of detective work to find the one that’s most suitable for you. Nelson Honey Manuka Honey is the option that I normally go for as it is sourced from a clean, pollution-free environment and can be taken internally as well as externally.
3 – Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil, cultivated from rosehip seeds, is quickly rising as a rival for coconut oil when it comes to skincare. Extremely rich in essential fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic acids, rosehip oil also has an impressive content of collagen-boosting vitamin C.
Naturally nourishing, it reaches deep into your skin and helps to hydrate and rejuvenate signs of dryness and premature ageing. It’s also good for itchiness and irritation, and can help to protect against additional stressors such as UV radiation and pollutants.
Unlike other oils, rosehip oil is also surprisingly light and is easily absorbed by your skin without leaving any greasy residues. Cold pressed, organic rosehip oil is always best – I often use Sukin’s Organic Rose Hip Oil as it is 100% vegan-friendly and chockfull of vitamin E!
4 – Shea butter
Produced from the nuts of the Shea tree, Shea butter is a common ingredient found in a variety of beauty products. Beloved for its rich content of vitamin A, raw Shea butter is extremely moisturising, encouraging softer, smoother skin.
I often use Shea butter in the colder winter months, applying it to my lips, cheeks and hands to prevent any winter dryness. This is because Shea butter can help to protect your skin from windburn and it is naturally anti-inflammatory.
You can also use Shea butter to help regenerate your skin as it can help to boost your production of collagen, returning elasticity and preventing premature ageing. When you are choosing a Shea butter, it’s always important that you opt for raw Shea butter if possible.
Most lip balms you will encounter do try to incorporate Shea butter so it’s always worthwhile keeping an eye out, especially as you head into autumn. Weleda’s Lip Balm is my go-to as it not only contains Shea butter but also organic jojoba oil and extracts of vanilla!
5 – Avocados
An increasingly popular source of healthy fats, avocados are becoming a staple in many people’s diets and with good reason! Not only are they high in vitamin E, avocados also contain poly and monosaturated fatty acids.
These fatty acids are vital when it comes to hydrating your skin, protecting your epidermal layer from sun damage and inflammation. It can also help to moisturise your skin and guard it against free-radical damage.
Rich in antioxidants, including vitamins E, C, biotin and carotenoids to promote collagen production and the health of certain skin lipids, avocados are an inexpensive skincare option. All you need do is mash the soft flesh and spread it across the affected area, washing off after 15-20 minutes.
6 – Hemp seed oil
Hemp seed oil is often misunderstood but it finally seems as though people are coming round to its innate health benefits. Chockfull of omega fatty acids, the fats in hemp seed oil are quite similar to those found in our skin.
This makes it a particularly effective moisturiser, not to mention it absorbs quickly without blocking any pores! It’s also rich in antioxidants, as well as vitamins A & E, which can help to prevent free-radical damage and support healthy skin regeneration.
Similar to coconut oil, some even use this oil as a make-up remover and cleanser too! I sometimes use it if I notice any signs of spots appearing as it can help skin to balance oil production, reducing the risk of an acne outbreak.
As I’ve mentioned before, it’s always a good idea to go for a cold-press organic option when it comes to oils. Hemp seed can be taken internally as well as externally and one of my favourite hemp seed oils is Viridian’s 100% Organic Hemp Seed Oil. It provides a great balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, not to mention it’s suitable for vegans and kosher-friendly!
7 – Aloe vera
Aloe vera, like coconut oil, has cemented its place as a skin health must-have, being used in variety of ways to treat a variety of problems, including everything from sunburn to acne! It’s estimated that there are around 200 active ingredients in aloe vera, including 18 amino acids and 20 minerals, making the plant quite the powerhouse of nutrients.
When it comes to keeping your skin soft and hydrated, aloe vera earns its place on this list because it naturally increases your skin’s ability to retain moisture. It can help to balance your skin’s pH levels and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, soothing any signs of irritation.
Thankfully, aloe vera is a fairly common ingredient so getting your hands on an organic extract shouldn’t be too tricky! I personally use Sukin’s Aloe Vera Gel if I’ve developed a little bit of sunburn – it’s very comforting and can help to cool down an inflamed rash.
Try our Bioforce Cream
While it is nice to be aware of the natural skincare products all around us, I can understand the appeal of an all-in-one moisturising cream. Fortunately, our Bioforce Cream is great for nourishing your skin, with soothing extracts of calendula, sage and witch hazel. It can help to protect skin against chaffing and chapping, not to mention it’s also suitable for your lips. Affordable and potent, if you’re looking for a natural moisturiser, look no further!
