Dry skin, also called Xerosis Dermatitis, is a very common skin condition that occurs when the skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture in the most superficial layer. This can happen as a result of too frequent and too many hot baths, the use of harsh soaps or more severe medical conditions such as eczema. While these may be some of the most obvious causes, elderly persons are more susceptible to this condition. The skin of the elderly tends to have diminished amounts of natural skin oils; areas such as the arms, hands, and especially the lower legs are most affected. While many individuals may need a dermatologist to help relieve this skin condition, others may not. However, knowing what products work together and the order in which to use them can become a hassle when selecting pharmaceutical skincare products. These products can also be extremely costly and in some cases cause other skin deficiencies.

Dry skin an issue? No worries. The food we eat and the plants we grow contain moisturising properties that may save us from a drugstore visit. Your UTD squad found six extremely cost-effective diy home-made remedies to help you avoid using harmful chemical-based products.

1. Avocado and honey mask

Ingredients:

½ extremely ripe, soft avocado

¼ cup honey

Directions: Mash the avocado in a bowl then stir in the honey. Apply both ingredients to your skin and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse face using a cool wash cloth.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of honey

1 teaspoon of olive oil

1 egg white

Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl. When they thicken, slightly spread the mixture onto your face. Allow the mixture to sit on your face for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Your skin will be well-moisturised, smooth and glowing. You can store the extra mask in the refrigerator for about a week and use it as often as you like.

A paraffin wax heater/double boiler pot

Blocks of paraffin wax

Moisturiser

Plastic bags for both your hands or feet

Warm spa gloves or kitchen mittens

Wash cloth

Directions: Remove jewellery, when the wax is melted (if a double boiler pot is used to melt wax, pour into a basin) allow it to cool to bearable level. Place hand in paraffin wax allowing it to sit there for about 5 seconds. Remove your hand from the paraffin wax and place it into a plastic bag. Slide your hand into a spa glove or kitchen mitten, allowing it to stay for 10-12 minutes. Remove the cloth mitten and plastic bag, gently removing wax. Remove remaining wax with a wash cloth. Repeat this procedure with other hand or feet.

Ingredients:

2 fully ripe bananas

1 tablespoon of honey

1/2 cup of yogurt

Directions: Blend these natural ingredients together until they form a consistent paste. Smear the paste onto your face, leaving it there for about 20 minutes or until it dries out. Rinse your face with warm water.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

1/2 ripe avocado

1 tablespoon of runny honey (if required, warm it for a few seconds in a microwave to make it runny)

1 teaspoon of almond or coconut oil

1 ½ tablespoons of dry oatmeal

Directions: Crush the avocado in a bowl until it turns into fine pulp without lumps. Stir in the aloe vera gel, runny honey, coconut oil and oatmeal. Mix these natural ingredients until they form a paste. Spread the mask onto freshly washed skin, leaving it there for about 15 minutes. Rinse the mask off with lukewarm water and a warm wash cloth.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup instant oatmeal

1/2 cup hot water

1 tablespoon honey

1-2 tablespoons plain, unsweetened yogurt

Directions: Add the water to your oatmeal and stir for a few minutes until it’s plumped. Add the honey and yogurt and put through a blender to smooth and combine it well. Lather all over your face, leave on for 10 minutes then wash with warm water.

This mask can also be used on eczema patches on other parts of your body, such as the inner arms, the back of your knees, your neck, etc. For areas other than your face, you can leave the treatment on for a bit longer before washing it off.