How to Soothe Dry, Itchy Skin Naturally

• What Causes Dry Skin?
• Gentle Home Remedies for Dry Skin
• How to Help Prevent Dry Skin
• Key Ingredients for Dry Skin
• Plant-Based Skincare for Dry Skin

Does your skin feel tight, look red, or start to flake? These are common signs of dryness. Dry skin often lacks natural oils and moisture-binding substances—or struggles to retain hydration properly. In many cases, the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis) is compromised.

Normally, this protective barrier—supported by natural oils and the skin’s acid mantle—helps defend against environmental stressors and prevents moisture loss. When this barrier weakens, skin can feel rough, uncomfortable, and more sensitive.

Several everyday factors can throw skin off balance:

• Cold weather: Dry skin is especially common in winter. Cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating can weaken the skin barrier and increase moisture loss.

• Sun exposure: UV rays can dry out skin over time, especially during summer months.

• Stress: Emotional stress can affect skin balance. When your body is under pressure, certain stress signals may impact the skin’s protective function.

• Nutrition: Essential fatty acids—such as omega-3s—support skin hydration. A lack of these nutrients may contribute to dryness. They’re found in foods like nuts, fish, and leafy greens.

• Smoking: Nicotine can impair circulation, which may slow skin renewal and reduce moisture supply.

• Harsh skincare products: Some cleansers, soaps, and shampoos remove too much natural oil, leaving skin dry and vulnerable.

• Not drinking enough fluids: When your body lacks hydration, your skin often shows it.

• Aging: As we age, skin naturally produces fewer lipids, which can make dryness more noticeable.

With the right care and small lifestyle adjustments, you can help protect your skin barrier and keep dryness in check.

Some simple home remedies can support dry skin by providing comfort and moisture. These ingredients are easy to use and can complement your daily skincare routine:

• Coconut oil: Helps soften very dry areas on hands, feet, and body. If you tend to have blemish-prone or oily skin, use sparingly.

• Honey: Traditionally valued for its soothing properties. Applied to lips for about 10 minutes, it can help improve the feel of dry, chapped lips. A plant-based alternative is maple syrup.

• Quark or yogurt mask: Dairy-based masks are often used for their cooling, comforting feel. Mix about 3 tablespoons of quark or plain yogurt with 1 teaspoon of honey, apply, and rinse off after 10 minutes. You can also add finely grated cucumber for extra freshness.

• Oatmeal mask (vegan option): Cook 2 tablespoons of oats with water for about 5 minutes, let cool, then apply to dry facial skin for 10 minutes.

Used once or twice a week, these remedies can help support dry skin—especially during colder months.

Small everyday habits can make a big difference when it comes to maintaining your skin’s natural balance:

• Use hydrating products: Choose mild, non-alkaline cleansers and moisturizing body washes that won’t strip natural oils.

• Avoid potential irritants: If your skin is sensitive, steer clear of alcohol, synthetic fragrance, or other ingredients that may cause irritation.

• Watch water temperature: Short, lukewarm showers are gentler on your skin barrier than long, hot ones.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water—and unsweetened teas—helps support hydration from within.

• Wear comfortable clothing: Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton are kinder to dry, sensitive skin.

• Pat skin dry: After bathing, gently pat skin dry instead of rubbing. Apply moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.

With these simple steps, you can help keep dryness at bay. If certain areas still feel rough or tight, targeted, nourishing care can provide extra comfort.

The right skincare can help improve the look and feel of dry skin by supporting moisture and reinforcing the skin barrier. Especially when skin lacks lipids, plant-based oils can help restore balance. Look for these well-known ingredients:

• Aloe vera: Known for its cooling, soothing feel and hydration support.

• Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): Helps improve the look of dry, stressed skin and supports barrier function.

• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stressors and may slow down skin aging.

• Glycerin (plant-derived): Attracts moisture and helps skin retain hydration.

• Hyaluronic acid: Binds water to the skin, helping it feel plumper and more elastic.

• Plant oils & butters: Including squalane (from olives), shea butter, argan oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and marula oil—known for nourishing dry skin without feeling heavy.

• Linoleic acid (Omega-6): A fatty acid naturally found in the skin barrier, supporting moisture balance and comfort.

As a general rule: The drier the skin, the richer your moisturizer can be. For irritated skin, lighter, water-based formulas may feel more comfortable and absorb quickly.

Different areas of the body have different needs. The face, lips, eye area, hands, elbows, shins, and feet tend to lose moisture fastest.

• Morning facial care: Start with a gentle cleanser. Follow with a moisturizing face cream that supports the skin barrier. An eye cream can help soften the look of dryness around the eyes.

• Evening facial care: Cleanse gently again. At night, richer textures can be especially beneficial, as they have time to absorb while you sleep.

• Hands & feet: Lightweight creams during the day, richer formulas at night. Ingredients like glycerin and urea help keep skin feeling smooth.

• Body care: Body lotions, creams, or oils with shea butter or jojoba oil help maintain moisture. Creamy body washes are often more comfortable than foaming ones.

When skin feels tight or sensitive due to dryness, gentle care is essential. Look for products free from mineral oils, parabens, and other potentially irritating ingredients.

ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND offers several plant-based skincare lines designed to support dry and sensitive skin:

• LL REGENERATION helps support mature skin and improve the look of elasticity.

• AQUANATURE is ideal for moisture-depleted skin.

• ZZ SENSITIVE is formulated for sensitive, easily stressed skin.

Each line combines botanical ingredients with scientific expertise—created to support your skin in everyday life.