5 Tried and True Alternative Treatments for Dry Skin and Dry Scalp

Dry skin means itchy skin. A scratch here, a scratch there, and then it feels like your whole body itches. Fortunately, you can find relief without a doctor's bill or prescription medicine. The trick is to find alternative remedies that alleviate dry skin or scalp. Common dry skin or dry scalp is caused by lack of humidity. Without sufficient water, lipids, or oils the skin begins to dry from the inside out. Extreme hot and cold weather, air conditioners, heaters, long baths, and harsh soaps are common environmental factors that dry the skin. Dehydration, poor diet, alcohol, prescription drugs, psoriasis, and hypothyroidism also dry the skin. Now that you know what is drying your skin you can take advantage of these five alternative remedies for dry skin and scalp care.

Humidifier. This is a no-brainer. If your dry skin is caused by a lack of humidity, it only makes sense to add humidity back into your environment. The moisture stolen from you by your heater or air conditioner will be replenished and your skin will start to feel better. As long as you run the humidifier you will be protected from losing moisture through evaporation.

Milk and honey. Send your skin to heaven with milk and honey. These natural skin soothers are in your kitchen already. Milk is gentle enough to sooth a fresh burn and honey is great at locking in moisture. Both of these sooth, moisturize, and exfoliate. Together they are the dream team of dry skin and scalp treatments.

Olive oil. Normally your glands produce enough oil to keep your skin moisturized. Extra-virgin olive oil can moisturize dry skin and dry scalp. Its antioxidants protect and repair your skin from the damage of free radicals. Without the worry of irritants most treatments contain, you can lather olive oil directly onto your skin or pour a few spoonfuls into your bath. (You can add some lavender oil for aromatherapy.) The oil will seal the moisture in. Do this at night and see how your skin feels by the time you wake up!

Vaseline. Petroleum jelly is a great inexpensive alternative to thin, fragrant lotions. When applied to the skin, it acts as a seal. No moisture gets in and, even more importantly, no moisture gets out. It does not absorb into the skin causing it to feel greasy. The best time to use petroleum jelly is directly after a shower or bath at night. This way you will be moisturized and ready for your day.

Aloe vera. You can't mention treatment for skin without mentioning aloe vera. Aloe vera is in many skin products on the market due to its healing properties. Aloe vera gel is a better treatment because it comes without dyes, fragrances, or other irritants. You can buy aloe vera gel and put it directly onto your dry skin or scalp. Spread it onto your skin like you would a lotion. It absorbs quickly and can be used any time of day. It will moisturize, smooth, and exfoliate your skin without leaving you greasy.