Best DIY Face Packs for Dry Skin - 13 Soothing Homemade Recipes

Understanding Dry Skin and Why It Needs Special Care

Dry skin, characterized by tightness, flakiness, and itchiness, affects people year-round. However, it tends to get worse during the colder winter months when humidity levels drop. Dry air sucks moisture from the skin faster than it can be replenished from within, leading to an imbalanced moisture barrier.

If left untreated, dryness can progress to cracking, peeling, redness, irritation, and even bleeding in severe cases. The skin may also be more prone to developing secondary issues like eczema, psoriasis, and premature aging.

Causes of Dry Skin

There are several reasons why dry skin develops:

• Environmental factors like cold, dry air and wind
• Long hot showers or baths
• Harsh soaps, cleansers, and cosmetics
• Indoor heating systems
• Certain medical conditions and medications
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Aging skin produces less oil
• Genetics

Areas Commonly Affected

The parts of the body most prone to dryness include:

• Hands
• Arms
• Legs
• Face
• Torso

Best DIY Face Packs for Dry Skin

While body lotions help moisturize dry skin all over, the delicate facial skin needs special TLC. Face packs made with nourishing natural ingredients are an easy at-home solution.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Some awesome ingredients to look for include:

• Oils: Jojoba, olive, almond, avocado, grapeseed
• Butters: Shea, cocoa
• Essential fatty acids: Avocado, olive oil
• Humectants: Glycerin, honey, aloe vera
• Emollients: Oatmeal
• Skin-soothers: Aloe, chamomile

For best results, choose 2-3 ingredients and mix together. This allows the nutrients to work synergistically for enhanced skin nourishment.

Methodology

Making DIY face packs is very simple:

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly before applying any mask
2. Mix chosen ingredients together in a small bowl
3. Test a dab on wrist to rule out allergies
4. Apply evenly all over face and neck, avoiding eye area
5. Allow it to work its magic for 15-20 minutes
6. Rinse off gently with lukewarm water
7. Pat skin dry and follow up with moisturizer
8. Use face packs 2-3 times a week for best results

Storage Tips

Most DIY face packs stay fresh only for a few days when stored in the refrigerator. To maximize shelf life:

• Store in a clean, dry, airtight glass jar
• Add any fresh fruit or veggies only at time of application
• Avoid using leftovers beyond 3-4 days

5 Soothing Face Packs for Dry Skin

1. Oatmeal Honey Face Pack

This recipe combines emollient colloidal oatmeal and skin-loving honey for intense hydration. The gentle exfoliation from the oats buffs away dullness too.

Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup dry instant oatmeal
• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• 1 teaspoon almond or olive oil (optional)

Method:

1. Grind oatmeal into a powder if using rolled oats
2. Mix all ingredients into a smooth paste
3. Apply and allow to work for 15-20 minutes before washing off

2. Avocado Banana Mask

Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, vitamin E-rich banana teams up with hydrating avocado in this nourishing combo for extra dry skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

Method:

1. Mash avocado and banana together well
2. Stir in aloe vera gel to mix thoroughly
3. Apply generously to clean dry skin
4. Allow to penetrate for 15-20 minutes prior to rinsing off

3. Milk Cream Face Pack

Dairy cream is a centuries old remedy for dry skin. Combining milk and cream makes an intensely moisturizing and soothing dry skin treatment.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons milk cream
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water

Method:

1. Blend all ingredients together well
2. Smooth over cleansed face and neck
3. Leave on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off

4. Aloe Vera Gel Pack

This simple aloe vera face mask deeply hydrates dry skin while also calming inflammation and redness.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 3-4 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Method:

1. Mix together aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil
2. Add lavender oil if using and blend well
3. Apply on clean dry skin
4. Rinse with water after 15 minutes
5. Finish with a mild moisturizer

5. Yogurt Coconut Oil Mask

Yogurt softens and exfoliates while coconut oil deeply moisturizes to restore suppleness to extra dry, flaky skin.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons thick plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon honey

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients together very well
2. Apply evenly on cleansed face and neck
3. Allow to soak in for 15-20 minutes before washing off

Tips for Pampering Extra Dry Skin

Alongside regular hydrating face packs, also try these daily skin savers:

• Wash face with lukewarm water using a mild cleanser
• Apply toner to help reduce flakiness
• Choose a richer night cream formulated for very dry skin
• Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to slough off dead cells
• Dab on face oil after moisturizer to seal in hydration
• Use a humidifier during cold, dry months
• Avoid hot showers and limit bath time
• Shun harsh soaps, alcohol-based skin care
• Drink plenty of fluids to hydrate skin from inside out

With some TLC in the form of natural homemade face packs and proper skin care, dry skin can regain its healthy glow!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.