The dry winter season has arrived, and with it comes dry, cracked skin. From dry patches to flaky skin, and faces that appear sunburned but are windburned, it becomes harder to keep skin feeling moisturized. There are several quite frugal ways to help keep your skin looking its best this season. And there are two products most people already have that I swear by, especially for those with severely dry skin.
Vaseline
Often overlooked for what it was intended for, a moisturizer, Vaseline is an amazing addition to your nightly routine. By morning skin should feel healthier and after a weeks use, you’ll never stop using it.
Olive Oil
This was one I discovered at the end of last winter and tried several times with extremely beneficial results. If you would like a better smell, add some essential oils in a fragrance that you are fond of. Olive oil is probably one of the most effective and frugal ways to moisturize. A little goes a long way.
Besides, Vaseline and Olive Oil, drinking 8 glasses of water daily during the dry Winter months is another way to help your skin stay radiant. In fact, it helps to moisturize from the inside out. Even if you cannot stomach eight glasses of water a day, try flavored waters. Avoid caffeine, yes I know easier said that done, as much as possible since it acts as a diuretic and depletes natural moisture in your body.
A few other simply ideas for moisturizing your face:
* Switch to an oatmeal based soap. Oatmeal is a natural product, non abrasive and leaves skin softened and refreshed.
* Use one egg white, slightly beaten. Apply the mixture all over your face and throat. Allow to dry until it feels tight and is no longer moist, approximately 20-30 minutes. Rinse it off thoroughly with warm water. Finish with a cold water rinse. You will immediately notice a smoother feel to your skin.
* Another great and frugal moisturizer is using about a 1/4 teaspoon of mayonnaise before bed. It seriously makes the skin the softest you’ve ever felt.
* For extremely dry skin, you need an exfoliating moisturizer. Try this natural recipe to make your own and use as often as you need.
2 tablespoons of non-instant oatmeal
2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
10 drops of lemon juice.
Mix all ingredients together and gently scrub all over your face. It’s a very messy exfoliating moisturizer, but it’s worth it. Allow to set a few minutes, and then rinse off. Your skin should feel quite refreshed after only one use! Store in refrigerator in airtight container if you make more than you need (a more frugal way to go – one weeks worth is a handy amount to make at a time).
For more great frugal health and beauty tips check out the frugal living blog!