As you age, your sweat and oil glands don't produce as much moisture. You may develop dry skin on your legs, elbows, arms or other parts of your body. The medical term for dry skin is xerosis (ze-ROW-sis). Allergies (dermatitis), irritants and skin conditions like eczema can also make skin dry.
Long showers or baths and hot water remove your skin's natural oils. Limit bathing to no more than once a day and no longer than 5-10 minutes. Use warm, not hot, water. Use allergen-free moisturizing soap.
The most effective way to alleviate dryness is to restore your skin's natural moisture. Thankfully, you don't need a specific product—any body lotion or cream will work well as a leg moisturizer. Try a lightweight lotion, like our cult-classic Creme de Corps.
Vaseline is a very good moisturizer for dry skin. Applying a layer of Vaseline to dry skin helps lock in moisture. Vaseline is great for treating all the usual dry areas, such as the: heels.
Coconut oil may have many potential benefits for the skin. Research suggests that it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Coconut oil is also very moisturizing for dry skin. A person can apply coconut oil directly to the skin.
Research has shown that almond oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, argan oil, and others are best for dry skin and conditions that cause dry skin like eczema.
The bottom line. Using coconut oil as an overnight moisturizer can be beneficial for people with very dry, chafed, or flaky skin. But coconut oil can clog pores and isn't an appropriate overnight treatment for some people.
Jojoba oil mimics sebum, which is the skin's natural oil. Because jojoba oil absorbs easily and does not clog the pores, it is a great carrier option. Plus, it leaves the skin hydrated without an undesirable shiny effect. Olive oil is high in plenty of essential vitamins and minerals.
Did you know that coconut oil has natural anti-fungal properties? It makes a great moisturizer for your legs, feet and heels. Use it daily to keep your feet smooth and prevent foot fungus.
Baby oil works by forming a semi-breathable barrier over the skin. This barrier locks in moisture already on the skin's surface. Some adults also use baby oil on their bodies to relieve dry skin. Some swear that it gives their facial skin a special smoothness and glow.
Moisturizers prevent water loss to help skin rehydrate from the inside. These products contain three basic types of ingredients: Humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea pull water from both the air and the deeper layers of skin into the stratum corneum to add moisture.
Because vitamin E oil can moisturize and soothe dry, flaky skin, it may help to relieve the burning and itching that result from a sunburn.
It is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which may benefit the skin when applied directly to it. Because olive oil helps to lock in moisture, it can be used on the skin for extra moisturization and treatment of dry skin.
How long do you leave coconut oil on your face? If you have oily skin, then use it liberally around your neck and face after washing with a face wash or soap. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash your face with lukewarm water. Repeat it for more than two weeks to get better results.
Wait for 5-10 minutes to let your skin absorb the oils and then rinse off extra oil in the shower. Coconut oil for face massage has the same process as above.
Some natural oils are a good alternative to traditional moisturizers," says dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban over email. Some good options include argan oil, coconut oil, and olive oil. "There are many skin products that now contain oil as well as soaps that are oil based, which may also be a good alternative," she says.