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Introduction
One might never know what the underlying cause of body dryness is. Given the rise of urbanisation, pollution and even red-eyed deadlines, taking care of one’s skin has never been more important. Though it isn’t a serious problem, if left untreated, dry skin (or the ‘Vata’ skin type) may lead to further infections and permanent scarring.
This Forest Essentials guide will help elucidate some easy body care tips as well as potent and 100% Ayurvedic skincare products to say goodbye to body dryness.
What is dry skin?
A crystal clear, radiant complexion is an indication of good (skin) health and smooth skin is something everybody yearns for. Dry skin occurs when the skin doesn’t maintain enough moisture or is unable to produce natural oils to keep it moisturised. Dead cells and natural oils establish the top layer and help in trapping moisture to keep the skin soft and supple, while also maintaining its elasticity. But when the water and moisture in this top layer go below its actual requirement, the skin stops producing its natural oils and changes its nature to dry.
This causes it to crack, flake and peel off, and it’s highly likely that this is happening on other parts of the body as well. (1)
What causes dry skin?
Some basic causes of dry skin are:
- Ageing: Although dry skin can occur at any age, your skin is more susceptible to dryness as you grow old because its ability to retain moisture decreases. Hence, it loses suppleness and elasticity — and becomes thinner, drier and much more fragile.
- Change in climatic conditions: It’s highly likely that your skin might get drier during the winters as compared to summers because there is a severe drop in the humidity level of the air — and this ends up leaving the skin dry and itchy. Also during winters, people tend to turn on indoor heating which reduces the humidity and decreases the moisture level available for your skin.
- Incorrect bathing habits: Taking frequent baths or washing with very hot water raises your risk of dry skin.
- Usage of harsh soaps & detergents: Many mass-market soaps and detergents strip moisture off your skin as they contain harsh chemicals that are formulated to remove oil from the skin.
- Extreme exposure to the Sun: When the skin is frequently exposed to the harsh (UV/UVB) rays of the sun, it loses its natural moisture and oil levels that protect its barrier. This leads the skin’s texture to become dry and flaky, not only for mature but younger skin too.
Nine remedies to minimise dryness
- Always remember to oil: Oiling your skin at least once or twice a week should be an absolute must to achieve soft, supple and radiant skin. The ancient science of Ayurveda boasts the tradition of ‘Abhyanga’, a full body massage that started in India approximately 2,000 years ago as a principal component of self-care. It specifically refers to the movement of sustenance towards all the body tissues so they achieve a healthy glow. The herb-infused therapeutic oils, the healing touch of your hands, the state of mind in which the massage is imparted, and our own vibratory energy all work in tandem to achieve this movement of sustenance. (2)
We recommend using the Forest Essentials Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Oil Moringa for a full-body massage. Made (by hand) without the application of heat so as to retain the oil’s nutrients and its superior quality, this cold-pressed oil boosts the collagen production of the skin, helps detoxify it, and imparts an iridescent glow – making it the ideal body oil for dryness. Also, in the tenets of Ayurveda, Moringa has been renowned for its miraculous healing and nourishing qualities. Just warm a small quantity of the oil using the double-boiler method and apply it over the body, using long and firm strokes.
- Don’t forget to cleanse: Cleansing the skin regularly with natural, hydrating and SLS/SLES-free cleansers is a must to get rid of any dirt, toxins and impurities which might cause it to become dry and peel off.
Our Silkening Shower Washes are an excellent alternative to the harsher cleansers available in the market, making them the perfect body wash for dry skin. They contain Reetha — a nature-derived cleansing agent — along with fragrant oils of delicate flowers like Rose, Jasmine, Nargis and Mogra, they gently cleanse, purify and balance dry skin without stripping it of its natural moisture levels. Another way of thoroughly cleansing the skin whilst providing it with moisture is by using nourishing and softening soaps. Our Handmade Luxury Silk Soaps are freshly prepared using the finest ingredients and a pure Silk infusion. Fresh Cow’s Ghee is mixed with cold-pressed oils of Coconut and Palm, along with hand-pounded dry fruits to make a rich, moisturising blend that deeply cleanses the skin and leaves soft, supple and glistening.
- Exfoliation is a must: A form of deep cleansing that buffs off the skin’s surface dead cells, exfoliation is a must to combat dryness and make the skin smooth, soft and supple. If done weekly (and regularly), it helps the skin harness unparalleled luminosity and youthfulness.
Our Body Polishers are the most ideal to eliminate dry skin as they’re made using fresh Kerala Sea Salt and humectant-rich, Organic Raw Cane Sugar that help remove dead cells for a luminous complexion. Infused with scented cold-pressed oils, these polishers also intensively scent the skin upon regular application.
- A DIY masque to make your life easy! Using a natural, homemade masque with hydrating constituents can help instantly polish the skin and lend it suppleness and shine.
Pour 3 tbsps. of organic granulated Cane Sugar and 1 tbsp. of Sea Salt into a bowl. To this, add 3 tbsps. of organic Virgin Coconut Oil. Mix well. Gently massage the homemade scrub onto the body in a circular motion, focussing on dry areas like elbows, knees and heels. Rinse well with warm water.
- Moisturise! Moisturise! Moisturise! Another way to combat body dryness is to swear by the daily application of moisturisers as they help keep the skin soft, supple and smooth. Opt for natural moisturisers that are free of chemicals and synthetic fragrances as they are the best suited for dry skin.
Our Ultra Rich Body Milks are a great option for body dryness as they are made with moisture-rich ingredients which get easily absorbed into the skin, making them the perfect body moisturiser for dry skin. The milks are infused with fragrant, floral extracts of potent flowers, Cream of Milk and Beeswax, along with Burnt Cane Sugar – a natural humectant that seals moisture into the skin. A richer alternative to the Body Milks for treating body dryness is applying the Velvet Silk Body Creams that deeply nourish and hydrate the skin while also regenerating the growth of new skin cells. Containing Kokum Butter, Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil — and infused with floral extracts of Kashmiri Nargis, Kannauj Rose and Madurai Jasmine & Mogra (to name a few) — they also soften, scent and repair the skin to boost its natural elasticity.
- Sun protection is a must: Colder months aren’t the sole culprit for dry skin. The harsh UV/UVB rays of the sun (especially during summertime) can be detrimental to the skin too as they damage the outermost layer as well as the protective barrier of the skin causing it to become drier and drier. To avoid this, never ever step out of your house without applying sunscreen that can provide you with adequate protection.
We recommend using the Ultra Rich Body Milk Soundarya With 24K Gold & SPF25 all over the body as it’s enriched with Burnt Cane Sugar — a natural humectant that attracts and seals moisture into the skin — along with the precious, path-breaking Soundarya Serum that penetrates into the deepest layer of the skin to lend it radiance and increased elasticity. It is also infused with Yashad Bhasma, a naturally-derived source of SPF 25, which shields the skin from the harsh rays of the sun.
- Avoid wearing synthetic fragrances: Since most mass-produced fragrances have synthetic components like petrochemicals, they tend to dry up the skin and make it itchy and irritated. Hence, opt for natural and organic scents that have long-lasting silage and also don’t cause the skin any harm.
We recommend using our Body Mists which are a mixture of fragrant essential oils and are formulated using the potent steam distillation technique, which draws intense fragrances from pure essential oils and floral waters of fragrant flowers and is prepared with a base of Pure Grain Alcohol. They are also infused with rich extracts of fresh, seasonal and pure flowers that are plucked and captured at the peak of their potency along with Pure Aloe Vera which is a natural hydrator for the skin. When sprayed onto the skin, these mists create a fresh and alluring aromatic experience, without causing any dryness.
- Drink plenty of water: This should be a no brainer! Drinking plenty of water in timely intervals, during the day, is a must to keep your body hydrated and moisturised from the inside out (Preferably, keep it in a copper jug with a few grains of Fenugreek seeds and some Tulsi leaves, soaked overnight).
- Use a humidifier: Sitting in an air-conditioned room for long hours may lead your skin to dry up faster. The majority of air conditioners have a tendency to suck out the moisture from the air so we recommend using a humidifier to balance out this effect.
Conclusion
So with this blog, we conclude our list of the nine body care tips to combat skin dryness. While these tips will help you minimise (or even eliminate) dryness, it’s incredibly imperative to follow healthy health care practices in the longer term. In case these tips don’t help and your skin continues to remain dry, we recommend that you consult a dermatologist.
If you need help choosing the most ideal products for treating dry skin, you can book an online consultation with our professionally certified Ayurvedic doctors who will help responsibly answer your unique beauty concerns, here.
FAQs
How can I improve my body dry skin?
To improve body dryness, it’s imperative to follow a good body care routine, which should include four basic steps – oiling with a cold-pressed oil, cleansing with a hydrating cleanser or a nourishing soap, moisturising with a body cream, and protecting with an SPF.
Which soap is best for dry skin?
Natural soaps containing a high level of emollients like moisturising butters and smoothening, cold-pressed oils are the best suited for dry skin as they help deeply nourish and cleanse it, without stripping the skin of its natural moisture levels.
What is your body lacking when you have dry skin?
When you have dryness, your skin is lacking its natural oils (called sebum) as well as the optimum water levels which makes it dehydrated as well.
Does drinking water help with dry skin?
Yes! Drinking water — in timely intervals — during the day is very important for skin to remain hydrated and moisturised from the inside out. It is recommended not to drink a lot of water, at night, before going to sleep.
References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-skin#types
- https://www.healthline.com/health/abhyanga-massage
