Cracked Skin: Causes And Remedies
October 18, 2021How To Eliminate Cracked Skin?
Top Natural Solutions
Cracked skin is a prevalent beauty concern that many of us encounter during the winter months, and some individuals may even suffer from it throughout the entire year. The primary cause is insufficient moisture, which can lead to cracked skin on the face, hands, legs, and feet over time. While a good moisturizer is often enough to address this issue, there are instances when additional measures are necessary to effectively eliminate cracked skin.
Factors Contributing to Cracked Skin
1. Harsh Weather - In winter, the humidity in the air decreases, leaving our skin dry and parched. Spending extended periods in air-conditioned spaces during the summer can similarly dehydrate our skin.
2. Naturally Dry Skin - Some individuals have inherently dry skin that craves moisture year-round. This type of skin is particularly susceptible to cracking if it is not regularly hydrated or nourished.
3. Compromised Skin Barrier - Using inappropriate skin care products, neglecting a consistent skin care routine, or frequently bathing in hot water can irritate the skin's protective barrier. This irritation can lead to dryness and result in cracked skin on the hands and legs.
4. Skin Conditions - Certain dermatological issues, such as eczema or psoriasis, can cause severe dryness in specific areas of the body. These conditions can create dry, scaly patches that may develop into cracked skin on the legs, face, and hands.
5. Excessive Washing - Frequent handwashing and sanitizing can lead to cracked skin on the hands if not followed by the application of hand cream.
11 Strategies to Eliminate Cracked Skin
1. Daily Moisturization
Select an organic moisturizer that is abundant in emollients such as kokum butter, jojoba oil, and mango butter. These ingredients help nourish cracked skin on the feet, hands, legs, and face while preventing moisture loss. Apply them daily after cleansing your skin to maintain hydration.
2. Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells
Cracked and flaky skin often results from a buildup of dead skin. Removing this buildup not only enhances your skin's texture but also improves the absorption of moisturizers. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week, particularly if you have dry, cracked skin on your legs and feet.
3. Protect Your Skin
In winter, you can shield your skin from drying out by keeping it covered. If you have cracked skin on your hands, wear gloves to reduce exposure to dry air. For cracked skin on your feet, opt for warm socks for protection. Additionally, consider using utility gloves while performing household tasks to prevent your skin from coming into contact with allergens and irritants.
4. Steer Clear of Skin Irritants
Both skin care and household products (like dishwashing liquids and detergents) may contain ingredients that are unsuitable for your skin. Switch to cleansers made with saponified oils or natural surfactants. Choose moisturizers specifically formulated for dry and sensitive skin.
5. Apply Hand and Foot Cream
If you suffer from cracked heels or rough hands, consider using an organic hand and foot cream to provide deep nourishment and support the healing process.
6. Use Lukewarm Water
When showering or washing your face, opt for lukewarm or warm water. Extremely hot or cold water can strip your skin of moisture. Limit the duration of your showers, as prolonged exposure can worsen dry skin. Afterward, apply organic body butter to lock in moisture.
7. Invest in a Humidifier
If you reside in a cold, dry environment, consider purchasing a humidifier to help combat dry skin.
8. Opt for Soothing Ingredients
Natural oils and botanical extracts possess anti-inflammatory properties that can calm and soothe dry, irritated skin. Look for ingredients like jojoba oil, chamomile, calendula, aloe vera, and coconut oil, among others.
10. Apply Lip Balm
The skin on your lips lacks sebaceous glands, making them prone to dryness and cracking. To maintain your lips' hydration, softness, and fullness, apply an organic lip balm daily.
11. Seek Dermatological Advice
If these suggestions for treating dry, cracked skin prove ineffective, consider consulting a dermatologist for expert guidance. They can identify any underlying health or skin issues causing the cracks and recommend appropriate treatments to restore your skin.
Natural Remedies for Cracked Skin
Homemade Mint Foot Scrub -
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold pressed avocado oil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed, dried mint leaves
Instructions:
- In a clean, dry bowl, combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes to help soften them.
- After drying your feet, gently massage the scrub onto them using circular motions, covering your legs and soles.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and dry your feet.
- Follow up with an organic foot cream.
Note - If mint irritates your skin, replace it with powdered rose petals.
Homemade Hand and Foot Mask -
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons finely ground oats
- 1 teaspoon organic jojoba oil
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
- Organic rose water
Instructions:
- In a clean, dry bowl, mix all the ingredients, adding enough rose water to create a smooth paste.
- Apply the mask to your hands and feet, allowing it to dry.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and gently dry your skin with a soft cloth.
- Follow with an organic hand and foot cream.
Homemade Nourishing Ubtan -
Ingredients:
- ½ cup chickpea flour
- 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
- Pinch of turmeric
- Fresh coconut milk
Instructions:
- In a clean, dry bowl, mix all the ingredients, adding enough coconut milk to achieve a smooth, runny paste.
- Apply the ubtan to your entire body and let it dry.
- To remove it easily, spray some hydrosol or water on the dried ubtan to rehydrate and soften it. Massage the dampened ubtan onto your skin in gentle, circular motions.
- Shower to rinse it off, avoiding soap.
- Pat dry and follow with an organic body butter.
Note - Always perform a patch test with home remedies before applying them.
Juicy Chemistry Products for Alleviating Cracked Skin
-
Kokum, Myrrh & Hazelnut Hand & Foot Cream is an organic cream designed to deeply hydrate your hands and feet, preventing and repairing cracked skin.
-
Fig, Vanilla & Blood Orange Organic Body Butter is a rich body moisturizer specifically formulated to combat dryness and maintain hydration in the skin barrier on your legs and hands.
- Papaya, Apricot & Mandarin Organic Soap is a natural superfatted soap that cleanses gently and prevents dryness and moisture-loss.
- Hazelnut, Coffee & Chocolate Face & Body Scrub is a moisturising face and body scrub with emollients and gentle physical exfoliants to get rid of dead skin cells.
- Damask Rose & Fig Lip Balm is a rich lip butter that nourishes cracked skin on lips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cold pressed oils to prevent cracked skin?
Yes, cold pressed oils have excellent moisturising and occlusive properties that can help keep your skin soft and moisturised.
How to repair cracked heels?
Wear soft and comfortable footwear, exfoliate your feet on a bi-weekly basis and apply our organic foot cream every night to prevent and repair cracked heels.
Can I use hand and foot cream for cracked elbows too?
Yes, our organic hand and foot cream is formulated for nourishing rough, dry skin and can be used all over your body, even on cracked elbows and knees.
How often should I use organic hand and foot cream?
You can use it as frequently as you like during the day to keep your hands and feet moisturised.
References
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
