Dry, flaky skin can result from various factors, including genetics and aging, which naturally predispose some individuals to this condition. If left untreated, dry skin can crack, increasing the risk of infections. Fortunately, there are many remedies and lifestyle adjustments to help restore and maintain hydrated, healthy skin.
Shower Smarter
Frequent washing can strip the skin of its natural oils, making it more prone to dryness. To lock in moisture and protect your skin:
- Use lukewarm water: Avoid hot water, which can exacerbate dryness.
- Pat dry gently: Use a towel to pat your skin dry instead of rubbing.
- Moisturize immediately: Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp to seal in hydration.
- Shave wisely: Always use shaving gel and a sharp razor to reduce irritation.
Combat Winter Dryness
Winter weather is particularly harsh on the skin due to cold air and frequent handwashing. To minimize its effects:
- Wear gloves: Protect your hands outdoors and while performing tasks like dishwashing.
- Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to indoor air can prevent dryness, as recommended by dermatologists.
Natural Remedies for Dry Skin
1. Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, making it effective for repairing dry skin. Apply sparingly to dry areas such as elbows or mix it with a face mask for added hydration. Avoid overuse, as it may weaken the skin barrier.
2. Oatmeal Baths
Adding a cup of oatmeal to warm bathwater can hydrate and soothe irritated skin. This remedy also alleviates itchiness and discomfort caused by dryness.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil works as a natural moisturizing cream. Apply it to chapped hands, feet, or heels before bed for intense hydration. For better results, wear gloves or socks after application.
4. Milk Compress
Milk contains lactic acid and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe and gently exfoliate dry skin. Soak a clean washcloth in cool milk and apply it to affected areas for 5–10 minutes. Avoid this method on cracked skin.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for reducing redness, irritation, and dryness. Its mucopolysaccharides, similar to hyaluronic acid, help retain moisture. Perform a patch test before applying it to larger areas of skin.
6. Honey
Honey is a natural humectant with healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Use it as a spot treatment for rough patches or include it in homemade face masks. Consult a dermatologist before using honey to treat specific skin conditions.
7. Petroleum Jelly
Products like Vaseline or Aquaphor create a protective barrier to lock in moisture and prevent chafing. Petroleum jelly is suitable for sensitive areas like eyelids and lips but should be avoided on acne-prone areas.
Choosing the Right Products
When selecting skincare products, opt for ointments or creams instead of lotions for better hydration. Look for these key features:
- Fragrance-Free: Choose products labeled as “fragrance-free” rather than “unscented,” which may still contain irritants.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Seek out components like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid for effective moisture retention.
When to Consult a Doctor
If dryness persists despite home remedies, it may signal an underlying skin condition. Consult a dermatologist for professional care or prescription treatments tailored to your needs.
By following these tips and incorporating natural remedies, you can effectively manage dry, flaky skin and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.
I Have to Raise Someone Else’s Child While Her Mom Is Having Fun at Parties – Story of the Day
I fell in love with a pregnant woman and promised to help her raise the baby, but she decided to have fun and avoid her responsibilities. She abandoned me only to return years later to do something unspeakable.
I met Molly at college. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen, but she never gave me the time of day. Molly would often hang out with the most popular men, usually on the school’s football team, but we became close friends.
She was cheerful and a great student. It was just amazing to have a friend like that, even if my feelings would always be unrequited. Eventually, she started dating Tanner, the captain of the team. He wasn’t a typical mean jock, but I always thought she could do better.
Molly didn’t know she was pregnant. | Source: Shutterstock
A few months afterward, Molly came to my house crying. Tanner had dumped her and started dating another girl almost immediately. I comforted her as best I could, but she had really loved him. About a month after that, she discovered something life-changing.
“Mark, I’m pregnant,” she told me.
“What?” I exhaled. I couldn’t believe it. “Did you tell Tanner already?”
“Yes. He doesn’t want anything to do with the baby. He told me to get rid of it because he’s not going to be a father now,” Molly replied.
Molly discovered she was pregnant. | Source: Pexels
“What an idiot! I can’t believe he would evade his responsibilities like that! What are you going to do?” I questioned.
“I don’t know. I don’t want to get rid of it, but I’m in college. I can’t be a single mom. My parents are going to kill me,” she cried.
“I’ll step up. We can get married, and I’ll help you raise the baby. You won’t be alone,” I suggested without thinking about it twice.
“I can’t ask you to do that. I’m sorry, Mark. But I don’t think I’ll ever feel that way about you,” Molly said apologetically.
I stepped up. | Source: Pexels
“Don’t worry. It’s not about that. We’ll get married so that no one will look down on you, and you won’t be a single mother,” I continued. It sounded crazy even to me, but I couldn’t let Molly go through this alone.
“Are you sure? That’s a lot to ask of a friend,” Molly whispered, still hesitant about this insane idea. I assured her I was serious, and we went down to the courthouse later that week. Two of our friends served as witnesses, and it was a short affair.
I helped Molly get through this pregnancy as best I could. It was difficult as we were both college students, but we would make it work together. I grew more excited every day, thinking of becoming a father.
I adored Amelia. | Source: Pexels
But Molly was not that enthusiastic. I could tell that she missed being able to go out with her friends and enjoying regular college life. But as a mother, she had to sacrifice a lot. Eventually, Amelia was born, and she was the most beautiful baby in the world.
I adored her immediately and became her dad. Molly loved Amelia as well and settled into being a mother better than I expected. We became a wonderful little family, and no one suspected that Amelia was not mine because she looked exactly like her mother.
But Molly grew less and less excited. When Amelia was five years old, Molly broke down after putting her to bed. “I can’t do this anymore. I lost everything!” she cried.
Molly packed her bags and left. | Source: Pexels
“What are you talking about?” I asked her.
“I lost my entire youth. I shouldn’t have had a kid at all!” Molly continued.
“Molly, please. Amelia might hear you. She’s in the next room!” I said, raising my voice only a bit.
“I don’t care. I want out of this. I’m filing for divorce, and I don’t want to see any of you again,” she said, shocking me to my core. I asked her to stop and think about this, but Molly had already packed her bags and left us forever.
Amelia missed her mother. | Source: Pexels
I went to Amelia’s room only to discover that our daughter had heard the entire commotion. “Mommy left?” she cried.
“Baby, your mother is going through something right now and needs some time away. She’ll be back soon,” I assured her.
Unfortunately, Molly did not return, and I became a single father. It was harder than I ever expected, and Amelia would cry almost every single night for a year afterward. But soon enough, we both got used to being on our own. My daughter was the light of my life, and I would do anything to get us through.
I did my best raising Amelia as a single father. | Source: Pexels
Molly did not call once but would update her social media often. She had the college life she had missed all this time. It was one party after another with her old college sorority friends. I felt awful seeing those pictures.
How could she abandon her child to go out and have fun? It was unforgivable. Several years after her abandonment, I saw that she and Tanner had gotten back together, which only hurt worse. This was the guy who dumped her at her most vulnerable and didn’t want to step up for his baby.
I couldn’t do anything about it except move on, but Molly decided to come back into our lives just when we were doing so well. “What do you mean you want Amelia back?” I asked when Molly showed up at my house unexpectedly.
Molly returned and threatened to take me to court. | Source: Pexels
“Molly is my daughter, and I want her to live with me. Tanner is finally ready to meet her. She’s her father,” she said nonchalantly.
“Tanner is not her father. I’m her father. I raised her all these years, especially when you abandoned her,” I said with disdain in my voice.
“Mark, don’t do this. I will take you to court for custody if I have to. That’s my child. Tanner and I are engaged. She is going to be so happy with her real family at last,” Molly continued.
We went to trial. | Source: Pexels
“I’ll see you in court then,” I replied and threw Molly out of my house. Amelia was almost a teenager by then and saw how worried I was. My lawyers advised me to settle things out of court because most judges side with the mother.
But how could a judge side with Molly after her abandonment? My name was on Amelia’s birth certificate, and I saw her grow up. I was her only father. Molly’s lawyers were fierce, and our battle was harsh. But Amelia’s testimony sealed the deal.
“I only have one father,” she said, pointing at me. “My mother left many years ago after saying she regretted me. I don’t want to live with her.”
Nothing would ever separate my daughter and I. | Source: Pexels
Luckily, the judge listened to my little girl, although my lawyers didn’t think it would happen. He gave me full custody, while Molly got visitation on the weekends. I encouraged Amelia to forgive her mother and build a relationship with her, which they did.
But she told me every day that I was the best father anyone could ever have.
What can we learn from this story?
- Appreciate what you have. Molly threw her family away and discovered later in life that she couldn’t exactly get it back.
- Some responsibilities require sacrifices. Getting pregnant at a young age is a big deal, which means that you might have to give up partying and other youthful shenanigans.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a woman who abandoned her daughter to travel the world and have a fun time.
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