Spiritual Wellness
"You give us the wine that makes us happy, the oil that makes our skin soft, and the food that makes us strong" (ERV).
Dry skin is a common problem during the cooler months of the year. When moisture in the air is lacking because of indoor heating, it can feel as rough as sandpaper. Stores dedicate entire aisles to lotions and moisturizers, and skincare is a big money-making industry. However, commercial products do not always work. Worse yet, many of these products contain chemicals and other unnecessary ingredients. As pointed out by Rita Shurtliff, a representative for Nature Rich, "[Your skin] is living and breathing and absorbs everything you apply to it."
For this and other reasons, then, natural moisturizers are always the best choice. Even the psalmists of the Old Testament understood the value of natural moisturizers, giving thanks to God. "You give us the wine that makes us happy, the oil that makes our skin soft, and the food that makes us strong" Psalms 104: 15 (ERV). If you are looking for natural ways to moisturize dry skin and soothe the soreness and itching without the use of costly chemical products, consider these options:
Add Humidity to the Air
Dry air is a major cause of dry skin, but this is easy to remedy using natural methods to moisturize. An expensive humidifier is not necessary. Boil water in a large pan on the stove at least twice each day. Turn the heat down to the lowest possible setting after the water begins to boil. The steam will add valuable moisture to the air, and it will help prevent the skin from becoming excessively dry.
If a wood-burning stove is available, a kettle of water can be kept warm at all times as long as water is regularly added. This is one of the best natural ways to moisturize dry skin since it does not require the use of lotions that contain dyes and chemicals. The humidity will also make the home feel more comfortable during the coldest and driest months of the year.
Moisturize with Natural Cocoa Butter
Dry skin can be moisturized with natural cocoa butter. The raw variety is available in stick form as well as in tubs. It has a natural chocolate fragrance that is absolutely heavenly, and it works exceptionally well to soothe and moisturize the body. When stored in a cool location it can last for years since a little goes a very long way. Best of all, it does not contain solvents of any variety, and it is less expensive than name brand lotions sold in stores.
Avoid Hot Baths and Showers
When trying to prevent dry skin, avoid hot baths and showers. Natural oils moisturize the skin, but hot water breaks them down. When soap is used along with hot water, these natural oils are literally stripped away. Always take warm showers, and dry off with absorbent cotton towels. Be sure to dry your body completely from head to toe since allowing the moisture to naturally evaporate is drying and damaging to the skin.
Keep it Covered
Keeping the skin covered during the coolest months of the year is also one of the best natural ways to moisturize the body. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks indoors. When outdoors, be sure to cover the hands with gloves, and protect the face with a scarf or face mask. Warm garments will not moisturize the body, but they will protect it from potentially damaging temperatures and windburn.
Soak in a Soothing Natural Milk Bath
Milk is soothing to the skin in more ways than one, and it is a fantastic natural solution. It has an exclusive protein structure that naturally soaks in, and it contains valuable nutrients that nourish the skin. Included are vitamins A, D and E. It also contains natural fat. The natural fat in whole milk will moisturize even the driest skin.
Add approximately three cups of powdered whole milk to a warm bath, and soak in it for at least twenty minutes. Rinse it away with lukewarm water, and pat the skin dry with an absorbent cotton towel. The benefits of whole milk far exceed anything available in the skincare aisles of retail stores.
Use these natural ways to moisturize the skin instead of buying fragrant lotions and creams. These methods work much better, and they are far less expensive. They are also better for the skin. Use natural products whenever possible. They are almost always more effective than commercial products available in stores.
Spiritual Prayer
I know that You can do everything and that no thought can be withheld from You. "Who is he who hides council without knowledge?" Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me which I did not know. "Hear and I will speak I will question You and You shall declare to Me. I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You, therefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.