Well-known skincare companies have big marketing budgets — and those budgets allow them to inflate the qualities of their products to such a degree that you might be tempted to think you HAVE to spend an arm and a leg to meet your skincare goals. Not so. Some of the most effective ingredients for your skin are also all-natural. Instead of blowing your budget on formulations that include some great ingredients and lots of fillers, check out these alternatives — derms say these are the best cheap natural remedies for dry, flaky skin.
Rose Water
Three natural remedies for dry and flaky skin are rose water, pure aloe gel, and jojoba oil, according to Dr. Nadir Qazi, DO, a board-certified physician, cosmetic dermatology surgeon, and owner of Qazi Cosmetic Clinic. Better Still? Dr. Qazi says these simple and easily found products can all be found for under $15.
Let’s start with rose water — an ingredient that can be highly beneficial for skin, and especially if you have dry, flaky skin.
“Rose water is used as a toner to reduce redness and inflammation while balancing the skin’s PH,” Dr. Qazi says. “It is generally safe for all skin types though those with allergies should use caution. With its anti-inflammatory properties, rosewater is excellent at soothing dry and chapped skin. Organic rose water can be found at many grocery stores and is readily available online at affordable prices.”
Aloe Vera Gel
“Aloe vera gel is an excellent replacement for skin serums if looking for a more natural approach,” Dr. Qazi says. “Aloe is easy to find and process at home and has been used for centuries for skin care. It was even a staple cosmetic of Cleopatra. Aloe gel absorbs water and holds it next to the skin as a natural humectant, deeply moisturizing it. It also is a natural anti-inflammatory and will help to soothe broken and damaged skin. In addition, Aloe vera is full of vitamins A, B, and C, powerful antioxidants that can fight free radicals on the skin and can stimulate collagen production to help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.”
One can find aloe leaves at the grocery store or aloe plants at a garden center, Dr. Qazi says. To process it at home:
- Cut the leaf open.
- Remove the clear gel part of the leaf.
- Use a blender to blend the gel.
- Store the gel in the refrigerator.
“If purchasing from a store, ensure that the percentage of pure aloe is 99% or higher and that the product does not contain fragrances or simple alcohols that can damage the skin,” Dr. Qazi says.
Jojoba Oil
“Jojoba oil is a natural and sustainable waxy ester that is very similar in composition to the sebum our bodies naturally produce,” Dr. Qazi says. “Due to its occlusive properties, it can be used as a moisturizer toward the end of a skincare routine, sealing in the other products used on the skin and preventing trans-epidermal water loss. In addition, it is an emollient or skin softener, and its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce chaffing and soothe chapped, dry, and irritated skin.”
Apply jojoba oil over your regular night cream or moisturizer to really seal in hydration so that you wake up with fresher, smoother skin.
Consider these cheaper, natural skincare solutions to save money while benefitting from their intensely hydrating properties.
