natural dry skin care

For natural dry-skin care, raid your kitchen to create your own homemade spa treatments.

For many of us, the cooler weather brings parched, flaky skin and flyaway, staticky hair. The culprit: lower humidity in the air, which dries your skin. Central air and heating, space heaters and fireplaces all contribute to lower humidity levels. To combat dryness, try these natural dry skin care treatments from Ilona Pecnikov, director of esthetics at the New York City spa Just Calm Down, and Julie Gabriel, owner of skin care line Petite Marie Organics and author of The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skincare, Hair Care, Makeup and Fragrances (HCI, 2008). You’ll be soft and silky in no time.

#1: Dab on olive oil. When it comes to strategies for natural dry skin care, Gabriel swears by olive oil, an amazing multitasker. It instantly grooms dry cuticles, works wonders on hands and elbows, removes makeup, and soothes and conditions itchy, dry skin all over the body. ”When your skin feels extra parched, you can dab a thin layer of organic extra-virgin olive oil under your moisturizer for an extra dose of antioxidants and good fatty acids,” adds Gabriel.