Our skin plays an important role in our lives.  In addition to protecting our bodies and internal organs, the skin can also have an impact on our appearance.  For that reason, most of us are always on the lookout for ways to improve our skin or repair skin damage such as rashes, sunburn and eczema or dry skin.  Although there are a countless number of over-the-counter skincare products that claim to provide relief and skin repair, there are also many homemade skin remedies that can easily and safely produce the same results.

Peeling Skin – Proteins, vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C can also assist with peeling skin by replenishing the body with needed nutrients and oils. Fish, eggs, carrots, milk, cheese, vegetables, and citrus fruits should be consumed on a daily basis in order to provide the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs.

Eczema  – Eczema can damaging on many different levels, as it often produces the uncontrollable urge to scratch.   This can result torn/scratched skin, which in turn can increase your chances of developing an infection.   I remember when my daughter had severe eczema breakouts (before I discovered shea butter)  I would see where her nails had dug into her tender skin.   Taking 1000 mg of flax seed oil can provide protection against eczema outbreaks.  Of course, keeping the skin externally lubricated with oil such as shea butter will also help.

Razor burn  -  The best way to prevent razor burn is by careful shaving.    Warm water should be used first to help soften up the hairs, making shaving easier.    Shaving soap or gel is also advised, as it can help the razor to glide over the skin, resulting in less nicks and cuts.  If razor burn develops, crush a few strawberries and mix them with one spoon full sour cream.  This mixture should be applied to the affected area and left on for around ten to fifteen minutes.  Apply daily until the razor burn is no longer an issue.  Certainly, if you are allergic to strawberries, this remedy should not be tried! Add some sugar to the unused portion and you’ve got a great dessert! I love homemade skin remedies made from food- they’re so interesting.

Sunburn  – There are a number of natural remedies that can provide pain relief.  Aloe Vera gel, which is readily available in drug stores, is one of the most well-known natural remedies for sunburns.  Or you may try the cucumber and milk natural remedy:  apply slices of raw cucumbers to the burned area for relief and a reduction in skin inflammation.  Soak a paper towel or washcloth in milk and gently apply to the skin.  Milk tends to have a calming effect on burned and inflamed skin.

Dry skin – A mashed ripe banana is an ideal way to treat dry skin on the neck and face.  This recipe can  be used on other parts of the body, but it can get quite messy!  Other easy ways to relieve dry skin on the whole body include taking a milk bath (use the dry milk that comes in packets) once or twice a month or using a bath tea with added oils.

These are a only a few of the homemade skin remedies that can be used on the various skin conditions that you may suffer from. Stay tuned for part two!