Dry Skin Dilemma: 3 Solutions to Stop Itching Naturally

Itchy skin is the body’s way of sending a clear message—it’s time to moisturize.

Dryness can be the result of weather conditions, harsh soaps or detergents or long, hot showers or baths. With summer coming, you can add chlorinated pools to that list.

More serious skin conditions are often linked to psoriasis or one of the many types of eczema.

An estimated 32 million Americans have some form of eczema, according to the National Eczema Association, which leads to red, itchy rashes and in some cases, sleep issues. Eczema affects all ages, is susceptible to breaking out on any part of the body and can be short-lived or last a lifetime.

The lesser common disease—psoriasis—affects about 7 percent of the U.S. population, according to the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, and is less common in children and causes more of a burning or stinging sensation or mild itch.

Skin diseases prevent the skin from retaining moisture and protecting against outside elements. Treatments such as antihistamines, antibiotics and corticosteroid creams may offer relief, but long-term use can cause digestive problems, affect immunity or lead to a host of other disorders and side effects, according to MD Health.

So how do you relieve the itch? Just like anything else, naturally works best. Check out these options for addressing skin issues and giving your skin the moisture it deserves.

Home Remedies

Colloidal oatmeal has long been an effective solution to soothing problem skin thanks to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

“Ground oatmeal can work as an exfoliant, sloughing away dirt, oil and dead skin cells,” according to Medical News Today. “It can moisturize and reduce inflammation, meaning people often use it as a home remedy for dry, itchy or irritated skin.”

The U.S. government agrees. In 2003, the FDA officially categorized colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant.

In fact, the National Eczema Association recommends a lukewarm bath every day and further suggests adding oatmeal to relieve itching. Oatmeal also naturally hydrates skin with psoriasis and other conditions such as sunburns.

To make an oatmeal bath, finely ground about a cup of oatmeal and add to the tub under running water (avoid hot water, which can aggravate skin). Mix into the bath until the oatmeal is dissolved and take a soak for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, don’t forget to moisturize!

Marin Skincare

A grad student’s chance meeting with a doctor studying lobsters led to Marin’s Skincare. The researcher had discovered that glycoprotein helped lobsters regenerate limbs and repair their skin barrier. Amber Boutiette, who suffered from eczema and studied bioengineering, took her educational background and a hunch that glycoprotein could help her itchy skin to a chemist with 50-plus years of experience.

In 2020, Amber and partner Patrick Breeding developed Marin’s Skincare’s Soothing Hydration Cream, and judging by the many glowing testimonials, the fragrance-free lotion is “life-changing.”

The Soothing Hydration Cream can be used on any party of the body—it’s gentle enough for even the face—and helps repair the skin barrier affected by most skin conditions.

LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls

Fabric softeners, dryer sheets and laundry soap can cause allergic reactions, leading to red, itchy skin. Many brands also contain chemicals that can trigger asthma attacks, according to medical experts, especially in children. Dryer sheets contribute to environmental waste and emit harmful compounds from the dryer vents into the air. In addition, dryer sheets made from polyester—which most are—do not break down in landfills.

Studies show that fragrances in laundry products can release harmful chemicals that cause allergic reactions, asthma or migraines in sensitive people.

You can protect the environment and still soften your laundry (and reduce dryer time!) by choosing all-natural LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls. They’re made in Maine, support the U.S. farming industry and keep chemicals out of your home—and away from the oceans and out of the air.