If you suffer from dry or sensitive skin, you'll know how irritating it can be to try and find that perfect remedy. From nasty side effects, to astronomic prices, caring for sensitive skin can be a minefield of research, trial and error, and downright frustration.
Luckily, some of the best remedies are provided by mother nature herself. From aloe vera to oatmeal, we've had a rummage in nature’s bathroom cabinet for our favourite natural cures for soothing sensitive, sunburnt or irritated skin.
Aloe vera juice
Aloe vera has long been used to soothe skin and tame inflammation and can count Gwyneth Paltrow among its many modern day fans. Most people know aloe vera as an effective after-sun lotion, but drinking aloe vera juice is an easy way to nourish your body from the inside out.
Packed with B, C and E vitamins and folic acid, aloe vera’s raft of health properties strengthen the immune system and help tame agitated skin. Its healing powers even extend to small cuts and burns.
Greek yoghurt
Greek yoghurt is a beach-bag must have thanks to its natural ability to soothe sunburn.
Yoghurt has long been used in Greece to provide natural relief to sunburnt skin thanks as its high lactose, protein, mineral and vitamin count help to increase the water content of the top layers of the epidermis.
The natural building blocks provide instant pain relief and prevent the skin from drying out further, so minimise the risk of itchy, flaky skin. Apply a thin layer to the affected area straight from the fridge and leave it for 30 before rinsing off.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been used for thousands of years for its many skincare benefits and is particularly effective for people with sensitive skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Oats help restore balance and hydration to dry and sensitive skin, while also acting as a natural protective barrier against skin-damaging elements and so helping to maintain the skin’s normal pH balance.
AVEENO® Cream and AVEENO® Lotion, containing naturally active colloidal oatmeal, hydrates and soothes dry, sensitive skin. The gentle products are suitable for adults and babies from 3 months who are prone to eczema.
Feverfew
This somewhat overlooked herb has enormous anti-inflammatory powers that soothe irritated skin and reduce the appearance of redness. As it fights chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, it’s hugely effective for people who suffer rosacea and acne flare-ups.
It can also help reduce shaving rash and ruthlessly fights skin-damaging molecules known as free radicals. In one study, feverfew was found to outperform its nearest antioxidant rival by as much as 35 times.
Chamomile
This bedtime favourite has long been associated with the benefits of a good night’s sleep, while in lotion form it’s often used to soothe chicken pox. But in addition to these healing powers, this wonder herb is also somewhat of a beauty elixir.
The active anxiolytic and antioxidant ingredients in chamomile tea make it an effective treatment for acne scars - simply rub a few of the used tea leaves into the affected area (and drink the tea). A cold chamomile tea can be applied on eczema, spots and bumps to reduce redness and swelling.