Whether you need a healthy and refreshing breakfast or an afternoon snack to beat the heat, this blueberry flaxseed cacao smoothie fits the bill. It has a subtle hint of chocolate from the raw cacao powder that pairs beautifully with the sweetly tart blueberries and nutty ground flaxseed. You can stream in coconut oil at the very end of the blending process for an extra dose of heart-healthy fats.

A randomized controlled trial found that eating blueberries improved endothelial function (how blood vessels relax). Another study found that blueberries helped improve blood vessel function and reduces systolic blood pressure after consuming them for 12 weeks. A more recent clinical review links the anthocyanins (antioxidant compounds that give blueberries their color) to better vascular function and modest blood pressure improvements. Additionally. a systematic review of randomized trials found that blueberry intervention improved memory and cognitive performance.

Similar to blueberries, ground flaxseed works to enhance heart health. In fact, a meta-analysis of 28 randomized controlled trials found that flaxseed significantly reduced total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. A larger meta-analysis confirmed that flaxseed helped lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. More recent studies suggest that flaxseed may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Flaxseed may also help lower some markers of inflammation.

Needless to say, this smoothie is one heck of a nutritional powerhouse!

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It is very common for people to neglect their feet. They are out of sight, out of mind, especially when the weather is a little colder. Only when the socks come off and the sandals come on do people realize that they need to do something about their cracked heels. After all, nobody wants to walk barefoot in the grass and have those thin blades enter those cracks. 

What Are Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels are very common and they occur when the dry, thick skin on the bottoms of your heels crack and split. Most cases are relatively minor and cracks are only a small nuisance or unattractive to look at. If you do not treat the cracks and heel fissures become deeper, you may experience difficulty walking or have a higher risk of infection. 

Cracked heels are not an overnight problem. In the beginning stages, you will see dry, hard skin around the heel, also known as calluses. As you walk and put more pressure on that area, the pads under your heels expand and force those calluses to develop small cracks. Other factors that contribute to cracked heels include:

• Hard or unsupportive footwear (open-back sandals or flip flops)
• Obesity
• Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes
• Being on your feet for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces
• Walking around barefoot because that provides not support or protection for your feet
• Taking long, hot showers

How Do You Treat Cracked Heels?

You treat cracked heels the same way you treat dry skin: you moisturize. If the cracks are minor, moisturize your heels two to three times per day to help relieve symptoms. You can also use a pumice stone before moisturizing to help remove any hard, dead skin that prevents the moisturizer from penetrating the skin effectively. After one week of this general foot care, check to see if symptoms are better or worse. If your heels have not gotten any better, you may need a combination of some of the following treatments:

• Use a dermal foot balm for skin nourishment and optimal moisture. This is similar to a moisturizer, only it uses urea, an ingredient that helps increase the balm’s efficacy. 
• Mechanical debridement of thick calluses or fissures using a scalpel blade to reduce skin buildup. 
• Foot and ankle strapping, which involves placing bandages around the heel to reduce skin movement. 
• Using appropriate footwear that provides sufficient cushion to the heel pads. 

Using A Heel Balm

Natural ingredients can help heal and protect your rough, dry and cracked heels. Specifically, shea butter, a featured ingredient in this DIY cracked heel balm, works effectively because of its emollient properties. It is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins A and E. Dry skin can thoroughly absorb shea butter because of the fatty acid content. That helps create a protective moisture barrier on the heels, keeping them hydrated. 

Coconut oil is another ingredient in this cracked heel balm that helps moisturize and protect the skin. Just like shea butter, coconut oil offers anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and redness. Beeswax works to enhance the skin barrier, protecting your heels from the environment. This barrier helps lock in moisture and protect the skin from future damage. 

DIY Cracked Heel Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.7 ounces unrefined shea butter
• 0.2 ounces coconut oil
• 0.2 ounces beeswax pellets
• 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2-3 drops tea tree oil
• 2 drops vitamin E oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax pellets to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until liquid.
• Once melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oils and vitamin E oil. 
• Stir to combine and then transfer to a glass container. Allow the balm to solidify at room temperature. 
• Ideally, use this balm nightly on your feet, massaging it into your heels before applying socks to protect your skin overnight, and to prevent the balm from staining your sheets.

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There is nothing wrong with getting a little sun, especially when the weather is pleasant. It is easy to spend most of the day at the beach, in the park, in the garden, or by the pool. Problems arise if you do not take proper care of the skin when you are in the sun. While sunshine is necessary for vitamin D production in the body, too much sun can lead to a nasty sunburn, even if you are not in full summer heat. 

What Is A Sunburn?

All it takes is some sun exposure without proper protection and the result is red, itchy skin that is warm to the touch. When you have a sunburn, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning bed burn the skin. Some people get sunburns just doing everyday things like gardening without sunscreen or taking a lunch break outside. If you get sunburnt often, you increase your risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce sunburn risk by applying sunscreen, being in the shade between periods of sunshine, and wearing protective clothing. You can also: 

• Wear a hat to cover your head, neck, and ears (depending on the hat)
• Stay out of the sun during the most intense hours of sunshine (about noon to four in the afternoon)
• Wear light colored clothing to repel the sun’s rays

Getting out of the sun during intense hours may not always be convenient. You could be at a ball game, a child’s soccer practice, or at a work function. Tank tops and shorts leave skin exposed, and even the best sunscreen may not fully protect the skin. You also have to worry about the severity of skin damage from sunburn. The two most common types of sunburn are:

• First-degree sunburn, which damages the skin’s outer layer, typically heals on its own within a few days to a week. 
• Second-degree sunburn, which damages the middle section of the skin (dermis), can result in blisters on sunburned skin. The skin can take a couple weeks to heal and you may require medical treatment. 

How Common Is Sunburn? 

Sunburns are very common, especially in young people, as they are not as careful about applying sunscreen and taking other measures to protect the skin. Somewhere between 50% and 75% of children under the age of 18 have sunburns every year. More than 50% of adults between ages 18 and 29 reported having one or more sunburns in 2015. If you have a sunburn, the good news is that you can treat it on your own. Some easy ways to promote accelerated healing include:

• Take a cool bath or shower, or experiment with an oatmeal or baking soda bath to soothe irritated skin.
• Cover your sunburned skin when you go outside so that you do not worsen your existing sunburn.
• Once the skin is cool, stop ongoing damage by applying ointments or petroleum jelly to the affected area. These will help moisturize the skin and aid healing without scarring. 
• Drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. 
• Use topical cooling and hydrating products, such as creams or aloe vera gel.
• Use the sunburn relief lotion bars (recipe below), which contain ingredients that help to soothe and soften sunburned skin, while aiding quicker recovery in the process.

DIY Sunburn Relief Lotion Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 4 tablespoons shea butter
• 1/2 cup dried chamomile 
• 6 tablespoons beeswax
• 4 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 20 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F. Add the coconut oil, shea butter, and chamomile to an oven-safe pan or saucepan and place in the oven for two hours to infuse the chamomile into the oil and shea butter.
• Remove from the oven, strain the oil, and discard the chamomile. 
• In the same pan or saucepan, add the infused oil and beeswax and then place the pan back in the oven so the beeswax can infuse with the already melted mixture. 
• Remove from the oven and stir in the aloe vera gel and lavender essential oil.
  Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays and allow them to completely solidify at room temperature. 
• Once firm, pop the bars out of the molds and store in the fridge in an airtight container in the fridge if you want a cooling effect. They will keep fresh for up to six weeks. 
• Apply to sunburned skin as needed.

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Plenty of people who swear by natural remedies regarding oral health or detoxing the mouth tend to practice oil pulling. Oil pulling is an age-old practice that involves swishing oil (typically coconut or sesame oil) in the mouth and then spitting it out. The claim is that oil pulling can help remove plaque and keep oral bacteria in check and although some research exists, most of the evidence is anecdotal.

What Is Oil Pulling?

An article in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine described oil pulling as swishing oil around in the mouth first thing in the morning. By swishing the oil in the mouth, you “pull” the oil between teeth. Ideally, you do this for five to 20 minutes and spit the oil in the trash when finished. It is important not to swallow the oil or spit it down the drain, as that can affect plumbing. The practice stimulates saliva production and helps remove harmful oral bacteria.

Does Oil Pulling Work?

Some studies exist on oil pulling’s effect on oral health and hygiene. Most of the discussion is about which oil is the best for the practice. The research is as follows:

• One study concluded that oil pulling with coconut oil is more effective than sesame oil in reducing the severity of gingivitis. 
• Another study found that oil pulling with coconut oil was as effective as chlorhexidine, a prescription mouthwash, in the reduction of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria believed to cause tooth decay. 
• Olive oil may also be useful for oil pulling because it exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. 

It’s important to note that these studies, and other studies, were mostly small-scale, so more research is necessary to draw positive conclusions about oil pulling. The American Dental Association (ADA) does not consider oil pulling to be a reliable replacement for brushing and flossing. It may enhance your oral health routine, but you continue to brush and floss as you would in your normal day.

Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil

Unlike alcohol-based mouthwashes and toothpaste, oil may get into those hard-to-reach parts of the gums. The natural antibacterial properties of oils like coconut may help break down bacteria. A lot of people who oil pull with coconut oil find that their teeth and gums feel much healthier and cleaner when they add it to their oral hygiene routine. Oil pulling is not a miracle cure, nor is it for everyone. There is a good chance that it can help promote healthier teeth and gums, just like Dherbs’ Natural Tooth Powder, especially if you use it in combination with other oral health practices. 

Coconut Oil Pulling With Essential Oils

Below, you will find a recipe for coconut oil chews, which make oil pulling a little easier. We added essential oils for flavor and health properties that may help enhance oral health. Peppermint, clove, and tea tree essential oils work to improve the taste. Whichever essential oils you choose, make sure that you are not allergic, they do not interact with your meds, and that they are safe for oral use. 

Coconut Oil Pulling Chews

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops clove essential oil

Instructions:

• Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. You don’t want it to be solid, but you don’t want it completely liquid either. 
• Remove from the heat, add essential oils, and mix gently. Pour the mixture into silicone molds and put in the fridge or the freezer to harden. 
• Once the molds are firm, remove from the molds and store in a jar in the fridge. Use one chew per day, or as needed, for oil pulling.

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Although Christmas trees are no longer aglow and decorated in your house, you can still make use of fresh pine needles from wild pine trees. Incorporate these aromatic needles into your very own sugar scrub. You want to know the best part? Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also requires just three ingredients! No need for double boilers or infusion methods. Just whip up a batch of this stuff and your skin will thank you.

If winter has left your skin dry and scaly, a sugar scrub may be the best way to pamper your skin. Not only does a sugar scrub help exfoliate the skin, but it also provides it with moisture, due to the presence of coconut oil. As a quick note, if coconut oil does not agree with your skin, you can replace it with jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, as those are great carrier oils for all skin types. 

Why Use Pine Needles?

Pine needles happen to be one of the most widely used herbs in the world. For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine has used them for thousands of years, as they are an excellent source of vitamin C. They have been incorporated into various herbal remedies for stomachaches, inflammation, headaches, arthritis, and more. Regarding inflammation, pine needles are often used because of their antioxidant and flavonoid content. The flavonoids in pine needles act as powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage. They also help prevent blood clots, aid with cholesterol reduction, and fight off some cancer cells. 

The antioxidants in pine needles also exhibit antimicrobial effects, which work to fight redness or infections on the skin. Chinese medicine used pine needle oil to help keep wounds clean while they healed. Additionally, pine needles have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, which may help reduce redness or swelling. In fact, some research says that pine needle tea helps reduce arthritic symptoms by aiding inflammation reduction in the body. 

In addition to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, pine needles are also rich in vitamin K. While vitamin K is necessary for optimal bone health, it also helps the body produce collagen, which keeps the skin smooth and elastic. The presence of vitamin C in pine needles also provides an added boost for collagen production. Finally, pine needles are particularly rich in both vitamin A and B1, which are necessary for cell growth. 

A Quick Note Of Caution

If you have sensitive skin, or you are prone to eczema, use discretion when experimenting with new ingredients on the skin. Always do a patch test, which involves using a small amount of the product on an area that can stay undisturbed if you experience a breakout. Dry skin is one thing that can inflame eczema. The application of oil-based exfoliants, such as this sugar scrub, may help with long-term hydration. Make sure that you avoid washing right away, or else you will strip the skin of any oil that the skin has not yet absorbed. 

DIY Winter Pine Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2.5 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh pine needles, chopped

Instructions:

• Begin by pouring the sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Make sure it is free of clumps. 
• Pour room temperature coconut oil into the sugar and mix until completely combined. 
• Add the chopped pine needles and continue to stir until fully incorporated. 
• Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and screw on the top, making sure to store in a cool, dark place. 
• When ready to use, massage about a teaspoon-sized amount and massage into the skin. Leave on for about 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

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Looking to tame the beast and condition the beard in the process? Sounds like you need a quality beard oil! Although there are many beard oils on the market, the good news is that you can easily make your own with natural ingredients. No need to worry about mystery fragrances or problematic chemicals damaging your skin!

Why Use Beard Oil?

By using beard oil, you can help soften beard hair and add shine. It can also tame those scraggly hairs, so your beard can look a little neater. If you notice that your skin is flaky or dry underneath the beard, using beard oil can help moisturize the skin, keeping the beard and skin supple and healthy. Some people find that regular use of beard oil helps reduce beard itch. Plus, beard oil can make your beard smell great!

Anecdotal reports state that beard oil can help promote beard growth, but this is not scientifically proven. Some essential oils used in beard oil, however, may help encourage or support beard hair growth. Beard oil is most effective as a moisturizer for the skin under the beard. After regular use, you should notice an improvement in the condition and appearance of the skin and beard. All skin types require nourishment, even oily skin. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, consider using a beard oil with essential oils that exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Key Ingredients

If you want your beard to look well-groomed and shiny, as opposed to dusty and shaggy, you only need a few quality ingredients. The good news is that you don’t have to spend money on an expensive beard care kit! Consider the following ingredients when you make your own beard oil:

• Coconut oil is a great moisturizing carrier oil that helps to soften beard hair, which allows you to reduce itchiness. It is a common ingredient in hair and skin care products because it helps to hydrate the skin.
• Jojoba oil’s molecular structure mirrors human sebum, which the skin naturally produces. It is an emollient, which makes it effective for soothing skin and unclogging hair follicles. 
• Sweet almond oil is mild, lightweight, and great for all skin types. Due to its light texture, it is easily absorbed by the skin, helping to quickly add moisture.
• There are numerous essential oils out there, so it can be difficult to select which ones you want to use for your beard oil. Cedarwood essential oil has a woodsy aroma and may help reduce skin irritation, due to the antiseptic properties. Sandalwood is another common oil in beard care products, and its aroma may provide a sense of calmness. You can even use tea tree oil, peppermint essential oil, or eucalyptus essential oil for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. 

How To Make Beard Oil

You will need a small, ideally amber glass, bottle before you start mixing ingredients. The dark amber glass can help protect the health properties of the essential oils you use. Now, you can use your own measurements if you are brave and willing, but we have a sample recipe below for you to try.

DIY Beard Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce jojoba oil
• 1/2 ounce sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and fractionated coconut oil to the glass bottle. 
• Next, add the essential oils to the bottle, place the cap on tightly, and shake well to combine. 
• To use, drop a few drops into your hands and then massage into your beard and onto your cheeks. Brush your beard for the finishing touch.

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This cranberry sugar scrub is similar to other scrubs, only we tweaked it to include real, fresh cranberries. ’Tis the season, after all. Plus, the cranberries provide essential antioxidants, texture, and beautiful color. Not only is it soothing for dry skin, which is very common during the winter months, but it also makes for an excellent homemade gift this holiday season. 

What Is A Sugar Scrub?

First of all, the body naturally sheds skin and regenerates new skin cells. The efficiency of this cycle depends on your skin type, your age, the products you use, and your environment. Just like anything else in life, the body is not perfect, so you may experience a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. That’s where a sugar scrub comes in, because they remove dead skin cells. 

Sugar scrubs are naturally abrasive without being too aggressive for the skin. By removing dead skin cells, the moisturizer you apply afterward will soak into the skin more easily and thoroughly. The exfoliation also helps to unclog your pores, prevent ingrown hairs, and reduce the risk of razor bumps. Additionally, when you do not remove dead skin cells, the skin can appear rough, dull, or cracked. Removing dead skin cells can yield a smoother, more even skin texture. 

Sugar For Skin Health

Sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it will hydrate your skin and preserve whatever moisture is already present. It is also a great source of glycolic acid, which works to break down the bonds between skin cells. This process facilitates cell turnover, helping you achieve more youthful-looking skin. The small sugar particles make it an excellent exfoliant, which is the reason a lot of body scrubs contain sugar, not salt. They are also much gentler than salt particles, making them generally safe for most skin types. 

Cranberries For Skin Health

Sure, cranberry sauce is a popular condiment around the holidays, but cranberries are not solely reserved for holiday consumption. Cranberries are in a wide variety of skin care products because of their nutritional profile. They are naturally rich in vitamin E, a natural moisturizing antioxidant that may benefit those with acne or dark spots. Cranberries are filled with vitamin C and salicylic acid, both of which work together to reduce hyper-pigmentation, lighten blemishes, and reduce acne scarring. 

Which Carrier Oil Should You Use?

You can use any type of skin-safe carrier oil for this recipe. Popular varieties include coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil. If you are looking for a guide on which carrier oil to choose for your skin type, click here for more information. Carrier oils work to deliver vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids to the skin, providing deep moisturizing, soothing irritation, and boosting elasticity. Some carrier oils may even help fight blemishes and promote a healthy glow. 

Orange Cranberry Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries 
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• Zest from 1 orange
• 10 drops orange essential oil

Instructions:

• Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until fully incorporated. 
• Transfer the mixture into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to one week. It will not keep fresh at room temperature. 
• To use, rinse your skin with warm water and then apply liberally on the skin, massaging gently. Rinse away with warm water and apply moisturizer or lotion as normal.

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When you think of chocolate spread, you probably think of Nutella. It’s a classic spread that not only contains hazelnuts, but also milk, soy, vegetable fats, flavorings, and sugar…lots of sugar. A one-tablespoon serving of Nutella has the following stats:

• Calories: 80 calories
• Fats: 4.6 grams (g)
• Carbohydrates: 8.6 g
• Sugar: 8.4 g
• Protein: 0.9 g

If it is truly a hazelnut spread, why is sugar the first ingredient? That is never a good sign for your health. Fortunately, this recipe is the perfect dip, spread, or breakfast topping. You can even eat it by the spoonful! Just be mindful of how much you eat. because cashews also contain a lot of calories. It does taste good on just about anything and satisfies your chocolate cravings in a healthier way than Nutella does.

Besides the ingredients, the other primary difference between this recipe and a store bought chocolate spread is that is not shelf-stable. This recipe only lasts for about a week, but you have to store it properly in order for this to happen. You will need raw cashews, raw cacao powder, agave nectar, vanilla extract, coconut oil, and sea salt. It’s possible that the chocolate cashew butter will separate slightly, due to the fact that it contains agave nectar and coconut oil. Just give it a good mix every time you eat it and you’ll be fine!

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Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? If you do, you are not alone. Although there is no general recommendation that will cure every person’s sleep issues, there is usually a remedy or two that can work for one, some, or many people. Sometimes, the simplest remedies can make the biggest difference. 

This DIY lavender chamomile sleep salve is a helpful tool to naturally support more restful sleep. The herbs in this sleep salve help naturally calm the mind and body, helping you get more relaxed and in the right headspace for better sleep. Not only is it easy to make and gentle on the skin, but it is also full of skin-nourishing ingredients, including coconut oil and beeswax. Keep a little tin by your bed and use it nightly as part of your bedtime wind-down routine. 

Why Use A Sleep Salve?

This sleep salve recipe uses lavender and cedarwood essential oils, in addition to chamomile and lavender flowers. When applied to your body, the oils release their aroma to encourage relaxation and help the nervous system activate rest mode. Both lavender and chamomile work to soothe the nervous system and prepare the body for sleep. Cedarwood essential oil has exhibited sedative effects that support melatonin release. 

How Does Lavender Promote Sleep?

A trial from 2020 found that breathing lavender essential oil for 30 minutes helped reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. A 2019 study suggested that lavender may improve the body’s melatonin levels, which may improve overall sleep. That is why a lot of people find it easier to unwind before bed and fall asleep faster when they inhale lavender aroma at night. Some people drop some lavender essential oil under their pillow to promote sleep, while others use lavender-scented balms or creams at night. Keep in mind that lavender alone will not fix sleep problems. You have to maintain good sleep habits, such as avoiding screens before bed, keeping the bedroom cool and quiet, and following a bedtime routine, to improve sleep. 

How Does Chamomile Promote Sleep?

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized, controlled trials found that chamomile was able to improve sleep quality. Researchers consider it to be a mild sedative, which is why it helps relax the nervous system. One study found that chamomile helped people with insomnia function slightly better during the day. Apigenin, a flavonoid in chamomile, is believed to cause a sedative effect. It binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Prescription drugs that bind to those receptors typically treat insomnia, seizures, or anxiety. Studies suggest that chamomile is one of the richest natural sources of apigenin. 

DIY Sleep Salve

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup lavender flowers
• 1/4 cup chamomile flowers
• 1 cup avocado oil
• 1/4 cup strained herbal oil (instructions below)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the lavender and chamomile flowers to a clean jar and cover with avocado oil. Let the jar sit for four to six weeks in a cool, dark place. Strain oil when finished. 
• If you are short on time, you can gently heat the herbs and oil in a double boiler for about three to four hours over low heat and then strain the oil. 
• In a double boiler, combine 1/4 cup of the infused oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. Stir occasionally until fully melted. 
• Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before stirring in the essential oils. 
• Pour the mixture into tins or jars and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Screw on the lids and store in a cool, dark place. Use within six months for best results.

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Flaking, itchiness, and dryness can be signs of a dry scalp. Perhaps you spend a lot of time in the sun, wash your hair too frequently, or use the wrong hair care products. Whatever the case, having a dry scalp can be a real bummer. You don’t want to have to worry about whether or not you have visible flakes on your shoulders or hair. The good news is that you can make a few simple changes to moisturize the scalp and hair.

What Is Dry Scalp?

Not to be confused with dandruff, dry scalp is different, even though it exhibits similar symptoms, primarily flaking and itchiness. If your scalp is dry, the skin becomes irritated and flakes off. Dandruff is the result of too much oil production on the scalp, in addition to an overgrowth of yeast, Malassezia, that already exists on the skin. You can tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp because dandruff flakes are larger and may look oily and have a yellow tint. Dry scalp typically produces small, dry flakes. 

Dry Scalp Causes

The primary reason that a person experiences a dry scalp is due to lack of moisture, which can have several causes. Changes in weather, washing hair too frequently, using certain hair products, age, and different skin conditions (such as psoriasis or eczema) can cause dry scalp. Certain hair products may cause contact dermatitis, which occurs when the chemicals in those products react negatively with the skin. Some products also strip the hair and scalp of their natural oils, which reduces moisture content. Additionally, too much sun exposure without proper protection can burn the scalp, causing dryness and irritation. All of those things and more can harm the scalp’s natural moisture defenses. Basically, you can damage the outer layer of skin and experience flakiness and itchiness. 

Avoid Alcohol In Hair Care Products

If you notice alcohol on the ingredient lists of any of your hair care products, throw them out. The reason for this is because alcohol dries out the scalp. It tends to be used in a lot of styling products to help hair dry faster. Alcohol also wicks moisture from the hair and scalp. In addition to alcohol, look for other drying ingredients, such as menthol, eucalyptus, and sulfate. Those ingredients actually cause a pH imbalance on the scalp!

Protect The Scalp From The Elements

The scalp can experience sunburn, just like any part of the body exposed to sunlight. Once the scalp is burnt, you can experience irritation, but it doesn’t just become irritated from sun exposure. Extreme dry and cold weather can cause dryness and itchiness. To prevent this from happening, wear a hat in the summer and a beanie in the winter to shield the scalp from the elements. The more you protect your scalp and keep it covered when outside, the healthier and happier the scalp will be. 

Change Up Your Shampoo Routine

If you feel your scalp drying out on you, reduce the amount of times you wash your hair in a week. Over-washing can strip the scalp and hair of natural oils, which are already lacking if you regularly experience dryness. You may want to consider changing up your shampoo, especially if you notice dry scalp on a somewhat regular basis. As we mentioned earlier, steer clear of shampoos that contain sulfates and alcohol. Instead, look for nourishing, moisturizing ingredients, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, or avocado oil. Some shampoos also contain ingredients that offer anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties. 

Hydrate 

Failure to drink enough water every day can do more than impair digestive function. The skin, including your scalp, can experience dryness, flakiness, itching, and irritation if you are dehydrated. The itching and dryness can actively damage the skin, making you more susceptible to dandruff. Make sure that you drink enough water every day by drinking half your body weight in ounces of water. Keep a water bottle next to you at all times, adding cucumber or lemon to it to increase your desire to hydrate. You can also drink herbal teas and eat water-rich foods to promote hydration.

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