Dry Skin? Don't Pay to Relieve It

Frugal ways to cope with dry skin are often more natural and better for you than expensive chemical solutions. The fact is that no lotion or cream has any "secret ingredient" that is good for your skin. Oil or fat, plus water, plus stabilizers, plus fragrance is about all it takes, whether it costs you a dollar or a hundred dollars. Or a dime.

Make your lotion last longer

All lotions and creams are emulsions - that is, they are oil and water together in one product. Creams and thick lotions, although they might be more expensive to buy, are much more frugal to use if you do it this way: Put a tiny dab in the palm of your hand, then mix it with a drop of water. It will break down into lotion. Only do as much as you use at one time.

Frugal foot care

With spring and summer comes sandals and bare feet. If your feet are still winter dry, give them a spring treatment! Before you go to bed or sit down to relax for awhile, generously rub vegetable oil or shortening into your feet (lard or tallow can be used, too), then put old socks on, then slip plastic bread sacks on over that. After a couple of hours, you can wash it off with warm water and mild soap. The price sure beats the commercial foot lotion.

Cheap dry skin remedy

Dry skin responds just as well to shortening, vegetable oil, butter, margarine or lard. While your skin is still wet, smooth on whichever fat you choose just like you would hand lotion or cream.