Essential Oils For Dry Skin + How to Treat Dry Skin Naturally

Our skin is a physical barrier protecting the sensitive and delicate interior environment of body from the harsh exterior. Our skin is bombarded daily with all types of particles from dust, wind, sun, foreign organisms and various chemicals. In order to fulfil its protective function and maintain its integrity our skin has to be healthy and hydrated.

One of the important components of skin health is its moisture. The inner layers are hydrated in the same way as any other living tissue and the outer layers need a combination of water and oil to remain healthy. Normally the skin can maintain itself but with health concerns and age, the skin’s ability to moisturize itself and retain this moisture diminishes. Skin dryness then becomes evident.

Weather Changes

Many people notice an increase in dry skin during certain times of the year, especially when it starts to turn cold during the winter months. Lower humidity in the air (which typically happens during winter) can also increase the chances for skin becoming dry.

Research in 2016 suggests that the way skin reacts when exposed to the cold may be related to developing dry skin. The study examined the length of time it took skin to return to its normal temperature after being exposed to the cold and found a connection with longer recovery time and dry skin symptoms.

 

Age

As we get older, our skin produces less oil, making it easier to become dry. Dry skin often effects the skin on our legs, arms, elbows, hands the most.

 

Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition that is believed to be linked to genetics and triggered by the immune system. It can cause skin to be red, dry, itchy, or to develop a rash. While eczema can appear anywhere on the body, eczema is commonly seen on the legs. For example, patches of dry skin develop behind the knees.

 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune health concern that causes the skin to produce too many skin cells at once. The buildup of too many skin cells creates itchy, scaly patches that can also crack and bleed. It’s common to find psoriasis patches on the knees.

 

 

There are many great essential oils for dry skin that work to hydrate, health and soothe irritated skin naturally. Keep reading on to learn more about each of these wonderful essential oils. We’ve also included some of our favorite dry skin healing recipes too. Essential oils that are high in monoterpenols and esters, for the most part, tend to be more hydrating to the skin, so oils high in those constituents are often excellent choices for dry skin.

 

Essential oils that are high in monoterpenols

• Carrot Seed
• Cedarwood
• Frankincense
• Geranium
• German chamomile
• Helichrysum
• Palmarosa 
• Lavender
• Patchouli
• Yarrow
• Myrrh

 

Lavender essential oil

Lavender is best known in aromatherapy for its calming and soothing effects. Lavender essential oil is also an ally for the skin. It can help treat a very wide range of conditions including burns, bug bites, rashes and chapping. It is also an extremely effective remedy for dry skin and flaking.

Lavender essential oil promotes the regeneration of skin cells and helps your skin feel softer and healthier. It is among the best essential oils to use on dry hands, arms and feet. While lavender essential oil is one of the few oils that can be applied ‘neat’ (without a carrier oil). we would recommended diluting it with a suitable carrier oil for best results. A carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil helps the essential oil “stick” to the skin.

 

Geranium essential oil

If cold air has your skin looking red, harsh and dry geranium essential oil is an incredible oil to help heal. Geranium calms skin irritation and inflammation very quickly and has moisturizing properties.  It's also a Swiss Army knife when it comes to skin, as it helps regulate oil production, helps with potential UV damage, reduces acne breakouts, improve skin elasticity, and balance out skin whether it's dry or oily. Geranium essential oil is also a common oil for women with PCOS and to also help treat acne breakouts. Geranium oil even boosts blood circulation, in case you're looking for a natural glow without sun damage.

 

Myrrh essential oil

Myrrh is another wonderful essential oil for dry skin because it both protects and soothes. Myrrh has strong antioxidant properties and may help protect against UV damage while reducing fine lines and wrinkles and supporting youthful skin.

 

Frankincense essential oil

Frankincense essential oil has a wide variety of medicinal uses including an impressive range of skin benefits. Frankincense essential oil is used to treat scars, stretch marks, burns, age marks and wrinkles and may also help keep your skin moist and hydrated. This oil is often found as an ingredient in commercial skin care products aimed at improving the skin’s general health as well as eradicating signs of aging. Many essential oil experts say that frankincense helps regenerate the skin cells and treats skin flaking as well as dryness. Frankincense oil also has natural anti-inflammatory effects which may help relieve irritation and treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.

 

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum essential oil might be expensive but it really is one of the best essential oils for dry skin. Helichrysum essential oil is an outstanding option for people with dry or flaky skin because of its hydrating and moisturizing properties. As well as treating dry skin and conditions like eczema or psoriasis, helichrysum essential oil is also used to reduce the appearance of scars, wrinkles, age spots and other blemishes. It is also a good choice for people simply aiming for healthier and younger looking skin.

 

 

 

Dry Skin Roller Relief

Ingredients

• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil
• 5 drops myrrh essential oil
• 2 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 2 drops rose essential oil
• Fractionated coconut oil
• 10ml roller bottle

 

Directions

Add essential oils to a 10ml roller bottle. Fill to top with fractionated coconut oil. Roll on hands, legs, elbows or other dry areas 2x daily or as needed.  Looking for high quality roller bottles? Check out the high quality rollers available from Holistic Oils HERE.

 

 

Ultra Moisturizing Dry Skin Salve

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup coconut oil 
• 5 teaspoons beeswax 
• 8 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil
• 5 drops myrrh essential oil
• 2oz Amber Glass Jar

 

Directions

Measure out the beeswax and coconut oil. Combine in a double boiler and heat until melted. Once melted, remove from heat. Add the essential oils and stir to combine. Try out various hydrating essential oils and see which ones you like the best. Finally, pour the melted hand salve into a 2 oz amber glass jar. Allow to cool and harden completely. Then screw on the lid and label as desired for personal use or gifting.

 

 

Hydrating & Firming Face Oil

Ingredients

• 20 drops frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops rose essential oil
• 10 drops helichrysum essential oil
• Jojoba oil (or another carrier oil like grapeseed, avocado, or fractionated coconut)

 

Directions

Add essential oils to a 10mL roller bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with fractionated coconut oil (or your carrier oil of choice). Screw on the cap of the roller bottle, shake it up, and roll onto areas of your skin that need a hydration boost. This oil is gentle enough that it can be applied all over your face.

 

 
No Crack Dry Lotion Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 oz. unscented lotion
• Essential Oils of Choice: 3 drops Lavender, 3 drops Frankincense, 5 drops Myrrh, 1 drop Helichrysum

 

Directions

Blend all ingredients together thoroughly. Use on hands when severe dryness is a problem.