X marks the spot! In this case, that is xeroderma, otherwise known as dry skin. This tends to be more common when the weather gets chilly, and the humidity level dips. To make things worse, long, hot showers or baths contribute to dry skin.
Environmental factors and aging affects our skin health as well, and although this is not a serious disease it is really not a pleasant state to be in. Who doesn’t love soft, supple skin?
Why Essential Oils are good for Dry Skin
Regardless of your environmental conditions, essential oils help to moisturize dry, irritated skin by infusing your skin layers with marvelous benefits. They balance skin oil production; toning and protecting throughout.
The oils have compounds that complement each other’s actions. Some, like the esters linalyl acetate, cool and soothe. Then there are terpenes that balance and tone your skin. Added to these are alcohols that stimulate and nurture your immune system.
Read on to meet oils ready to protect and moisturize your skin!
Best Essential Oils For Dry Skin
1. Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
Frankincense has a spicy moderately heavy, pungent aroma. Its powerful compound limonene promotes warming along with deep cleansing protection. It’s a valuable aid when dry skin cracks, helping to ward off infecting microbes. Frankincense goes on to offer me comforting relief when my hands smart from dry skin irritations.
Frankincense blended with coconut oil is moisturizing and protective. Be sure to apply before bed and when heading out on a chilly day. Or add a drop to a big dollop of hand soap to boost hand hygiene.
Best for: Cracked, painful skin
2. Rose (Rosa damascena)
Rose’s Latin name is as lovingly layered as the flower’s blossoms, and the traits of its oil. A 2011 review of its potential concludes by listing a host of effects, including those that are antimicrobial and antioxidant. This adds credence to the ancient uses of rose for feeding the skin and nurturing your being.
Create a gently warm compress infused with rose blended with calendula oil.
Best for: Reducing effects of environmental toxins
3. Myrrh Commiphora myrrha)
Myrrh protects and cleanses contemporary skin. Its ester boosts white blood cells to protect flaking, raw skin from microbes. Myrrh is relaxing, calming troublesome itchiness. It soothes skin cracks on hard-working hands. To top it off, myrrh stimulates skin cell growth.
Mix drops of myrrh into an unscented bath gel for soaking your worries and flakes away in the tub!
Best for: Calming itchy skin
4. Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini)
Palmarosa is highly valued for its precious care. Its sweet floral nature moisturizes skin by balancing sebum oil production. It replenishes growth as its alcohol compounds bestow cleansing protection and stimulating qualities. Palmarosa supports clear thinking along with recovery, deep within your skin.
Try a body blend of sweet almond oil, palmarosa, and patchouli. This is a good one for rough patches on elbows and arms.
Best for: Increasing skin oil production
5. Carrot Seed (Daucus carota)
One of the everyday names of this loving plant is Queen Anne’s Lace. It is far from common when caring for skin! It affectionately nurtures dry, aging skin as it rids toxins while stimulating circulation. These actions, associated with terpene compounds, aid in wrinkle reduction as they cleanse, providing antisepsis.
Blend with rose geranium to create a steam inhalation, or add a drop or too to your favorite moisturizer, stimulating circulation and reducing aging effects.
Best for: Wrinkle reduction
6. Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Geranium is highly valued for its balancing benefits for body and mind. The ester compounds in geranium contribute to its cooling and relaxing benefits. Its alcohols support cleansing, so important when skin is harmed or irritated. It moisturizes skin, calms nerves, and offers hope for the coming day.
A few drops of rose geranium and 5 ml of vodka swished in a basin of water make a perfect face rinse when skin feels dry and dusty. Mixed with a carrier oil, rose geranium will protect cracked heels and fingers.
Best for: Irritated skin
7. Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Sandalwood is a reminder of exotic places, lingering long after the moment is past. This effect carries over into layering and softening of skin. It does so by drawing the skin’s natural oils to the surface. This moisturizing is enriched by this oil’s staying power. Its tannin compounds tone and tighten tissue, as santalols thwart microbes.
Add a few drops to a coconut milk soap for washing dry, cracked skin.
Best for: Moisturizing skin
8. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
Patchouli whispers skin vitality secrets enwrapped in mysterious aroma. Its constituents protect and regenerate skin, especially as we age. Skin is toned, helping it to ward off infections and irritations. Beta-patchoulene is reported to have potent anti-inflammatory activity according to research that separated the compound from patchouli oil.
Harsh aftershave lotions dry men’s skin. Instead, try patchouli blended with witch hazel, sweet almond oil, and glycerine. A steam inhalation infuses patchouli richness with loving vapors to soothe dry facial skin. Follow with some Anti-Aging Vitality Blend in the recipe section.
Note: May affect blood clotting so do not use if on anticoagulants.
Best for: Skin regeneration
Best Essential Oil For Dry Skin Recipes
Anti-Aging Vitality Blend
This luscious blend delivers deep regenerative powers. Regular use protects your skin from all that comes its way, from weather extremes to environmental toxins. Your skin will thank you for years to come!
- 40 ml of sweet almond oil
- 5 ml of wheat germ oil
- 8 drops of palmarosa
- 3 drops of carrot seed
- 4 drops of patchouli
- 4 drops sandalwood
Pour and drop oils into a bottle, blend well by swishing around. Apply at bedtime for thorough benefit; add touch-ups as desired during the day.
Cracked Skin Tough Stuff Salve
Whether you’re out in the weather for work or play, cracked skin can sure ruin the day. Here’s a blend to try; it’s sturdy and sure to go the distance.
- 15 ml (1 T) natural beeswax
- 60 ml of calendula oil
- Vitamin E capsules; 800 IU
- 25 drops palmarosa
- 15 drops of rose geranium
- 10 drops of frankincense
- 10 drops of myrrh
Select an amber or cobalt blue glass jar for storage. You will need a small saucepan and ceramic or metal bowl or cup to create a double boiler. Fill the saucepan half full with water with the bowl or cup partially immersed in the water.
Pour calendula oil into the bowl or cup. Add beeswax. Melt and blend these with the saucepan water on low to medium heat. As the beeswax melts, add vitamin E, and the essential oils.
Remove from heat. Blend oils well and pour into the jar for storage. Apply daily, more often for deeply cracked skin. Wash and dry skin between applications.
Itchy Irritated Skin Diffuser
Another gift of essential oils is that they work from the outside in, as well as from the inside out! This recipe diffuses oils into the air, wrapping you in velvety goodness to reduce itchiness and lift your spirit.
- This recipe uses a glass vase or bottle with a narrow neck, and bamboo reeds or skewers.
- 120 ml of grape seed oil
- 30 ml of vodka to thin the oils for wicking with the reed/skewer
- 12 drops of palmarosa
- 8 drops of rose geranium
- 6 drops of rose
- 2 drops of sandalwood
Blend the grape seed, vodka, and essential oils well. Pour half of the blend into the vase or bottle. Place the reeds or skewers into the mixture, allowing time for the oils to wick.
Place the diffuser in a spot nearby. Replenish as necessary.
To Summarize
- Dry skin is medically known as xeroderma. Dry skin signs are flaking, itchiness, roughness, irritations, and cracks. Causes are weather extremes, environmental toxins, harsh toiletries, aging, low sebum production, and illness.
- Essential oils support dry skin care by promoting sebum production; toning skin tissues; warding off microbes; reducing irritation and itchiness; aiding sleep; reducing aging effects; and stimulating circulation and immune system wellbeing.
- Best oils for dry skin are frankincense, rose, sandalwood, myrrh, patchouli, palmarosa, rose geranium, and carrot seed.
- Tips for using oils for dry skin care include in oils, salves, bath gel, hand soap, steam inhalations, and diffusers.
Read more:
- Roman Chamomile Essential Oil – Benefits That May Surprise You
- 10 Essential Oils For Stress Relief (+ 3 DIY Stress Blends & Recipes)
