Dry Skin Herbal Remedies
Dry skin can range from an annoyance to a condition that needs attention. Skin can look tight and dull and depending on where it is located, it can make you feel self-conscious.
Symptoms
Dry skin looks parched. It may feel kind of tight and uncomfortable after washing. Frequently you can see signs of chapping, cracking or peeling.
Causes
Dryness can be caused by wind, sunburn, temperature extremes, air-conditioning, chemicals in soaps and cleansing products and a low level of sebum in the skin. The oil glands are not supplying enough lubrication. Genetics may be involved. A poor diet with deficiencies may be a cause, especially if you are deficient in vitamin A and B. Illnesses of the skin like dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrhea and eczema may also contribute to this condition. Dry skin can also be a symptom of underactive thyroid, diabetes or the taking of certain drugs and medications.
Cautions
Severe cases can result in cracking, especially on the feet. Cracking makes the skin vulnerable to infection and should be seen by a medical professional.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Chamomile – drink chamomile herbal tea to help hydrate the skin.
- Evening Primrose oil and Fish oil - take capsules 3 times a day to promote healthy skin.
- Dandelion – drink dandelion tea to help the body rid itself of toxins. This will help create beautiful skin.
- Borage – this delicate tea can help hydrate the skin and keep it beautiful. Add a teaspoon of borage to 1 cup of boiling water and drink every day.
- Coltsfoot – an herbal tea made from coltsfoot can help keep the skin moisturized and supple.
- Calendula – a tea made from calendula petals is gentle and hydrating for the skin. Make the tea by infusing 5 grams of dried flower heads to 1 liter boiling water for 5 minutes. Cool, strain and drink it every day.
External Applications
- Aloe Vera – apply the gel from the leaves directly on areas of dry skin. It also helps remove dead skin cells as well as being an excellent moisturizer.
- Calendula – this herb helps to moisturize and soften the skin. Apply as a cream or wash.
- Evening primrose – after a bath, apply diluted evening primrose oil to areas with dry skin.
- Peppermint – apply as an herbal sauna. Simmer 2 to 4 tablespoons of peppermint in 2 quarts of water. When the water is steaming, put it on a trivet or hot pad to protect the table, and sit with your face at a comfortable distance over the steam for 15 minutes. Drape a towel over your head and the pot if you need to so the steam is captured. When the time is done, splash your face with cold water and allow your skin to air dry or use a towel to pat it dry gently. Apply a good natural moisturizer or a clay mask. Leftover sauna solution can be cooled and used as a toning lotion to dab on your skin with a cotton ball. Other herbs that work well in a facial sauna include lavender and chamomile.
- Oats - add the liquid of boiled oats to a bath.
Aromatherapy
- Lavender – add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to your bathwater.
- Tea tree – the essential oil will penetrate the skin's cells. Add 1 drop to your moisturizer to help it be more effective.
- Chamomile - Add 3 drops of Chamomile essential oil to carrier oil and massage into the dry skin.
Other essential oils that may be used in either a massage or bath include frankincense, jasmine, geranium and sandalwood.