Dry skin is more prone to sensitivity. Usually, it has lower level of sebum. Dry skin looks patchy because of its inability to sustain moisture in it. It feels quite uncomfortable and tight after washing unless some skin cream or moisture is not applied. Cracking and chapping are some of the extreme symptoms of dehydrated and dry skin. It looks dull, especially around the eyes and on the cheeks.
Dry skin can be due to genetic condition. It can be caused if oil glands do not supply required lubrication. Lack of vitamin A and B vitamins in nutrition can also cause dry, dull and dehydrated skin. Conditions including eczema, seborrhea, psoriasis, or dermatitis can cause dry skin. It can also be a reason of some environmental factors like exposure to wind, chemicals, cosmetics, sun or wind.
Aloe Vera
From a long time, Aloe Vera gel is well known as a remedy for minor wounds and burns as well as for skin irritation. This plant is consists of approximately 96 percent water. Other active components of Aloe Vera include essential oils, amino acids, vitamins, glycoprotein, minerals and enzymes. All these components of Aloe Vera help in retaining moisture of skin even when the climate is really harsh. You can mix aloe vera juice, aloe vera gel and 100 percent pure rose oil in a bowl. Then, apply the mixture on your dry skin area for 5 to 7 minutes. It also provides a natural glow to the skin. Aloe Vera has healing, moisturizing and soothing agents that also helps in removing dead skin cells. Aloe Vera is generally considered as mild, but it can cause skin irritation on extra sensitive skin.
Calendula
Calendula belongs to the family of amica that offers wound healing. The main components of this herb are carotenoids, resin, flavonoids, sterol, mucilage, saponins and essential oils. It offers excellent moisturizing qualities that make it a perfect remedy for dry skin or skin inflammation. It can be used in facial sauna and also for making floral or herbal waters. Calendula petals are used for making herbal oil, which is quite beneficial on dry skin.
Calendula belongs to ragweed. Those people who are allergic to ragweed should also avoid calendula herb. Usually, most herbs are safe even on babies skin, but you should consult doctor before considering any herb for dry skin treatment.
Sage
Sage consists of resin, a bitter principle, tannin and a volatile oil. The volatile oil is composed of camphor, pinene, salvene and cineol. Sage is also rich in vitamin A and vitamin C that helps in the treatment of several skin conditions including dehydrated, dry skin. It is well known as a natural antiseptic. Sage also prevents infection while healing dry and dehydrated skin. It also helps in improving skin appearance by increasing blood circulation. It is well known for providing relief from several annoying skin conditions like athlete’s foot, eczema, psoriasis, acne and chapped skin. Even it helps in promoting hair length as well.
Sage can be applied on dry skin by mixing it in the base of jojoba oil. You can also blend camphor and thyme in it. Over dosage of sage can cause blood sugar fluctuation, miscarriage and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Therefore, it should be avoided during pregnancy. High dosage of sage can also cause vomiting, and kidney and seizures damage in rare cases.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an herb that is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, aromatic, sedative and soothing properties. It is an ideal herb for treating different type skin conditions such as skin irritations, eczema, psoriasis, diaper rashes etc. Chamomile can be used by soaking it in bathing water. It can also used is potpourri and teas.
There are several types of herbs that are called as Chamomile but the most common among them are Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita). These herbs can grow in any type of soil, but usually prefer sandy, dry soil. Complete sunlight is required for producing abundant flowers that are used as herbal remedy. Those people who are allergic to ragweed should avoid the usage of chamomile herb as it belongs to the same family.
Comfrey
Comfrey is rich with allantoin helps in reducing inflammation, and also preventing the occurrence of inflammation. Comfrey also contains anti-oxidants like tannins acid and rosamarinic acid that helps in rejuvenating the dry skin. It also helps in improving the health of skin and makes it soft. An ointment consisting comfrey between 5 percent and 20 percent is usually recommended for skin treatment. These ointments are easily available on any food store. Most doctors recommend not using these ointments for more than 10 days. It is because alkaloids present in comfrey ointments can become toxic. Indeed, comfrey is a skin softening herb that is perfect for treating dry skin. It also helps sensitive skin to become more resilient and stronger. Comfrey is not meant for internal use.
You can make a thick green paste of some comfrey leaves, ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol and ½ cup of aloe vera gel. Apply it on the dry skin.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is highly recommended for dry skin as well as for acne. According to holistic doctor Asa Hershoff, it has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Tea tree oil is proved as best herbal treatment where dry skin is accompanied by acne or pimples. Usually, tea tree oil is used on face skin for treating dry skin, but it can be used at any other body part. Tea tree oil can also be used for treating skin inflammation. You can add few drops of tea tree oil in your daily cream that will help in smoothing your skin.
Tea tree oil is meant for external use only. Usually, there are no dangerous allergic reactions seen with this herbal oil. Anyhow, there are rare symptoms like difficulty in breathing, swelling of the lips, face or tongue, hives, and tightness in the throat can take place. Therefore, it is very important to consult doctor if any of these side effects occur.
Lavender
Lavender oil contains anti-bacterial properties that make it an effective herb for treating dry skin symptoms. This herb is utmost effective especially when the dry skin is due to an inflammatory condition like psoriasis or eczema. Anyhow, it may cause central nervous system irregularities and hormone imbalances. You can easily make lavender honey bath oil, which is quite effective on dry skin. Just mix a cup of honey, two cups of olive oil, one spoon of vitamin E, a cup of almond oil and 10 drops of the lavender oil.
Lavender is found in several beauty products like lotions, soaps and shampoos. It is also popular aroma. It is a great herb for skin softening. Most herbalists use lavender for treating fungus infections, eczema, and of course, dry and flaky skin. This calming aroma is really helpful in relieving stress and treating other psychological conditions such as anxiety, mood disturbances and insomnia.