Essential Oils For Dry Skin
Nobody likes the feeling of dry skin. Whether it’s a result of environmental conditions, low oil production or maturing skin, it’s a sign that your skin cells are calling out for some love and moisture.
Using essential oils for dry skin provides a gentle alternative, in comparison to cosmetic creams and ointments, to naturally help soften, balance, repair and provide relief to dry skin.
Benefits Of Essential Oils For Dry Skin
Essential oils have naturally occurring anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial abilities, in addition to being a strong source of antioxidants. While some skincare products offer temporary relief for dry skin, essential oils gently nourish and restore moisture without the need for alcohol-based or synthetic ingredients. Among their versatile effects, some essential oils may help with dry skin in the following ways:
- Increases moisture retention
- Reduces inflammation
- Soothes irritation
- Balances sebum production
- Protects skin barrier’s from radical and environmental damage
- Gently nourishes skin
- Promotes healing
- Encourages cell production
Best Essential Oils For Dry Skin
Essential oils are incredibly versatile and their natural healing and soothing properties work to hydrate the skin’s surface while protecting the skin’s barrier. Here are a few of our best essential oils that are highly valued for their ability to help treat dry skin naturally:
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil is not only one of the most well known essential oils, but it’s also considered one of the most versatile and is a popular choice for relieving dry skin. Suitable for dry and sensitive skin types, Lavender Oil nourishes and balances moisture retention while smoothing the surface layer of the skin. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that work to minimise redness and irritation. For this reason, many have noted that Lavender Oil has been effective in alleviating skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis.
How To Use Lavender Essential Oil for Dry Skin
Lavender Oil can be used in the following ways:
- Diluting: Dilute in your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it to the affected area. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution for skin application and a 1 - 2% dilution for facial application.
- Moisturiser: You can also add Lavender Oil to your chosen moisturiser and apply to the skin. For facial application we recommend a 1 - 2% dilution.
Mandarin Essential Oil
Mandarin Essential Oil is one of the best known essential oils for the skin and carries a light, citrusy sweet aroma. With its naturally occurring antimicrobial properties, Mandarin Oil is now known to protect the skin from bacteria while penetrating broken-down skin barriers. It may also soften and smooth mature or dry skin while calming irritation and redness.
How To Use Mandarin Essential Oil for Dry Skin
Mandarin Oil can be used in the following ways:
- Diluting: Dilute in your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it to the affected area. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution for skin application and a 1 - 2% dilution for facial application.
- Moisturiser: You can also add Mandarin Oil to your chosen moisturiser and apply to your skin. For facial application we recommend a 1 - 2% dilution.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense Essential Oil is known for its calming and balancing properties while being a favourite for promoting healthy skin. It is known to balance sebum production in dry skin while smoothing the complexion and reducing the appearance of blemishes. Frankincense Oil also contains compounds such as limonene and farnesol to strengthen the skin’s barrier, improve skin elasticity and reduce inflammation.
How To Use Frankincense Essential Oil for Dry Skin
Frankincense Oil can be used in the following ways:
- Diluting: Dilute with your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it to the affected area. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution for skin application and a 1 - 2% dilution for facial application.
- Moisturiser: You can also add Frankincense Oil to your chosen moisturiser and apply it to the skin. For facial application we recommend a 1 - 2% dilution.
Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh Essential Oil carries a spicy, warm aroma and is filled with healing properties that work to soothe the skin and boost a healthy glow. It is perfect for moisturising dry skin while evening out skin tone and is known to be great with skin complaints such as eczema. As such, Myrrh Oil works to protect the skin’s barrier against bacteria production and environmental elements.
How To Use Myrrh Essential Oil for Dry Skin
Myrrh Oil can be used in the following ways:
- Diluting: Dilute in your favourite carrier oil, add your dilution to a roller bottle or glass pipette bottle and apply it to the affected area. We recommend a 2 - 4% dilution for skin application and a 1 - 2% dilution for facial application.
- Moisturiser: You can also add Myrrh Oil to your chosen moisturiser and apply to the skin. For facial application we recommend a 1 - 2% dilution.
Essential Oil Packs Designed for Dry Skin
AWO’s Skin Saviour Essential Oils Pack includes some of our best known essential oils that have been seen to nourish and rejuvenate dry skin. With Frankincense, Myrrh, Lavender, Mandarin and Tea Tree Essential Oil, our Skin Saviour pack is filled with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial and healing properties. These essential oils are highly valued for their ability to smooth, protect and hydrate the skin while promoting a radiant skin tone.
Dilution Guidelines
Essential oils are extremely concentrated, therefore it is important to use a safe amount when diluting and applying to the skin. When using essential oils for dry skin, we recommend diluting with a carrier oil. Some of our most popular carrier oils include:
- Coconut Oil
- Argan Oil
- Pomegranate Oil
- Almond Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Rosehip Oil
Some essential oils may irritate sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend doing a test patch with a diluted essential oil on your forearm. If you have an allergic reaction with 24 hours discontinue.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding we recommend consulting with your GP or healthcare professional before implementing essential oils into your routine.
Other Tips For Treating Dry Skin
Aside from using essential oils there are other ways you can help treat dry skin, including:
- Avoid taking overly hot showers
- Take 5 - 10 minute showers
- Moisturise after showering
- Use gentle laundry detergent
- Use gentle moisturising products
- Drink plenty of water
Where To Buy Essential Oils For Dry Skin
While essential oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores, it is important to keep in mind that the purity and quality of these essential oils will vary. That is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO, we have a wide selection of 100% pure essential oils and organic essential oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less, which allows us to offer our high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!
Essential Oil Safety
Whilst essential oils are natural products, they are extremely potent and can cause serious harm if used incorrectly. For this reason, we recommend the following:
- In line with the Therapeutic Goods Act, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without the guidance of a registered Aromatherapist or Naturopath.
- Avoid using essential oils during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
- We recommend storing your essential oils in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring that they are not directly exposed to sunlight and are out of reach of children or pets.
- Essential oils can be very concentrated and are likely to cause irritation or reactions if applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it is important to first dilute your essential oils before using topically (on the skin). Our recommended dilution percentages can be found under the ‘Best Essential Oils For Dry Skin’ section.