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 Even though dry skin is not a serious condition, it can be very unsightly and may lead to psychological distress. In order to get rid of dry skin, one has to take care on a regular basis and needs to work hard to keep the skin soft and moisturized. Fortunately, there are several skin care remedies that can keep the skin soft and supple even in the dry, cold winters.

Dry skin occurs when the sebaceous glands in the skin produce less oil. This absence of natural oils results in dry skin that can be caused due to poor diet, environmental conditions, excessive use of cosmetics, chemicals, and excessive bathing with harsh soaps; in some cases, genetic conditions can also cause dry skin.

Oils obtained from plants by various methods such as distillation are known as essential oils. An essential oil carries the distinctive scent and essence of the plant and is used for medicinal uses, skin care, and aromatherapy. Chamomile, geranium, hyssop, rose, lavender, sandal wood, ylang-ylang, and patchouli are some of the essential oils that help to treat dry skin.

In order to keep dry skin smooth and supple, add five drops of lavender oil to your bath water. You can also use evening primrose oil (diluted) or aloe vera gel. Aloe Vera gel has soothing and moisturizing properties, and when applied topically, it helps to eliminate dead cells as well. The fatty acids present in evening primrose help to strengthen skin cells, besides increasing the moisture content. Comfrey and calendula possess skin-softening properties and are extensively used for facial saunas. Tea tree oil is another excellent remedy for dry skin, owing to its skin penetrating properties that help to moisturize and smoothen the skin. Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and dandelion help to improve skin texture. Teas of fennel, coltsfoot, and birage improve skin complexion.

The anti-wrinkle and anti-aging property of gotu kola helps to heal dry skin problems. For dark circles, organic hops are used as they stimulate and tone the skin. Nettle is an anti-inflammatory essential oil that enhances blood circulation. Geranium essential oil not only softens and soothes the skin but also tones it. Rose essential oil is an excellent anti-wrinkle agent, owing to its regenerative property. Avocado is used to moisturize and nourish dry skin. Rose hip seed oil helps to heal dry skin due to its regenerative and moisturizing properties.

Here are some useful recipes using herbs and essential oils for dry skin:

• Mix six ounces of unflavored yogurt, few finely crushed almonds, and two teaspoons of honey and wheat germ oil. Apply it on the skin for 20 minutes and wash off with cold water. Almond in the mask helps to exfoliate and remove dead cells whereas vitamin E in wheat germ oil helps to fight free radicals.
• Take a cup of almond or grape seed oil and mix it with two tablespoons of melted beeswax and one tablespoon of alkanet root. Strain the oil and add 10 drops of flavoring oil and three drops of vitamin E oil. This homemade balm is an excellent recipe of essential oils for chapped lips.
• Mix sandalwood oil, rose or chamomile oil with a hydrating base such as avocado or night primrose. This is an excellent recipe for dry chapped fingers. Wheat germ oil with any essential oil is a great combination of energizing, pure hand moisturizer.
• Mix one yolk of an egg with one teaspoon of orange juice and olive oil and a little rose water and lime juice. Use this mixture before bath. This is a great skin cleanser.
• The mixture of an egg with one teaspoon of honey and olive oil (each) in some rose water; this is an excellent mask for dry skin.
• Herbal facial saunas using lavender, chamomile, and peppermint helps to keep dry skin smooth and glowing.
  

References:

1. http://www.skinhelp.co.uk/essentialoilsherbsdryskin.html
2. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lavender-000260.htm

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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