Winter can leave your skin dry and flaky due to colder temperatures, drying wind, and winter heating systems. Dry skin needs nourishment from moisturizing oils, both carrier oils and essential oils. It is simple to make your own dry-skin blends at home without having to spend a lot of money on pricey department-store brands. All you need is an appropriate carrier oil blended with appropriate essential oils.

Symptoms of Dry Skin Problems

Dry skin can feel itchy, flaky, and may become red, irritated, and inflamed if left untreated. In addition, dry skin is often accompanied by sensitive skin problems. Skin problems such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis may materialize alongside dry skin problems.

Dry skin may occur at any age but it is particularly common among people with sensitive skin and mature skin. Environmental conditions may induce dry skin problems and winter is a time when dry skin problems are prevalent.

Carrier Oils for Dry Skin

There are many different carrier oils on the market to choose from and, although several can be used for dry skin problems, I recommend the following carrier oils as a base for a dry skin aromatherapy blend:

• Apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca) – apricot kernel oil is a nourishing carrier oil and a great emollient. Use for dry, mature, and sensitive skin.

• Borage (Borago officinalis) – a less well-known carrier oil, borage is particularly suitable for dry, mature skin conditions.

• Evening primrose (Oenthera biennis) – evening primrose can be combined with other carrier oils to treat dry skin, psoriasis, and eczema.

• Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) – jojoba is a particularly useful carrier oil for eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin conditions.

• Kukui nut (Aleurites moluccanus) – used by native Hawaiians, kukui nut oil is used today for dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis.

• Rosehip (Rosa canina) – use rosehip oil in combination with other carrier oils for eczema and to nourish dehydrated skin.

• Sweet almond oil (Prunis dulcis) – a popular and light carrier oil that can be used for dry, itchy skin, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Essential Oils for Dry Skin

With hundreds of essential oils to choose from, it can be difficult to know which essential oils are best for dry skin conditions. However, I have chosen the following essential oils for their availability and ease of use: 

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
• Rose (Rosa x damascena) – although pricey, true rose essential oil is worth the investment if used in small amounts with other essential oils in a blend
• Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
• Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
• Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
• Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
• Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Aromatherapy Blends for Dry Skin

In general, use a 2% dilution of essential oils to carrier oil base. Exceptions include seniors, in pregnancy, babies and young children, and those with certain health conditions.

Consult a certified aromatherapist for further information.

References:

• Lawless, Julia, 1995, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, UK: Thorsons
• Falsetto, Sharon, 2014, Authentic Aromatherapy, US: Skyhorse Publishing
• Author is a certified aromatherapist with a decade of international training and experience.