Dry and damaged skin can be really irritating - literally! It can lead to flakiness that is sore, itchy and difficult to leave alone. But, it can also be easily helped! By incorporating natural base oils and essential oils into your skincare routine you can see a real and sudden change in the overall health of your dry skin.
What causes it in the first place? The dryness can appear suddenly due to hormonal changes, be exacerbated by changes in the weather and our response to that (very hot, very cold, air conditioning and heating), diet, lack of hydration, and genetics. It can also be linked to skin that is sensitive - so make sure your cleaning products and skincare products aren't laden with highly sensitising artificial fragrances etc
A comprehensive skincare routine is key. Start by nourishing your skin daily with products that contain a higher oil and barrier content like our Daily Revive moisturiser. At night I would always recommend using a night serum or oil, as your skin absorbs more of what you put on it during the hours of sleep than during the daytime hours. Our Nightly Revive organic oil is perfect as it is full of super nourishing base oils that encourage skin health and cell growth.
During the colder months use a super rich balm that also contains base ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, castor oil and coconut oil to provide an extra barrier against the elements. Our Sandalwood Salve is an amazing addition to your routine as it is gentle enough to use on the face as well as anywhere else on the body and contains a wealth of base ingredients and essential oils that help to eliminate dry skin. Plus a little amount goes a really long way. I sometimes use it as a cleanser at the end of the day, and massage it into my face to get rid of make up then remove it with a hot flannel. It is spa-like bliss!
A way to stop the skin drying out on your body is to limit your showers to 5 minutes and use lukewarm water instead of hot to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils. Sounds gross, but if your skin is particularly dry it is a good quick way to help it heal. Gently pat your skin dry and apply a body oil (rather than a lotion, as body oils are, you guessed it, higher in oil content and therefore more nourishing). If you aren't keen on body oils and have really dry skin then try a body butter as the oil content is as high as a body oil but it is easier to apply. It will also contain barrier ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter or candelila wax which will further protect your skin. Our Cardamon & Camellia body butter is a winner on this front.
Around your home you can incorporate a humidifier to maintain moisture levels in the air (definitely not necessary in Cornwall!) . Additionally, drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can support your skin’s health from the inside out.
If your dry skin persists or leads to redness, itching, or cracking then reach for our Rescue Balm - it may be from our baby range, but it is used by many adults who have told me how amazing it has been in helping their psoriasis or eczema clear up.
Now! On to my Three Favourite Essential oils for dry and damaged skin:
Frankincense - Boswellia Carterii
This essential oil is a cherished ingredient in the world of aromatherapy renowned for its remarkable benefits. It is a resin that is excreted by the bark of the Boswellia tree in response to injury, and it literally heals the dry and wounded cracks on the bark (or skin) of the tree. This ancient oil which has been used for millenia is not only beautifully aromatic, but also profoundly cabable of rejuvinating and healing the skin. It can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and scars, promote the regeneration of healthy cells, and improve skin elasticity, offering a more youthful and radiant complexion. It is also high in anti-inflammatory compounds that help make it an excellent choice for calming redness and irritation - a great benefit for those with sensitive yet dry skin. A safe oil to use in the aromatherapists tool kit, but as with all essential oils dilute in a carrier and conduct a patch test before use
Lavender - Lavandula Angustifolia
Revered for its fragrant aroma and help with insomnia, Lavender also offers a myriad of benefits for the skin including a anti-inflammatory and antipruritic (anti itching) These soothing properties can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive, dry or inflamed skin conditions. If the dryness has lead to scratching or flaking, then the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties can aid in healing skin breaks or cuts and accelerate the skin's healing process. Furthermore, lavender oil's ability to regulate sebum production makes it really beneficial for dry skin types, promoting a balanced and healthy complexion. When used in moderation and properly diluted, lavender essential oil can be a gentle yet effective addition to a skincare routine, offering not just aesthetic improvements but also a soothing, therapeutic experience. Another safe oil to use in the aromatherapists tool kit, but as with all essential oils dilute in a carrier and conduct a patch test before use
Helichrysum - Helichrysum italicum
Heralded for its remarkable healing properties this oil is one of my all time favourites and is a treasure in the world of aromatherapy and natural medicine. Extracted from the flowers of the Helichrysum italicum plant, commonly known as the Curry Plant due to its strong curry-like smell, this essential oil boasts anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal qualities. Its most celebrated use is perhaps its ability to help skin health - it promotes wound healing, reduces the appearance of scars and dramatically helps nourish dry skin complaints of any kind. It has an incredibly complex chemical makeup, including compounds like neryl acetate, gamma-curcumene, and italidiones, all which contributes to its diverse therapeutic benefits. It flourishes in arid heat, dry freezing cold, drought and lack of nourishment. It has a natural ability to thrive in dry and desperate habitats that would kill off most other plants. This naturally resiliance to dryness and thriving despite the extremes, is what, I believe, gives it such remarkable healing powers. Another safe oil to use in the aromatherapists tool kit, but as with all essential oils dilute in a carrier and conduct a patch test before use
Dry Skin Face Oil (enough to make a 30ml bottle):
10ml Organic Rosehip Essential Oil
5ml Organic Evening Primrose Essential Oil
5ml Meadowfoam Essential Oil
5ml Organic Olive Oil (packed with squalene - a natural collagen supporter)
5ml Organic Jojoba Oil
Mix the above base oils together then add the below essential oils. Mix through and add to a clean dry bottle. Use daily, especially at night.
2 drops Helichrysum Italicum
1 drop Frankincense
1 drop Lavender
1 drop Geranium
1 drop Sandalwood
Dry Skin Body Balm (enough to make 100g jar):
15g Organic Olive Oil
20g Organic Shea Butter
10g Organic Rosehip Oil
50g Sweet Almond Oil
5g Candelila Wax
Melt all the above ingredients in a double boiler/bain marie. When dissolved set to one side and allow to cool to approx 50 degrees C. Then add the essential oils listed below. Stir and immediately pour into a clean dry jar, allow to set and add the lid. Use whenever your skin feels dry. No need to refridgerate (unless it is very hot weather)
6 drop Lavender
5 drops Geranium
6 drops Frankincense
3 drops Helichrysum