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Conditions of dry skin occur due to many factors, characterised by dried and parched skin devoid of moisture and oil. Turning to anything natural has been the buzz word today and so is the case with treating dry skin.
Herbal remedies do wonders on continuous use and the effect will be long lasting.
Effective Herbs To Treat Dry Skin
Aloe Vera
The clear gel extracted from the leaves of Aloe Vera is used to treat dry skin. This succulent plant finds immense use in commercial preparations of skin creams and lotions. The soothing and anti-inflammatory property of the plant gel combined with its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial nature makes it an excellent herb for removing dryness of skin.
Marshmallow
The root of this perennial herb finds use as a moisturiser for dry skin, among various other medicinal uses. The root of the plant contains essential vitamins like Vitamin A, C along with pectin, soluble fiber and mucilage. This makes it an effective herb to retain the moisture of the skin and also to treat bruises due to dryness of skin.
Rose
Petals of this garden beauty have medicinal effects as it soothes and helps to render a glowing skin. The rose water made out of the petals is used to give a cooling and moisturising effect to the skin. The rose petals contain natural oils that help to trap the moisture and in addition, presence of sugar helps to impart a soothing effect.
Patchouli
Oil of patchouli is an amazing medicine for treating dry skin, even in severe dehydrated conditions. Herbalists advise use of patchouli oil for dry and cracked skin as it is an excellent cell regenerator that helps formation of new cells, moistens and soothes the skin. Application of the oil soon after bathing not only helps to retain the moisture but also gives the added benefit of a pleasant aroma.
Calendula
Commonly called pot marigold, this has a long history of medicinal use. Tea made out of the calendula flowers contains water soluble polysaccharides, carotenoids, sterols and saponins that impart a moisturising effect to the skin. Further due to its anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties, calendula flowers also finds use in treating chapped skin and hence herbalists advise use of calendula extract as a remedy for skin diseases like eczema.
Comfrey
The root of this plant is an excellent moisturiser for skin and is widely used to treat dry skin. The extract is a main ingredient of several skin creams and moisturisers. The root contains the the protein allantoin which helps in healing dry skin.
Evening primrose
Oil extracts from the flowers of the plant moisturises dry skin due to the presence of an essential fatty acid called Gamma Linolenic Acid. The oil is also found to be beneficial to treat itching, crusting or redness associated with dry skin.
Sandal Wood
Oil from sandalwood is a wonderful remedy that prevents skin from drying and flaking. Oil finds wide use in massaging, where a few drops of sandal wood oil is also added, that gives a moisturising effect as well as astringent action. Due to its ability to relieve dryness, it is a main ingredient in anti-ageing skin care treatments.
