Dry Skin Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Dry skin is a common condition characterized by a lack of moisture on the skin's surface, leading to itchiness, redness, and cracked skin.
Herbal remedies have been a popular alternative treatment for dry skin due to their natural and non-irritating properties, which provide long-lasting relief and promote skin health.
Some of the herbs commonly used to treat dry skin include Aloe Vera, known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, Chamomile, which calms and reduces inflammation, and Coconut Oil-infused herbs like Calendula and Jojoba, which provide intense hydration and protection.
Additionally, herbal preparations such as herbal creams, balms, and oils, infused with herbs like Tea Tree, Turmeric, and Rosehip, can help repair and restore the skin's natural barrier function, reducing dryness and promoting a healthy, radiant complexion.
What causes dry skin?
The primary causes of dry skin are a lack of moisture in the air, particularly in dry climates or during the winter months when the air is cold and dry, and an imbalance of natural oils in the skin due to genetics or hormonal changes.
Secondary causes of dry skin include overuse of harsh soaps, excessive washing, and exposure to cold or dry air, which strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its moisture barrier.
Additionally, certain lifestyles that increase the chances of developing dry skin include working outdoors, wearing tight clothing that rubs against the skin, and using hot water for bathing or washing, all of which can further dry out the skin.
Furthermore, certain medical conditions, such as eczema or diabetes, can also contribute to dry skin due to underlying inflammation or nerve damage that affects the skin's ability to retain moisture.
What herbs heal dry skin?
The medicinal herbs used to treat dry skin are rich in bioactive compounds that help to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Aloe vera, for instance, contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides that exhibit anti-inflammatory and humectant properties, helping to lock in moisture and reduce dryness.
Chamomile, on the other hand, has been traditionally used to calm irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can be attributed to the presence of apigenin and bisabolol.
Additionally, calendula contains triterpenoids and sesquiterpenes that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it an effective treatment for dry skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
What preparations treat dry skin?
The herbal preparations used to treat dry skin are often soothing infusions that can be applied topically to lock in moisture, while others are consumed as teas to promote hydration from within.
Infusions made with extracts from plants rich in fatty acids and essential oils can help to repair and protect the skin's natural barrier, while herbal teas that are high in antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin cell turnover.
Herbal baths and compresses infused with calming and moisturizing agents can also provide relief and hydration to dry skin, especially in areas that are prone to dryness.
Additionally, some herbal preparations can be used as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and promote the growth of new, healthy skin.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat dry skin.