Dry Skin: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a common condition characterized by a lack of moisture in the skin, leading to rough, tight, and often itchy patches.

Caused by factors such as cold weather, low humidity, harsh soaps, and certain medical conditions, dry skin can have negative impacts on overall health, including increased risk of skin infections and inflammation. To alleviate dry skin, herbal remedies such as aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula can be used in the form of creams, ointments, or teas.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of dry skin, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of dry skin?

The main causes of dry skin are primarily due to a disruption in the skin's natural moisture barrier, which can be caused by genetic factors, as seen in individuals with ichthyosis, a condition characterized by dry, scaly skin.

Environmental factors, such as low humidity and cold temperatures, also contribute to dry skin, as the skin's natural moisture is lost more quickly in dry conditions. Additionally, the use of harsh soaps, cleansers, and detergents can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and diabetes, can also cause dry skin due to inflammation and nerve damage.

Furthermore, hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menopause or pregnancy, can lead to dry skin due to fluctuations in estrogen levels.

• Low Humidity: Low humidity in the air causes moisture to evaporate from the skin, leading to dryness.
• Soap Overuse: Overusing harsh soaps strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
• Cold Weather: Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to the skin and causing dryness.
• Dry Air Conditioners: Dry air conditioners remove moisture from the air, contributing to dry skin.
• Harsh Cleaning Products: Using harsh cleaning products can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
• Bathing Frequency: Bathing too frequently can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
• Genetic Predisposition: Having a genetic predisposition to dry skin can make it more susceptible to dryness.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Having nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of omega-3 fatty acids, can contribute to dry skin.
• Skin Conditions: Having skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, can cause dry skin due to inflammation and irritation.
• Aging: As people age, their skin's natural ability to retain moisture decreases, leading to dryness.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics and beta-blockers, can cause dry skin as a side effect.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for dry skin?

The main medicinal herbs used for dry skin are Aloe barbadensis, Calendula officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Urtica dioica, Saponaria officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Vaccinium myrtillus, Symphytum officinale, Camellia sinensis, Hippophae rhamnoides.

Aloe barbadensis is used due to its high water content and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and hydrate dry skin. Calendula officinalis contains triterpene saponins that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, reducing redness and promoting wound healing. Glycyrrhiza glabra's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to reduce skin irritation and promote skin health.

The remaining herbs, including Urtica dioica, Saponaria officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Vaccinium myrtillus, Symphytum officinale, Camellia sinensis, and Hippophae rhamnoides, are used due to their respective properties that help to moisturize, protect, and repair dry skin, with Urtica dioica providing anti-inflammatory action, Saponaria officinalis providing moisture, Melaleuca alternifolia providing antimicrobial action, Vaccinium myrtillus providing antioxidant properties, Symphytum officinale providing anti-inflammatory action and mucilage to soothe and protect dry skin, Camellia sinensis providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and Hippophae rhamnoides providing antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to nourish and protect dry skin.

• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with dry skin due to its high content of glycoproteins, which have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm dry, irritated skin, while its emollient properties help to lock in moisture.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with dry skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce redness and inflammation, and its emollient properties, which help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further damage.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with dry skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness and inflammation, and its emollient properties, which help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further damage, while its saponins also help to stimulate the production of natural lipids in the skin.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica helps with dry skin due to its high content of flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its mucilages, which help to soothe and calm dry, irritated skin, locking in moisture and protecting the skin from further damage.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis helps with dry skin due to its saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, reducing redness and inflammation, while its emollient properties help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further damage.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with dry skin due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness and inflammation, and its emollient properties, which help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further damage.
• Vaccinium myrtillus: Vaccinium myrtillus helps with dry skin due to its high content of anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its emollient properties, which help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further damage.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale helps with dry skin due to its high content of mucilages, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, calming dry, irritated skin, and its emollient properties, which help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further damage.
• Camellia sinensis: Camellia sinensis helps with dry skin due to its high content of theaflavins and thearubigins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and inflammation, while its emollient properties help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further damage.
• Hippophae rhamnoides: Hippophae rhamnoides helps with dry skin due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing redness and inflammation, while its emollient properties help to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further damage.

What are the main herbal preparations used for dry skin?

The main herbal preparations used for dry skin are Salve, Cream, Ointment, Tincture, Balm, Decoction, Capsule, Gel, Lotion, Oil.

Salve provides a physical barrier to lock in moisture, often containing ingredients like beeswax and plant oils. Cream and Ointment, typically containing high levels of emollients and humectants, hydrate and soothe dry skin, while Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, can be used topically or internally to address underlying skin issues. Decoction, a liquid extract of plant material, is often used to create topical applications like Balm, which provides long-lasting moisturization, and Gel, which cools and soothes dry skin.

Capsule and Lotion, containing herbal extracts and moisturizing ingredients, are also used to address dry skin, with Oil, often rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, providing additional hydration and nourishment.

• Salve: A topical salve made from the leaves of the plant Aloe barbadensis provides relief from dry skin by forming a physical barrier on the skin's surface that locks in moisture and protects it from further dryness.
• Cream: A moisturizing cream made from the extract of the plant Camellia sinensis helps to hydrate dry skin by providing long-lasting moisture and protecting it from environmental stressors.
• Ointment: A topical ointment made from the resin of the plant Boswellia serrata helps to soothe and moisturize dry skin by reducing inflammation and promoting the natural barrier function of the skin.
• Tincture: A liquid tincture made from the roots of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, when applied topically, helps to soothe and hydrate dry skin due to its anti-inflammatory and emollient properties.
• Balm: A topical balm made from the leaves of the plant Plantago major helps to moisturize and protect dry skin by providing a physical barrier and promoting the natural healing process of the skin.
• Decoction: A decoction made from the leaves of the plant Urtica dioica, when applied topically, helps to soothe and hydrate dry skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that promote skin health.
• Capsule: An oral capsule made from the extract of the plant Cetraria islandica, when taken internally, helps to promote skin health and alleviate dry skin by increasing hydration and reducing inflammation.
• Gel: A topical gel made from the extract of the plant Aloe barbadensis provides relief from dry skin by forming a physical barrier on the skin's surface that locks in moisture and protects it from further dryness.
• Lotion: A moisturizing lotion made from the extract of the plant Lavandula angustifolia helps to hydrate dry skin by providing long-lasting moisture and protecting it from environmental stressors.
• Oil: A topical oil made from the seeds of the plant Calendula officinalis helps to soothe and moisturize dry skin by reducing inflammation and promoting the natural barrier function of the skin.