By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Dry Skin
Herbal teas for dry skin are a natural remedy that combines the soothing properties of herbal teas with the nourishing benefits of skin care.
They help to hydrate and calm dry skin, reducing itchiness and irritation. Examples include peppermint, chamomile, and calendula teas, which are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Drinking these teas can improve lives by providing long-lasting hydration and a softer, smoother complexion.
The following article describes in detail the most important teas for dry skin, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Aloe vera
- 2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 3. Althaea officinalis
- 4. Urtica dioica
- 5. Rosmarinus officinalis
- 6. Thymus vulgaris
- 7. Melissa officinalis
- 8. Hypericum perforatum
- 9. Sambucus nigra
- 10. Matricaria chamomilla
- What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for dry skin?
- What ailments similar to dry skin are treated with herbal teas?
1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known as aloe, teas helps with dry skin because of its high concentration of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties.
These nutrients help to lock in moisture and soothe dry skin, reducing irritation and flakiness. Aloe vera teas also contain other beneficial compounds, such as glycoproteins and amino acids, which promote skin elasticity and hydration, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth, and supple.
Regular consumption can lead to improved skin health and a more radiant complexion.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera teas that help with dry skin.
- Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin, a phenolic compound, helps with dry skin by inhibiting inflammation and promoting wound healing, reducing redness and irritation associated with dry skin.
- Chromone: Chromone, a type of flavonoid, helps with dry skin by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals and soothing dry, itchy skin.
- Glucomannans: Glucomannans, complex carbohydrates, help with dry skin by retaining moisture and providing a protective barrier on the skin's surface, preventing water loss and reducing dryness and flakiness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make teas for dry skin.
- Leaves: Aloe vera leaves are the most commonly used part in teas due to their high concentration of soothing and moisturizing compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin.
- Roots: Aloe vera roots are used in teas for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to soothe and protect dry skin.
- Stems: Aloe vera stems are used in teas for their gel-like properties, which can help to lock in moisture and provide hydration to dry skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for dry skin.
- Harvest fresh aloe vera leaves with a sharp knife or pruning shears when they are three to four inches long.
- Cut the leaves into small pieces weighing about 20 grams per serving and store them in an airtight container.
- Steep the aloe vera pieces in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to release their properties.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the aloe vera solids and obtain a clear tea.
- Serve the herbal aloe vera tea hot or chilled immediately after preparation and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, teas helps with dry skin because of its rich content of glycyrrhetic acid and saponins.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that soothe and hydrate dry skin. The tea also has antiseptic properties, which can help to protect the skin from further irritation and damage. Additionally, licorice tea has been shown to improve skin elasticity and reduce dryness, leaving skin feeling smooth and supple.
Regular consumption of licorice tea may help to alleviate dry skin symptoms naturally.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with dry skin.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin helps with dry skin by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of ceramides, which are essential for maintaining the skin's barrier function.
- Liquiritin: A phenolic glycoside, liquiritin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe and protect dry skin, reducing irritation and promoting skin hydration.
- Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help protect dry skin from environmental stressors, promote collagen production, and enhance skin elasticity.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make teas for dry skin.
- Roots: The roots are used because they are rich in glycyrrhizic acid, a compound that helps to moisturize and soothe dry skin.
- Leaves: The leaves are used because they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to calm and protect dry skin.
- Flowers: The flowers are used because they contain flavonoids and terpenoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote skin health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for dry skin.
- Harvest 1 to 2 ounces of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots in the spring or fall season.
- Chop the roots into small pieces and store them in an airtight container for future use.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of chopped glycyrrhiza glabra roots in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a cup or teapot.
- Drink the herbal tea 1 to 3 times a day to reap its potential health benefits.
3. Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow, teas helps with dry skin because of its rich content of mucilages.
These mucilages, primarily composed of polysaccharides, work as a protective barrier on the skin's surface, locking in moisture and soothing irritation. As a result, the skin is able to retain its natural hydration levels, reducing dryness and discomfort.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties in marshmallow tea help to calm and calm the skin, making it an effective remedy for dry, itchy, and flaky skin.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis teas that help with dry skin.
- Mucilages: Mucilages help to form a protective barrier on the skin, reducing dryness and inflammation by locking in moisture and protecting the skin from external irritants.
- Glucans: Glucans, specifically beta-glucans, have been shown to stimulate the production of ceramides, which are essential for maintaining the skin's natural barrier function, thereby reducing dryness and improving skin hydration.
- Althaea officinalis polysaccharides: These polysaccharides have been found to have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to reduce redness and irritation associated with dry skin, promoting a more comfortable and healthy skin environment.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make teas for dry skin.
- Roots: The roots of Althaea officinalis are rich in mucilages, which are thick, protective substances that help to soothe and moisturize dry skin.
- Leaves: The leaves contain mucilages similar to the roots, but to a lesser extent, making them a secondary choice for tea formulations to address dry skin.
- Barks: The barks of Althaea officinalis have been traditionally used to make teas that can help to hydrate and protect the skin, although less information is available on this part compared to the roots.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for dry skin.
- Measure out 1 teaspoon of dried althaea officinalis root for every 8 ounces of water used.
- Heat the water in a saucepan to a temperature of 212 degrees fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
- Steep the dried root in the hot water for 5 to 10 minutes or until desired strength is reached.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove the solid root particles.
- Allow the tea to cool before serving and consuming within 30 minutes for optimal benefits.
4. Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, teas helps with dry skin because it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
The tea's high content of vitamins A, C, and E helps to protect and nourish the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting hydration. Additionally, stinging nettle's unique combination of flavonoids and amino acids supports skin elasticity and firmness, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Regular consumption of Urtica dioica tea may help to alleviate dry skin symptoms and promote overall skin well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica teas that help with dry skin.
- Tannins: Tannins help with dry skin by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface, reducing moisture loss and inflammation.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, particularly ferulic acid, help with dry skin by exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce oxidative stress and promote skin health.
- Saponins: Saponins help with dry skin by forming a protective film on the skin's surface, trapping moisture and reducing water loss, while also exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make teas for dry skin.
- Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part for making teas due to their high content of antioxidants, flavonoids, and other compounds that help to soothe and moisturize dry skin.
- Stems: Stems are also used for making teas, as they contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce redness and irritation associated with dry skin.
- Roots: Roots are another part of Urtica dioica used for making teas, as they are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can help to nourish and protect dry skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for dry skin.
- Gather fresh or dried urtica dioica leaves and stems in a quantity of 1-2 teaspoons per 8 ounces of water.
- Chop the urtica dioica leaves and stems into smaller pieces to release their medicinal properties and oils.
- Combine the chopped urtica dioica with 8 ounces of boiling water in a heat-resistant cup or teapot.
- Steep the mixture for 5-10 minutes to allow the active compounds to infuse into the water.
- Strain the tea and discard the solids before serving the urtica dioica tea hot or chilled as desired.
5. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, teas helps with dry skin because of its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The essential oils present in rosemary, such as camphor and borneol, help to improve blood circulation and promote collagen production, which can help to lock in moisture and reduce dryness. Additionally, rosemary's antiseptic properties can help to soothe and calm irritated skin, making it an effective natural remedy for dry skin conditions.
Regular consumption of rosemary tea may lead to healthier, smoother skin.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with dry skin.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound helps with dry skin by exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce skin irritation and promote hydration.
- Carnosic acid: This phenolic diterpene has been shown to protect the skin from damage by free radicals and improve skin hydration, making it beneficial for dry skin.
- Borneol: This monoterpenoid acts as an emollient, moisturizing the skin and providing relief from dryness and irritation, while also exhibiting antioxidant properties to promote skin health.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make teas for dry skin.
- Leaves: Their essential oils are released when infused in water, providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to soothe dry skin.
- Flowers: The fragrant and aromatic flowers are used for their antiseptic properties, which help to calm and moisturize dry skin.
- Stems: Similar to leaves, the stems of Rosmarinus officinalis are used to infuse essential oils into water, providing relief from dry skin due to their antioxidant properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for dry skin.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of fresh rosmarinus officinalis leaves and stems from mature plants during their blooming season.
- Clean the rosmarinus officinalis leaves and stems thoroughly by gently rinsing them with filtered water.
- Combine the cleaned rosmarinus officinalis leaves and stems with 1 liter of boiling water in a large pot.
- Allow the mixture to steep for 5-7 minutes or until the desired flavor and aroma are reached.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate container and discard the solids immediately.
6. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, teas helps with dry skin because of its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb contains compounds like thymol, which have been shown to soothe and calm dry, irritated skin. Thyme tea also has a moisturizing effect, helping to lock in moisture and reduce flakiness. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can exacerbate dry skin conditions, promoting a healthy and balanced skin environment.
This makes thyme tea a popular natural remedy for dry skin.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with dry skin.
- Thymol: A phenolic compound found in thyme, thymol helps to lock in moisture and soothe dry skin by reducing inflammation and promoting skin hydration.
- Carvacrol: A terpene present in thyme, carvacrol has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to protect dry skin from infections and reduce redness and irritation.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic acid found in thyme, rosmarinic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to protect dry skin from oxidative stress and promote skin regeneration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make teas for dry skin.
- Leaves: Used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and calm dry, irritated skin.
- Flowers: Employed for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to promote skin health and reduce dryness.
- Buds: Utilized for their antimicrobial properties to protect the skin from infection and promote healing in dry, damaged skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for dry skin.
- Harvest 1/4 cup of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves from the plant at dawn to capture optimal flavor.
- Rinse the leaves with cool water to remove any dirt or debris from the plant.
- Steep the leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release their active compounds.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to separate the leaves from the liquid.
- Serve the tea immediately and enjoy its flavor and potential health benefits within 10 minutes.
7. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, teas helps with dry skin because of its rich content of antioxidants, flavonoids, and rosmarinic acid.
These compounds help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting hydration. The tea also has a gentle astringent property that can help to balance the skin's pH, making it an effective remedy for dry skin.
Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce redness and itching, providing long-lasting relief from dry skin symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis teas that help with dry skin.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound helps with dry skin by exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe and protect the skin from damage.
- Linalool: A terpene present in Melissa officinalis, linalool has moisturizing and soothing effects on the skin, which can help to lock in moisture and reduce dryness.
- Limonene: A terpene with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, limonene can help to protect the skin from damage and promote healthy skin cell growth, reducing the appearance of dry skin.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make teas for dry skin.
- Leaves: They are a primary source for tea production due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, which help soothe and calm dry skin.
- Flowers: They contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, beneficial for dry skin relief.
- Leaves: Some sources suggest that the leaves of Melissa officinalis have a more potent effect compared to the flowers and are often used to create a calming tea for dry skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for dry skin.
- Harvest 25-30 grams of melissa officinalis leaves and flowers at peak bloom in warm sunny weather.
- Rinse the harvested melissa officinalis leaves and flowers with cold water to remove dirt and impurities.
- Steep 5-7 grams of dried melissa officinalis leaves and flowers in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a cup or teapot to remove solids.
- Serve the melissa officinalis tea hot or iced garnished with a sprig of fresh melissa officinalis.
8. Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, teas helps with dry skin because of its rich content of antioxidants and flavonoids, which work to soothe and protect the skin.
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce redness and irritation, promoting healthy skin regeneration. Additionally, the tea's ability to improve blood circulation and boost collagen production helps to lock in moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.
This natural remedy provides a gentle, non-irritating solution for dry skin.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum teas that help with dry skin.
- Hyperforin: As a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, hyperforin helps reduce inflammation and damage to skin cells, promoting healthy skin and alleviating dry skin symptoms.
- Quercetin: This flavonoid phenolic compound has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect the skin from damage, reduce inflammation, and promote skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of dry skin.
- Naphthodianthrones: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and dryness, and promoting skin healing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make teas for dry skin.
- Leaves: Used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm dry skin.
- Flowers: Utilized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting skin health.
- Stems: Employed for their flavonoid content, which can help protect the skin from damage and promote skin regeneration.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for dry skin.
- Harvest 1-2 cups of fresh st john's wort flowers and leaves in the early morning to ensure optimal potency.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a single layer at 50°c for 2 hours to preserve its medicinal properties.
- Steep 2-3 grams of dried st john's wort flowers and leaves in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining plant material.
- Store the prepared herbal tea in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for later use.
9. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra, also known as elder, teas helps with dry skin because of its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea is made from the flowers, leaves, and berries of the elder tree, which are rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds help to nourish and protect the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting hydration.
Regular consumption of Sambucus nigra tea can lead to improved skin elasticity, reduced dryness, and a more even skin tone, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with dry skin.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Sambucus nigra tea have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and protect dry skin by reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin cell growth.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, particularly ferulic acid, in Sambucus nigra tea have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which aid in improving skin hydration and reducing dryness.
- Ellagic acid: Ellagic acid, a polyphenolic compound found in Sambucus nigra tea, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help in protecting the skin from damage, promoting collagen production, and improving skin elasticity, ultimately reducing dry skin.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of elder used to make teas for dry skin.
- Flowers: Used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to soothe and moisturize dry skin.
- Buds: Employed for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties to calm and protect dry skin.
- Leaves: Utilized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help lock in moisture and soothe dry skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elder for dry skin.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of dried sambucus nigra flowers at the peak of their fragrance and store in airtight containers.
- Grind the dried flowers into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or spice grinder for 2 minutes.
- Steep 2-3 teaspoons of the powdered sambucus nigra in 250ml of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup and discard the solids after 2 minutes.
- Allow the tea to cool down to a comfortable temperature before consuming within 10 minutes.
10. Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, teas helps with dry skin because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
The tea's active compounds, such as apigenin and luteolin, work to calm and protect the skin, reducing inflammation and redness. Additionally, chamomile's moisturizing effects help to lock in moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple. This natural remedy provides a gentle and nourishing solution for dry skin, promoting overall skin health and hydration.
As a result, many people find relief from dry skin symptoms after consuming chamomile tea.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla teas that help with dry skin.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid helps with dry skin by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to skin dryness and irritation.
- Bisabolol: As a sesquiterpene alcohol, bisabolol helps to soothe and moisturize dry skin by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
- Matricine: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to calm and protect dry, irritated skin, reducing discomfort and promoting skin health.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make teas for dry skin.
- Flowers: They are commonly used due to their soothing and calming properties that can help to reduce inflammation and irritation associated with dry skin.
- Leaves: The leaves contain antioxidants and flavonoids that can help to protect and moisturize the skin, reducing dryness and promoting hydration.
- Seeds: The seeds are rich in fatty acids and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm dry, irritated skin.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for dry skin.
- Harvest 20-30 dried flowers of matricaria chamomilla in the late morning to ensure optimal potency.
- Crush the dried flowers into fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 5 minutes.
- Measure 1 teaspoon of the powder for every 8 ounces of boiling water for a standard infusion.
- Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the active compounds to infuse into the water.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids to enjoy the herbal tea.
What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for dry skin?
The best combination of herbal teas that help with dry skin is a blend of chamomile, calendula, and lavender.
Chamomile soothes and calms irritated skin, while calendula's anti-inflammatory properties promote skin healing. Lavender tea's antiseptic and moisturizing properties help lock in moisture and reduce dryness. Drinking a warm infusion of these teas can provide relief from dry skin symptoms.
Additionally, applying cooled tea bags to the affected area can help to further soothe and hydrate the skin.
What ailments similar to dry skin are treated with herbal teas?
Ailments similar to dry skin that are treated with herbal teas are eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
Certain herbs such as chamomile, calendula, and peppermint help soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing inflammation and redness. Herbs like burdock root and dandelion root also detoxify the body, which can aid in clearing up skin conditions caused by impurities or toxins.
Drinking these teas can lead to a reduction in symptoms and improved overall skin health.