Dry, itchy skin can be a problem all year, but especially during the winter months, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Often, an arsenal of chemical-laden creams and lotions fail to relieve the problem. Essential oils, which are easily absorbed into the skin, can be a safe and effective way to treat itchy, irritating skin and restore your skin's healthy glow.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil is distilled from the roots and inner wood of the sandalwood tree, which is native to the Mysore region of India. The trees must be at least 30 years old before they produce the oil. Sandalwood, which is beneficial for dry, itchy skin, is often used in combination with other oils such as frankincense, geranium, clary sage, lavender, neroli, lemon or jasmine. The essential oils are usually added to a carrier oil such as castor oil.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang essential oil is extracted from the fragrant blooms of the ylang ylang tree, a tropical tree native to Indonesia. The sweet-smelling oil is used to balance the skin's natural oils, making ylang ylang soothing to dry, itchy skin. It is often used in creams, lotions or in oil blends, combined with lavender, bergamot, sandalwood or grapefruit essential oils.
Geranium
Geranium essential oil is distilled from small glandular formations in the flowers and foliage of the geranium plant. Geranium oil is valued for its ability to balance the production of sebum, keeping the skin smooth and supple. The oil is also an effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including dermatitis, eczema and itchy, dry skin. Geranium oil is often used in warm water baths, or blended in creams and lotions with a essential oils such as carrot seed, neroli, rosemary, jasmine, grapefruit, lime and cedarwood.
Chamomile
Chamomile essential oil is extracted from the blooms of one of two types of chamomile plants: German chamomile, which is the most common, or Roman chamomile. The oils are closely related, and both are beneficial for dry, itchy skin, and may be a useful treatment for eczema, dermatitis and rashes. Both types of chamomile essential oils blend well with other skin-friendly essential oils, including bergamot, tea tree, lavender, ylang-ylang, rose and grapefruit.
Lavender
With its sweet, unforgettable fragrance, lavender is a favorite among essential oil users. Native to sunny Mediterranean climates, lavender is grown in Europe, the United States and Australia. Lavender is a beneficial treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including eczema and dry, scaly skin. Nearly any essential oil blends well with lavender, including geranium, nutmeg, pine, clary sage and cedarwood.