The 5 Best Essential Oils For Dry Skin & Exactly How To Use Them On Your Face

Pro tip: For all of these essential oils, simply add a drop or two to your favorite moisturizer or carrier oil and apply to your face, or any part of your body that needs a hydration boost. Never apply essential oils undiluted.

Known for its calming, woodsy aroma, frankincense essential oil brings those same calming properties to irritated, dry skin. "I use this every day on my face; it's very gentle and calming," says Dr. Snyder. "Not only does it have the potential to minimize scars and fine lines, but most importantly, it supports skin cell regeneration1, which makes it great for reducing flaky skin. It also reduces inflammation and evens skin tone."

Not only is the aroma of rose essential oil absolutely intoxicating, but research shows that it contains several therapeutic antimicrobial and antioxidant2 compounds known to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Not only that, Dr. Snyder says it's also been shown to inhibit water loss in the skin3 and improve texture and tone, which makes it "especially great for dry, aging skin that's losing elasticity."

"Of all these essential oils for dry skin, helichrysum is my all-time favorite," says Dr. Snyder. Not only is it phenomenal for helping address dry, flaky skin and increasing skin hydration, she says, but it's known for its scar- and pigment-reducing properties as well. This makes it great for brightening up dull skin that's looking a bit weathered from the cold air or even city pollution and stress. Helichrysum also has potent anti-inflammatory properties4 and may help prevent UV-induced skin damage.

If cold air has your skin looking angry, red, and inflamed in addition to being dry, then geranium essential oil is your saving grace. "Geranium calms skin irritation and inflammation very quickly and has moisturizing properties," says Dr. Snyder. It's also a Swiss Army knife when it comes to skin, as it helps regulate oil production, combat UV damage5, reduce acne breakouts, improve skin elasticity, and balance out skin whether it's dry or oily. "A lot of women with PCOS also use it to treat acne breakouts," she says. Geranium oil even boosts blood circulation, in case you're looking for a natural glow sans sun damage.

Another multitasking essential oil that's always part of Dr. Snyder's skin care routine is lavender. "I always think of lavender as all things calming," she says. "Calming the skin, soothing bug bites and burns, balancing mood, and soothing chapped and dry skin—especially chapped and dry skin on the hands and arms; those really dry areas are great for lavender." Lavender also promotes skin cell regeneration6, leaving skin feeling smooth and soft.

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Soothing & Calming Skin Salve

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