Herbs for Dry Skin

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Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is soothing, healing, and moisturizing. It also helps to

remove dead skin cells. Apply aloe vera gel topically on affected areas.

Calendula and comfrey have skin-softening properties. They can be used in a

facial sauna or to make herbal or floral waters. Comfrey also reduces redness

and soothes irritated skin.

Add 5 drops of lavender oil or oat extract to bath water. After the bath, apply

diluted evening primrose oil or aloe vera cream.

Drink teas of camomile, dandelion or peppermint.

Borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendula tea also helps improve the skin. Add 1

tsp. of herbs to 1 cup of boiling water and drink daily.

Tea tree oil has been known to penetrate into the skin's cellular level. Add 1

drop of oil to your favorite day or night cream to help moisturize and smooth

skin.

Herbal Facial Sauna

A weekly facial sauna using the herbs chamomile, lavender, and peppermint is

good for dry skin.

Using a glass or enameled pot, simmer a total of 2 to 4 tablespoons of dried or

fresh herbs in 2 quarts of water. When the pot is steaming, place it on top of

a trivet or thick potholder on a table, and sit with your face at a comfortable

distance over the steam for fifteen minutes. You can use a towel to trap the

steam if you wish.

After fifteen minutes, splash your face with cold water and allow your skin to

air dry or pat it dry with a towel. Then either apply a good natural

moisturizer or facial oil, or apply a clay mask.

After the sauna, you can allow the herbal water to cool and save it for use as a

toning lotion to be dabbed on your face with a cotton ball after cleansing.

 

Diet Recommendations for Dry Skin

Eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts.

Eat quality protein from vegetable sources. Increase your intake of raw foods.

Eat foods such as garlic, onions, eggs, and asparagus that are high in sulfur,

which helps to keep the skin smooth and youthful.

Consume plenty of yellow and orange vegetables. These are high in beta-carotene,

an antioxidant. Carrots are especially good.

Unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil used daily on salads and baked potatoes,

or mixed into any dishes which do not require heating to high temperatures will

make dry skin moist and supple. Flax seed oil contains the essential fatty acids

omega-3 alpha linolenic acid and omega-6 linoleic acid. These are converted in

the body into hormone, like substances called Prostaglandins, which support

skin health.

Cantaloupes, carrots and apricots are heating foods for dry skin because they

are rich in the vitamins A and C, both important for a supple, smooth skin. Eat

them whole or take as fresh juices. Eat foods rich in pantothenic acid (vitamin

B5), such as quark, raw. milk cheese, natural plain yogurt, kefir, leafy green

vegetables, nutritional yeast and wheat germ. Pantothenic acid is need for the

synthesis of fats and oils used by the skin.

Drink at least 2 quarts of quality water every day to keep the skin well hydrated.

Avoid fried foods, animal fats, and heat-processed vegetable oils. Use cold-

pressed oils only. Heating oils leads to the production of free radicals, which

have a destructive effect on the skin.

Do not drink soft drinks or eat sugar, chocolate, potato chips, or other junk foods.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These substances have a diuretic effect, causing the

body and skin cells to lose fluids and essential minerals.

 

Toms

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