Eczema and dry skin are not fun issues to deal with, especially in the long cold months of winter. It may seem no matter what you try or how many eczema creams you use nothing helps or it just keeps coming back to torment you. So today I am bringing you 10 of the best natural oils for eczema management.
My son has dealt with eczema issues for years and I have tried many different natural remedies with varying results. These are some of my favourites and can easily be added into your skincare routine to give you some much needed relief without ingredients like steroids.
What is Eczema?
Eczema, or Atopic Dermatitis, is an inflammatory condition that manifests in dry, itchy, and red patches on the skin. It is extremely common, especially in areas such as the inside of the elbow, on the hands, and behind the ears.
It it usually a long lasting condition that goes through periods of flare ups. A person can have no signs of it for a few months and then all of sudden it rears it’s ugly head.
There is a lot of evidence tying eczema to allergies and diet. And I will say cutting out dairy from my son’s diet made a world of difference in his flare-ups. But that’s an entirely different post for another time.
It can get to a point with eczema where you feel like you’ve tried everything. Well hopefully you haven’t actually tried everything and that the info in this post can help!
So let’s get to it, 10 of the best natural oils for eczema and severely dry skin.
10 of the Best Natural & Essential Oils for Combating Eczema & Dry Skin
Sweet Almond
Sweet Almond Oil is a gentle and mild oil that is safe to put directly onto the skin and absorbs easily. It’s anti-inflammatory properties are very soothing and the fatty acids it contains are particularly nourishing and protective.
Sweet Almond Oil is also a wonderful carrier oil for essential oils. Though it should be avoided if you suffer from nut allergies.
Avocado
Avocado oil is super beneficial for our skin thanks to it’s anti-inflammatory properties and anti-oxidants. It will help your skin to hydrate, replenish, protect and heal. The fatty acid content in the oil is greatly responsible for it’s healing effects.
Another gentle oil, this carrier oil can safely be applied directly to the skin.
Oat
Oats are little magical powerhouses. They are nourishing to our bodies inside and out.
Most people have at least heard of adding oats into your bath for the silky smooth way it leaves your skin feeling. And the oil is no different!
Oat oil is known to do a great job at calming down itchy skin thanks to it’s anti-inflammatory properties. It is also packed with essential fatty acids to help heal and moisturize. While the lipids it contains help restore balance to the skin.
Oat Oil has a long history of being used to combat skin issues and there is quite a bit of research out there at this point to back up it’s stellar reputation.
It is also safe to put directly onto skin and is easily absorbed.
Tamanu
Tamanu oil is not as well known as some but those who overlook it are seriously missing out!
This oil has a dark, thick consistency and a very unique smell. It is extracted from the seeds that grow on the Tamanu Nut Tree. Saying that, you may also want to avoid it if you have nut allergies.
This is another oil very rich in fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties. Two key elements to consider in the fight against eczema. The oils amazing properties aid in healing and encourage new healthy skin growth.
May be used directly on the skin with no dilution necessary.
Coconut
Coconut has been hailed in recent years as being a cure all oil. While I don’t know about that there is much to be said about it’s abilities to help ease eczema symptoms.
Coconut oil helps with rehydration which eczema doesn’t allow the skin to do properly. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid making it a wonderful aid to combat bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This will help minimize the risk of infection.
It is also another anti-inflammatory oil helping to ease pain and discomfort that eczema may bring.
Calendula
Calendula oil, extracted from the flower better known as Marigold, is a triple threat to eczema.
It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties making it an effective natural remedy for skin conditions like eczema. Traditional herbalists have used calendula for centuries to aid skin healing.
Calendula oil is gentle and soothing making it safe to apply directly to skin for all ages and skin types. There are also many calendula creams on the market formulated to help treat skin conditions.
Chamomile
Chamomile oil comes from the flower of the chamomile plant and is imbued with many wonderful properties including ones that will benefit your skin.
While German Chamomile is slightly stronger and Roman Chamomile, they have both been shown to have a positive effect for treating skin conditions.
Chamomile oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and anti-bacterial. Three qualities that will help to soothe the skin by reducing pain, redness, and itching. As well as reduce risk of infection.
Chamomile oil is an essential oil and should be diluted in a carrier oil or cream before putting onto the skin. You can also purchase it in an herbal oil format where it has already been diluted with a carrier oil.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil is another one that was traditionally used as a healing agent for the skin. It contains anti-microbial and anti-septic properties making it an affective ally in the quest to ease eczema symptoms. The oil can help to heal cracks in the skin, prevent infection, and soothe during flare-ups.
Eucalyptus is another essential oil and should be diluted prior to use.
Tea Tree
Tea tree has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties making it excellent for keeping infections at bay. The anti-inflammatory properties are also wonderful for minimizing redness, decreasing swelling and easing discomfort. Tea tree can help to leave your skin smoother and free from blemishes.
Must also be diluted in a carrier oil prior to applying to the skin.
Neroli
Neroli oil comes from the flower of the bitter orange tree and may not be one that automatically jumps to the mind when thinking about eczema. But it is a wonderful oil capable of much more than just smelling lovely and boosting your mood.
Neroli has regenerating properties that are excellent for skin health. It is also an anti-septic and anti-inflammatory making it an effective tool for easing eczema symptoms such as irritation and redness.
Again, with Neroli being an essential oil it should be diluted before using on the skin.
Best Ways to Utilize These Oils
Here are a few ways to reap the benefits of these chosen oils:
Craft Your Own Eczema Oil Blend
Start simple and just choose one carrier oil and one essential oil from above. Get a 30 ml amber glass dropper bottle, add in 10 – 15 drops of your chosen essential oil, fill with carrier oil, and shake for 30 seconds. Apply to the skin at least two times a day.
Once you are more comfortable with your oils you can make your blends a little more complex.
Add the Oils to Your Bath
You may add in a few drops of any of the above oils, or your own blend, directly into your bath. Another idea is to mix the oils in with some Epsom salts or French Green Clay for an extra soothing effect.
Add to Your Moisturizer
You can always add in a few drops of your chosen oils with whatever moisturizer you currently use to have the added benefits. Apply at least twice daily.
Mix up A Cooling Spray
Mixing up a cooling spray is another easy idea. Mix the oils in with distilled water and witch hazel for a refreshing and cooling spritz during flare-ups. Go a step further and use a floral water, something like chamomile, instead of distilled. Spritz whenever discomfort arises.
Have a 100ml spray bottle (glass if possible) and fill it with the following:
- 70ml distilled or floral waters
- 30 ml witch hazel
- 2.5ml vegetable glycerin (helps as a mixing agent)
- 15 – 20 or so drops of your chosen oils
- shake for 30 seconds and use when needed
Summing Up
These natural oils absolutely make wonderful alternative remedies for eczema and dry skin. However, like with everything you are unique and results will vary depending on each individual’s skin and severity of the condition. Everyone has different skin and some experimentation will likely be needed for you to find which ones work best.
Just remember to know your oils and their safety precautions prior to use, always dilute essential oils before using, and it is wise to do a patch test to see if you have any reactions.
And try to be creative and have fun. A weird thing to say when talking about eczema I’m aware lol. Really though, crafting your own remedies and oil mixtures can feel satisfying and rewarding. Especially when you hit the sweet spot and pull together something that really works for you.
Please Note: I am not a doctor or dermatologist by any means. I am simply sharing with you some of the benefits of these oils based on my own experience and research. This post is by no means a replacement for proper medical advice. Always use precautions and talk to your doctor or naturopath before trying out new herbal remedies.
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Sending many blessings.
Yours in magick and healthy skin,
Krystle xo
