Dry skin is often flaky, itchy, and rough, giving you an unattractive ashy complexion. It also increases your risk of dry complications such as eczematous dermatitis and secondary bacterial infections. Dry skin is also prone to lines and wrinkles, as well as unusual redness. While dry skin can occur at any age, it is more likely to occur as you get older and your skin produces less sebum. Skincare oils can help to improve your skin tone and complexion by nourishing your skin and keeping it hydrated.
7 Best Oils for Dry and Flaky Skin
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil is ideal for dry, flaky skin as it helps to keep your skin soft and moisturized. Olive oil contains a range of fatty acids, including oleic acids and linoleic acid, as well as potent antioxidants such as hydrophilic phenols. Studies also show that applying olive oil can help to reduce oxidative damage and promote dermal reconstruction.
2. Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil is coconut oil that has not been refined or processed in any way and has a thicker consistency at room temperature. It is an effective emollient that also possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Virgin coconut oil is an excellent choice for dry and flaky skin as it can help to treat dermatitis and other common dry skin problems.
3. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is one of the few oils that are derived from the pulp of the fruit and not the seed. This oil is rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, and several vitamins, including vitamins A, C, D, and E. Its high nutritional content makes it ideal for dry and damaged skin. Animal tests also indicate that avocado oil might help to increase collagen synthesis.
4. Argan Oil
Argan oil has gained popularity in the last couple of decades due to extensive research that proves its effectiveness in skincare. This oil has a high vitamin E content and essential fatty acids which help to prevent dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Argan oil also improves skin permeability, which makes it one of the best carrier oils.
5. Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil contains several fatty acids as well as vitamin A and vitamin C. Both these vitamins play a crucial role in skin health as vitamin A helps to speed up the healing process while vitamin C helps to prevent dry skin.
6. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is very similar to sebum, which makes it a good oil for people with dry skin. Studies show that jojoba oil can even help to repair the damage caused by skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczematous dermatitis, and acne.
7. Wheat germ oil
Wheat germ oil has the highest content of vitamin E of any food. Vitamin E is often used in skincare products as it is a potent antioxidant that prevents free radical damage. A study on the effects of wheat germ oil for skincare found that a mixture of wheat germ oil, aloe vera juice, and turmeric essential oil helped to improve skin hydration with a visible improvement in skin tone and texture.
Oils for dry skin can help to improve the overall health and complexion of your skin. You can add these oils to your skincare products or even make your own skincare emulsions to keep your skin soft and supple. Essential oils contain a wide variety of fatty acids and nutrients that will nourish your skin and prevent it from getting dry and flaky. Make sure that you choose an essential oil suitable for your skin type to get the best results. If you’ve never used essential oils before, it would be wise to get an essential oil guide to help you understand the therapeutic benefits of these oils and how to use them.
