Holistic Skincare Regimen for Dry Skin

This is sometimes confused with dehydrated skin, which has some of the same symptoms above, but is from not drinking enough water or experiencing harsh weather (not an oil-production issue).

While we will be focusing on dry skin (as an actual skin TYPE) in this post, many of these same habits can also help manage dehydrated skin as well.

Several factors can contribute to the development of dry skin, some of which we have no control over, and others which we do!

Exposure to dry and cold weather, low humidity, and harsh winds can strip the skin of its natural oils on the top layers of the epidermis.

Easy Fix:  While we can’t change the weather where we live, we can change how we dress to be IN the weather around us.

Frequent and prolonged exposure to hot water, especially in baths or showers, can remove the natural oils from the skin.

Easy Fix: While it will take some getting used to, taking that water temperature down a notch is an immediate daily change your skin will reward you for.

The use of strong soaps or cleansers can disrupt and strip the skin’s natural barrier, leading to moisture loss.

Easy Fix: Whether you are a DIY king/queen or you buy all of your products, sticking to gentle, oil-based products is another immediate change that will quickly improve your skin comfort.

As people age, the skin tends to produce less oil, making it more prone to dryness.

No Fix Needed: Age is an absolute gift to experience. Not everyone has been given the chance. Just as with other stages in life, routines and habits need to be adjusted to keep up with what bodies need in that season.

Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and hypothyroidism can contribute to dry skin.

Not-so-easy fix: The examples listed above are all very different conditions and have different causes. Some are hereditary whereas some stem from deep, underlying stress that can be remedied with long-term lifestyle changes.

In this holistic skincare guide, we’ll explore a comprehensive dry skin regimen that focuses on external remedies AND approaches internal factors that contribute to your skin’s health and appearance.

Welcome to a journey of self-care that goes BEYOND the surface!

And, if you’re anything like me, get ready to be obsessed with thinking about how EVERYTHING we do impacts the skin we’re in!

Dry skin can be a signal from your body that it’s time to reevaluate your skincare routine and embrace a holistic approach to nourishing your skin.

The definition of ‘holistic’ is to think about the WHOLE person rather than just the symptom; holistic skincare considers every detail of the daily experience of an individual to benefit their skin’s health from the inside out.

This is all about understanding that everything in your body, mind, and environment is connected and impacts your overall health and wellness (which directly impacts the skin’s appearance).

Holistic skincare goes far beyond just using the ‘right’ type of product for your skin, and includes all of the following for a well-rounded skincare regimen:

• Plant-based skincare products
• Proper hydration
• Regular exercise
• A Whole Food diet
• Deep sleep
• Stress management
• Mindfulness practice 

Plant-based skin care products are best for overall wellness, as they are easy on the immune system and have a far lower risk of creating or exacerbating allergies.

If you are a DIY skin care maker, use the suggested ingredients below for amazing, chemical-free formulations for dry skin (always use trusted formulations, as essential oils cannot be used on the skin without a very high dilution rate!).

If you are not a maker, read the labels of the dry skin care products you are purchasing and aim for items that include many of the essential oils and carriers listed below.

Geranium (Pelargonium x asperum) helps to relieve excess dryness and helps to support skin that has chronic inflammation.

Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum) is often used for dry skin and has powerful regenerating potential.

Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia) helps to balance sebum (oil) production and works to regenerate skin cells.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)  moisturizes and cools the skin, making it a great choice in blends for dryness and inflammation.

Rose Absolute (Rosa x damascene) reinforces the skin barrier function, making it suitable for improving dry skin and improving the skin’s texture.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) is well-received in all types of skincare, and its thicker body makes it wonderful to pair with lighter essential oils.

Argan Oil (Argania spinosa) can increase skin elasticity and soften dry patches. It is light and easily absorbed into the skin – a wonderful carrier oil for skin care product formulation.

Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima) is deeply nourishing and moisturizing. Continued application has been shown to result in increased hydration of the epidermis, restoring moisturized skin.

Baobab Oil (Adansonia digitata) has a high content of oleic and linolenic (essential fatty acids) that help to maintain the health of the cell membrane. This is a thick, potent oil that is useful for eczema and psoriasis.

Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao) is full of antioxidants, fats, and vitamins that lock in moisture and improve skin flexibility. This hard butter is useful for tending to fine lines around the eyes and corners of the mouth.

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) is quickly and easily absorbed, as it is very similar to the oil our bodies naturally produce. It can be used on its own as a moisturizer or as a carrier for essential oils in natural skin care formulations.

Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa rubiginosa) is deeply moisturizing and aids in cell regeneration. It is easily soaked in and is most beneficial for mature skin and intensely dry skin.

Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradox) revitalizes skin cells, alleviates dryness, and deeply penetrates the skin. A long-term support ingredient for individuals with psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and mature skin. (If you decide to go with a shea that is not the one linked above, be sure to purchase a raw, unrefined version.) 

Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain skin hydration and improve its barrier function.

Including these fish in your weekly meal plan can contribute to reducing dry skin by providing essential nutrients that support overall skin health and moisture retention.

Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fats and vitamins, particularly vitamin E, which nourish and moisturize the skin from within.

Adding avocados to your diet can help combat dry skin by promoting skin elasticity and protecting against oxidative damage.

Nuts and seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which play a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and preventing dryness.

Getting cozy with these nutrient-dense foods provides the skin with the necessary oils and antioxidants, contributing to a healthier and more moisturized complexion.

Olive oil is a natural source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which can help nourish and hydrate the skin.

Incorporating olive oil into your diet provides essential fatty acids that promote skin health, assisting in combating dryness and improving overall skin texture.

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which plays a vital role in promoting skin health and preventing dryness.

Beta-carotene helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture levels and supports the regeneration of skin cells, contributing to a more hydrated and supple complexion.

Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, are packed with antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, which help protect the skin from oxidative stress and maintain its moisture balance.

Berries can contribute to improved skin hydration and overall health, support collagen production, and combat factors that contribute to dryness.

Leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in vitamins A and C, essential for skin health and hydration.

These nutrients support collagen production, helping to maintain skin elasticity and prevent dryness, making leafy greens a valuable addition to promote a well-nourished and moisturized complexion.

Cucumbers are composed mostly of water, providing hydration to the body and promoting moisture balance in the skin.

Additionally, they contain silica, a compound that supports collagen production, contributing to skin elasticity and helping to alleviate dryness.

Watermelon is high in water content, helping to keep the body and skin well-hydrated, which is essential for combating dryness.

Additionally, it contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports skin health by protecting against oxidative damage and promoting a more moisturized complexion.

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, which has moisturizing properties and helps repair the skin’s natural barrier.

Incorporating coconut oil into your diet can contribute to improved skin hydration, making it an effective remedy for dry skin.

• In the morning and the evening, use an oil-based cleanser to gently wash away any impurities and dead skin cells, such as this dead sea scrub soap bar:

• Spray a gentle toner over a cleansed face two times a day.
• Our Neroli Facial Mist is a hydrated, plant-based toner that is perfect for dry skin:

• A plant-based, 100% oil facial serum is recommended in place of water-based creams for facial care.
• Always apply face serum at night, and in the morning if possible with your ‘get out the door’ routine (it needs a bit to soak in before applying makeup).

• Men: 13 cups (~3 liters) of water a day
• Women: 9 cups (~2+ liters) a day

• The amount of exercise recommended varies widely based on age and health conditions.
• The average adult (ages 18-64) needs 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (this is just to provide a frame of reference to start with). Visit the World Health Organization here for more info.

• Eating for wellness also impacts the health and appearance of the skin greatly. Try adding one new recipe a week that is specific to sensitive skin (see recommendations in the above section).

• The goal of mindfulness is to achieve focused relaxation while paying attention to thoughts and sensations and being fully present.
• This can be achieved through meditation, gratitude practice, belly breathing, mindful walking, body scans, and more.

• Fresh outside air has tons of positive impacts on overall health (and most individuals aren’t getting close to enough of it).
• Breathing fresh air increases oxygen in the blood, increases energy, improves digestion, cleans the lungs, relieves stress and anxiety, improves cell function, and improves cognitive abilities…to name just a few benefits (and all of these impact the skin’s glow)!

• If you’re washing your face with an oil-based cleanser as mentioned in the first step, you don’t need another product – this should do the trick for most makeup.
• For some waterproof makeup that is a bit more stubborn, grab some reusable makeup remover pads.

• Apply under-eye care at night (after cleansing and spraying toner).

• Sleep experts recommend cutting off screen time an hour before bed (or two hours for the best benefits…time to bust out that library card!)

• It’s called ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason, as deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) stimulates cell turnover and collagen production.
• Deep sleep reduces inflammation and combats issues, such as eczema and acne, and is essential for memory, mood regulation, brain health, and immune function.

Use a home humidifier , especially during intensely cold or hot months, to add moisture to the air.

This can prevent the air from becoming too dry and helps to keep your skin happy, happy, happy!

Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. I don’t like hearing this any more than you do, I LOVE a good and steamy hot bathroom!

However, my skin knows this is true…even a layer of jojoba can’t undo the itchiness caused when I use hot water repeatedly.

Wear breathable fabrics – lucky us that linen clothing is super trendy, no matter your age, and also keeps you cool in the summer!

Rough or textured bedding fabric may lead to irritation, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin.

If it’s not in the budget to change your entire sheet set, opt for organic silk pillowcases like this to minimize friction against your facial skin (and get the bonus of feeling like a queen👸).