Skin
Dry Skin
Rough, flaky or tight-feeling skin that lacks moisture. See a doctor if it cracks and bleeds, is very itchy, or doesn't improve with a moisturizer, since some causes need treatment.
Most minor skin problems can be cared for at home, but see a doctor for deep, infected or slow-healing wounds, serious burns, or rashes that come with a fever. Several of these herbs can cause skin allergies, especially plants in the daisy family such as calendula and mugwort. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments.
5 herbs
Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.
AloeAloe veraAloe gel hydrated the skin after one use but dried it out with repeated use in one study, so it may not help ongoing dry skin.
CalendulaCalendula officinalisIn a small trial, a moisturizing cream with calendula extract kept irritated skin more hydrated than the same cream without it.
ChamomileMatricaria chamomillaUsed in oils to soothe dry, itchy skin. No trials of chamomile for dry skin were found.
LavenderLavandula angustifoliaA small pilot study found a lavender and bergamot oil massage reduced itching. No trials of lavender for dry skin were found.
OliveOlea europaeaLong used on the skin, but research shows olive oil can weaken the skin barrier, so it may not help dry skin.