Best Organic Moisturizers for Very Dry Skin

My skin gets dry very easily. This causes me fairly significant discomfort, especially during the winter months, when I sometimes get cracks or flaking on my face. Additionally, my dry skin puts me at a greater risk of scarring, keloids and wrinkles compared to women with average or oily skin. While I haven't found a single solution to this, there are several natural moisturizers that have provided me with relief. Here are a few natural moisturizers that I use when my skin gets too dry.

Grapeseed Oil

Grape seed oil is best known as an antioxidant, or a product that protects against harmful oxygen molecules. It can also help restore moisture to dry skin on the face and body, making it a double-edged sword against both dryness and its harmful effects. Seek a moisturizer with grapeseed oil or, if you'd prefer, simply apply it directly to your face using a cottonball. Remember: a little goes a long way when you're using an oil directly on your facial skin.

Chamomile Oil

This richly fragrant essential oil is one of the only natural moisturizers safe for use on very sensitive dry skin. It is used as an ingredient in many of the most popular organic moisturizing products because it doesn't cause rashes and irritation to the same degree that most essential oils do. Don't apply chamomile oil directly to your skin, but consider folding it into a carrier oil such as grapeseed or your favorite organic moisturizer.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is not the world's most effective organic moisturizer for very dry skin, because it contains few or no natural oils. However, it can help to replenish moisture in skin, especially when combined with another natural facial product. Aloe vera has a soothing effect and can ease discomforts associated with dry skin. It also leaves a light, protective barrier on the skin to prevent further chapping or windburns. Look for a moisturizer with aloe if you have windburn, eczema or other discomforts from dry skin.

Oatmeal

Not just for breakfast, oatmeal is a very soothing, protective and revitalizing ingredient used in many natural moisturizers. Oatmeal is particularly valuable to people with eczema or other forms of dermatitis that relate to dry skin. Aveeno and several other companies offer natural moisturizing options for people with extremely dry skin. Alternatively, consider bathing your dry skin patches with warm water and colloidal oatmeal. This provides near-instant relief for severe dryness.

If you can't find a solution that eases your skin discomforts, or if you skin's dryness is leading to significant cracking, bleeding, or pain, you may have an underlying medical condition. Talk to your health care provider if over-the-counter remedies fail to relieve your skin problems.