7 Naturopath tips to address dry skin

When it comes to healing dry skin, one of the first things that I look at is whether healthy oils are being consumed. Digestion may also be an issue, if you are not assimilating nutrients properly the healthy oils you are consuming won’t be absorbed into the skin. It is also a good idea to look at whether any specific food you are eating is causing you to become dry (this might be histamine releasing foods such as wine, soy etc).

Below are my top 7 naturopathic tips to addressing dry skin!

Top up with healthy fats

I love Avocado, walnuts & flaxseed oil. Aim to get these in daily in a smoothie or your meals. Healthy fats are a crucial part of your skin’s ability to avoid water loss. Try to avoid foods and oils abundant in Omega-6 (which can be inflammatory when consumed in excess) such as sunflower oil and soybeans. Instead opt for Omega-3 rich oils to hydrate the skin from the inside.

Use nourishing oils topically.

Jojoba, Camellia Seed Oil and Australian seed oils found in our Snowflower Illuminating Face Oil will help to reduce transepidermal water loss and nourish the skin barrier.

Lock in moisture.

Skin moisture levels dramatically increase when water and oil is provided topically to the skin - so seal in your nourishing oils. Look for a moisturiser which contains a blend of humectants (glycerin), emollients (sunflower seed oil) along with occlusive (Candelilla Wax). & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair combines all three elements, and is the perfect moisturiser to prevent transepidermal water loss and improve your skin’s natural moisturising factor.

Use a barrier cream.

If you are finding your skin is becoming extra dry during winter or in certain environments, use a barrier cream such as our Mum & Bub Coco Barrier Crème. This is a very rich cream which helps to lock in and seal moisture – Candelila Wax and Marshmallow found in the cream act like nourishing cocoons, wrapping the skin and protecting it from external agressors.

 

Avoid foaming cleansers and common nasties (sulfates, parabens, fragrances).

These common skin ingredients can all strip the skin of natural oils and lead to dry and flaky skin. For dry skin, foaming cleansers can do more harm than good. While they feel “clean,” they often strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupting the skin barrier and leaving it tight, flaky and more prone to moisture loss. Gentle, creamy cleansers help remove impurities without depleting essential oils, keeping skin soft, nourished and hydrated.

Drink in licorice.

Licorice root is a traditionally used herbal remedy in naturopathic medicine, valued for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. When it comes to dry skin, licorice works from the inside out by helping to calm systemic inflammation, which can otherwise weaken the skin barrier and increase moisture loss.

Dry, irritated skin is often linked to internal inflammation or stress on the body. Licorice contains active compounds such as glycyrrhizin, which help modulate inflammatory pathways and support the body’s natural stress response. By calming internal stress and inflammation, licorice can help reduce skin tightness, redness, and sensitivity commonly associated with dryness.

Licorice is also traditionally used to support digestive and liver function. Healthy digestion is essential for absorbing key nutrients and healthy fats required to maintain skin hydration and elasticity. When these systems are supported, the skin is better able to retain moisture and maintain a balanced, resilient barrier.

Licorice can be enjoyed as a simple herbal tea and works best when consumed consistently over time. Its gentle, nourishing action supports overall skin comfort, helping dry skin feel calmer, more hydrated, and less reactive.

Note: Licorice may not be suitable for everyone and should be consumed in moderation, particularly for individuals with high blood pressure.

Address any gut issues.

Gut health plays a key role in skin hydration, as poor digestion can impair the absorption of essential fats and nutrients needed to maintain a healthy skin barrier. When the gut is out of balance, inflammation and reduced lipid availability can increase moisture loss, leading to dry, tight skin. Supporting digestive health helps the skin retain moisture and stay nourished from within. Ensure you are eating adequate fibre (25 grams is recommended daily for women and 30 grams is recommended daily for men). Also consider using a gut-restoring powder such as Skin + Gut Renew Powder to support digestion and microbe balance