Are you looking for the best oil to soothe dry skin on your legs? Dry skin can be caused by a number of different factors. This post looks at the causes of dry skin on the legs and which home remedies work best.
The skin on your legs becomes dry when it doesn’t have enough moisture to keep it soft and supple. Rough patches may appear and the skin may look scaly or flake off. In severe cases the skin may crack and bleed.
There are a number of ways to treat dry skin on the legs, depending on the root cause. This is generally through a mixture of lifestyle changes (such as using warm water to wash instead of hot water), and adding a good body oil to your skin care routine.
Body oils are excellent for treating dry legs. They consist of all natural ingredients which help to smooth skin and heal dry patches. They are often used following body scrubs which help to remove dead skin cells and allow the oil to penetrate better into the skin.
This post is all about the best oil for dry skin on legs
Best Oil for Dry Skin on Legs
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Symptoms of Dry Skin on Legs
Depending on the cause of your dry skin the symptoms you have may be different. The following symptoms can be caused by dryness.
- itchy skin
- flaky skin
- fine lines
- irritated skin
- redness on the surface of the skin
- rough skin
- ashy-looking skin
- bleeding sores
Causes of Dry Skin on Legs
The skin on your legs becomes dry when it is unable to retain enough water. This can happen for a number of reasons including environmental factors.
Some of the causes of dry skin include:
- allergic reaction
- skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
- atopic dermatitis
- dry air
- using harsh soaps
- age
- certain medical conditions which can be viewed here
Home Remedies for Dry Skin on Legs
There are some great home remedies which restore moisture to the skin and help to treat dry skin on legs.
1. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly has been proven to help heal skin in older adults. You can view the study that was conducted here. It shows the effectiveness of petroleum jelly in supporting the skin’s barrier function in older skin.
Petroleum jelly helps the skin by covering it in a protective layer and trapping moisture underneath. This helps to heal dry patches.
Petroleum jelly is also known as mineral oil or Vaseline. It is a very affordable home remedy for dry skin on the lower legs, and helps your body retain its natural oils.
- Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original has a variety of preventative and protectiver uses, including dry...
- 100% pure petroleum jelly, triple-purified, purity guaranteed
- Gentle on your skin, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
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2. Coconut Oil
The fatty acids that occur naturally in coconut oil work to hydrate and moisturise dry skin. Coconut is gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used daily.
Coconut oil is also effective at smoothing the skin and helping to repair the skin’s barrier. You can view a study that was done here.
Coconut oil contains linoleic acid which is an essential building block for ceramides, which help to keep the skin moisturised. Regularly using oils containing linoleic acid helps to make the skin stronger and more hydrated.
Linoleic acid is a lighter oil. Lightweight oils work well for oily skin, acne-prone skin or skin which can sometimes get congested.
If you are looking for a good all round home remedy that you can use to soothe the dry skin on your legs, but at the same time double up as a moisturizing oil for acne-prone skin, coconut oil is a good choice!
- Direct From Source – Freshly bottled directly at source in the Philippines, we pass Fair Trade...
- Fair Trade and Organic – Made from fresh, organic coconuts, Coco Road Virgin Coconut Oil brings...
- Cook, Bake, and Spread - Coconut oil has a naturally high smoke point (350°F/177°C), making it...
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Best Essential Oils for Dry Skin on Legs
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil helps to combat dry skin by balancing out the moisture levels in your skin. It is a multipurpose oil which blends well with other essential oils
Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce redness and help to repair broken skin. It has many other therapeutic benefits and is overall my favorite oil!
- 🌱100% PURE & NATURAL LAVENDER TRUE ESSENTIAL OIL; Steam distilled and undiluted; no artificial...
- 🌱SUSTAINABLY SOURCED & BOTTLED IN THE UK; Calming essential oil sourced; sourced directly and...
- 🌱PROMOTES RELAXATION; A natural, soothing and balancing oil; lavender oil has long been used to...
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2. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang ylang essential oil deeply moisturises the skin and restores hydration. It is good for all skin types but especially benefits dry skin.
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3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory and reduces skin irritation. It has been shown to be effective at soothing dry skin. One study even showed that tea tree oil was more effective than zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate creams in treating eczema. You can view that study here.
- 100% PURE & NATURAL TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL; Steam distilled and undiluted; no artificial...
- 🌱SUSTAINABLY SOURCED & BOTTLED IN THE UK; Revitalising essential oil sourced ethically and...
- 🌱REFRESHING & INVIGORATING; Refreshing diffuser oil known for its cleansing and purifying powers;...
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Best Carrier Oils for Dry Skin on Legs
When using essential oils it is necessary to use a carrier oil since most essential oils cannot be used alone. This is because essential oils are so potent that using them alone could cause skin irritation.
Most carrier oils have no scent and don’t interfere with the essential oil’s healing benefits. They can be used alone, blended with essential oils, or mixed with other oils to be used as a body oil to nourish your skin.
The best carrier oils to use on dry skin on your legs include:
- Jojoba Oil
- Almond Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Olive Oil
- Apricot Kernel Oil
- Argan Oil
- Vegetable Oil
- Rose Oil
- Evening Primrose (best for adding as a second oil)
15 Best Oils for Dry Skin on Legs
1. This Works Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil
This Works Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil was formulated specifically for dry skin on legs. It contains coconut oil and jojoba oil which are both excellent natural remedies for dry skin.
This blend of essential oils leaves you with instantly silky legs which are toned and have a youthful glow.
- A deeply enriching blend of 9 essential oils with Evening Primrose
- Helps maintain the lipid skin barrier and reduce visible signs of aging
- Transforms dry, dull legs into shiny, soft skin
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil
Palmer’s oil contains cocoa butter and Argan oil. Argan oil is one of the best body oils for dry skin. It helps to heal damaged skin and reduce the appearance of scars on the legs.
- Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil is a lightweight formula that helps improve the...
- Formulated with an exclusive blend of Pure Argan Oil, Natural Oils, Cetesomate-E Complex & Vitamin...
- Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants for all over skin perfecting benefits.
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3. Veet Miraculous Pre and Post Removal Hair Oil
Veet oil is the best treatment for dry skin caused by shaving. It contains a blend of 100% natural oils which are rich in vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. It helps the skin to retain hydration through its ability to trap water.
- Veet Miraculous Oil is a versatile product that can be used pre and post hair removal
- It can be used as a shaving aid to help prevent razor burns and skin irritations or after hair...
- PREVENTS RAZOR BURN AND SKIN IRRITATION - When used before shaving, it helps to improve blade glide,...
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4. Sanctuary Spa Body Oil
The Sanctuary Spa Body oil is a beautiful radiance boosting dry oil. It is infused with diamond dust and rose quartz extract and effectively conditions the skin locking in moisture and leaving it silky and smooth.
This is one of my favorite body oils. It is also suitable for vegans.
- A radiance boosting dry body oil complex infused with diamond dust & rose quartz extract. Suitable...
- Moisturise your skin with this lightweight, instantly absorbing body oil to deliver a radiant glow...
- This rose gold body moisturiser is infused with a powerful blend of precious petal oils & optical...
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5. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream All-Over Miracle Oil
The Elizabeth Arden Oil can be used on the entire body including the face and hair. It is especially useful in the winter months when the hair and body are drier. It is best applied onto damp skin straight after a shower.
- Hydrates Dry, Rough Skin
- Eight Hour Cream Was Created More Than Seventy Years Ago, In 1930, By Miss Arden Herself And Was The...
- For The Face, Body And Hair
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6. Now Solutions, Organic Jojoba Oil, Moisturizing Multi-Purpose Oil
The Now Solutions oil is another good choice if you want an oil for the entire body. It contains jojoba oil which works well at treating dry skin on the legs, but this oil can also be used on the face and hair.
In order to soothe dry skin on lower legs you should apply this oil to damp skin after showering. It seals moisture into the skin and forms a protective barrier.
- Certified Organic - 100% Pure
- Organic Moisturizing Oil - For Skin, Hair & Body
- Multi-Purpose
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7. Neutrogena Lightweight Body Oil for Dry Skin
The Neutrogena Lightweight Body Oil is made from sesame oil. It has a formula that glides on easily to help hydrate and soften skin. A small amount goes a long way so this oil will last you some time.
Smooth just a few drops of this oil onto damp skin to treat dry lower legs. This oil can also be used in bath water to help soften and nourish the skin.
When using in bath water ensure the water is not too hot. A very hot bath is not recommended if you suffer from dry skin. Hot water can dry the skin out more, and also damage the surface of the skin.
- 16-fluid ounce pump bottle of moisturizing body oil for dry skin with a light sesame oil formula...
- Lightweight body oil pampers your skin as a sheer moisturizer that instantly vanishes and absorbs...
- Light sesame oil formula provides nourishment for dry skin and glides on easily to help maintain...
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8. Alba Botanica Kukui Nut Organic Body Oil
This Kukui Nut oil is high in essential fatty acids which help to nourish dry legs and prevent any further moisture loss. It also contains sweet almond oil, coconut oil, flaxseed and sunflower oils to deeply moisturise the skin.
If you have dry patches on your legs simply rub a small amount of this oil onto the affected area. Oils containing high amounts of fatty acids are the best way to get greater skin hydration and soothe a winter itch!
- ENRICHED WITH KUKUI NUT OIL: Kukui Nut Oil is known for its exceptional moisturising properties....
- DEEPLY MOISTURISES & NOURISHES SKIN: Say goodbye to dry and dull skin. Alba Botanica's Kukui Nut...
- LIGHTWEIGHT & ABSORBS QUICKLY: This body oil features a lightweight and non-greasy formula that...
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9. Maui Moisture Vegan Body Oil Spray for Dry Skin
The Maui body oil spray contains Frangipani & Aloe Vera. It gently nourishes, moisturises and soothes dry skin.
Aloe Vera contains salicylic acid which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Lactic acid is also excellent for dry skin as it helps to keep the skin moisturised.
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10. Life & Pursuits Turmeric Body Oil
- Pure Aromatic Massage Oil: Replenish your skin with our organic massage oil that is made with...
- ORGANIC & NATURAL: The formula is herbal, pure and is made with certified organic ingredients....
- Complete Skin Nourishment: The vitamin E infused beauty oil helps in moisturising, tightening, and...
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11. Balance Me Super Moisturising Body Oil
Some of my favourite skin care products are from Balance Me! This super moisturizing body oil is perfect for hydrating dry skin on the legs. It also works well to reduce the appearance of any marks or scars.
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12. NEOM – Real Luxury Body Oil
- FEELING OF CALM – Taking time to create calm is something we’re passionate about. The NEOM Scent...
- LUXURY GIFT – The perfect gift for a loved one; ideal birthday present, or just to show you care....
- 100% NATURAL FRAGRANCES – Our Real Luxury Body Oil 100ml is made with antioxidant rich Vitamin E...
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13. Weleda Organic Wild Rose Body Oil
- Efficacious plant oils and extracts impart skin-brightening
- Jojoba seed and Almond oil moisturize, nourish and quickly absorb into skin
- Aroma of pure organic roses provides harmonizing aroma therapeutic
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14. Orientana 100% NATURAL BODY OIL For Women
- 100% NATURAL VEGAN CRUELTY FREE AYURVEDIC FORMULA : The oil based and perfumed moisturiser is...
- INDIAN JASMINE: Has soothing, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritation, moisturising,...
- OLIVE ALMOND AND JOJOBA OIL: Soothe irritation, eliminate itchy sensation, unpleasant skin tension,...
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15. Natural & Organic Massage Oil & Body Oil
- ALL NATURAL: Made with 100% natural, organic oils that are wonderfully relaxing, soothing and...
- FREE FROM NASTIES: Professional quality, dermatologically tested and made with no chemicals,...
- MULTI-USE OIL: The unique formula is great for soothing and relaxing massages, muscle pain relief...
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FAQs on Using Body Lotion and Oils for Dry Legs
What can I use for extremely dry skin on legs?
If the skin on your legs is extremely dry try using an emollient like Vaseline Intensive Care. It forms a protective seal over the skin and helps to seal in moisture and heal broken skin.
What is the best body oil for extremely dry skin?
Carrot oil mixed with coconut oil works very well for dry skin. Carrot oil is known for being the richest in carotene, especially beta-carotene. Combined with coconut it will help boost your skin’s natural barrier and deeply hydrate dry skin. The best carrot oil is the one by Fushi.
How do you get rid of alligator skin on your legs?
Try making changes to your lifestyle such as avoiding hot showers (use warm water instead of hot water), using milder soaps and drinking more water. Use a body oil or body lotion in your skincare routine.
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