Itchy AF? Check Out These Essential Oils That Will Soothe Your Angry Skin

Well known for its antiseptic and antiviral properties, tea tree oil can also soothe itchiness and discomfort. Especially in the case where mosquitos have decided to make a several course meal out of your blood, tea tree oil can come in handy — Close says the oil is the clear winner when it comes to spot treating the site of a bite. Close recommends placing a small amount on a tissue or cotton ball, then dabbing it directly onto the affected area. If you have sensitive skin, dilute with a carrier oil or mix with lotion since tea tree oil can be drying.

German chamomile is a potent anti-inflammatory oil due to high bisabolol content (a naturally-occurring antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ingredient), so Close says this oil is excellent for soothing itches caused by dry, sensitive skin. “The bright blue color is a hallmark of this oil, as is its ripe, honey-apple scent,” she says. Close says you should dilute the oil in a base oil like coconut, sunflower, or grapeseed before applying it to dry skin.

Whether you call this essential oil by its given name or one of its alternatives (like tiger grass, Asiatic pennywort or cica), its ability to repair and soothe skin is the same. In fact, Close says the multitasking herb is known for quelling itchiness associated with dryness and lack of elasticity associated with everything from eczema patches to stretching skin during pregnancy.

“Clinical studies show that centella asiatica helps to heal by stimulating collagen synthesis and increasing the level of antioxidants in newly formed tissues,” Close says. It’s also a known anti-inflammatory and helps soothe redness, too. To use, Close recommends adding a few drops of the essential oil to a base (or carrier) oil, lotion, or salve before applying to skin.

Lavender is probably the number one essential oil when it comes to healing skin conditions, burns and cuts, say Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, a Clinical Dermatologist and researcher. “With its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial and detoxifying benefits, lavender essential oil can help reduce redness, soothe and calm the skin and rapidly heal minor cuts and scrapes, as well as any rashes.” It can also help soothe itchy bug bites and moisturize dry skin.

Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist, says a correct diagnosis by a dermatologist is essential, as there are many reasons for itchy skin. However, she says there are a few essential oils that may be helpful in chronic itch and are often recommended by dermatologists. Peppermint oil is one of those, and there are a few clinical studies demonstrating that it may be helpful in itch caused by keloids or in pregnancy of pregnancy.

Jason Donahue, a former pharmacist and founder of The Herbal Zen says his go-to itchy skin relief is a 3:1 lavender/peppermint combo. “Too much peppermint can cause more irritation but just the right amount can work wonders,” he says.

Blue tansy essential oil is anti-inflammatory and work wells for dry, itchy skin, says Heidi Liese Edsall, an LA-based holistic healing coach. There are some studies that show sabinene or sabinene-containing oil, one the main components in blue tansy, has anti-inflammatory effects on skin.

Copaiba oil comes from copaiba trees found in South America. It “has a similar chemistry to CBD (although it has no relationship to CBD),” says Edsall, “and is a potent anti-inflammatory that can address any itching caused by auto-immune or nerve disorders.”