Your skin can be influenced by various factors like hormones, stress, and environmental conditions. When your skin feels dry, it's crucial to apply a moisturizer. This will help to hydrate your skin and prevent any discomfort. However, if you prefer using natural ingredients and avoiding chemicals, you might consider creating your own moisturizer using common household items.
Process
Creating and Using a Natural Moisturizer
Choose the Right Oil Opt for a natural oil that your dry skin can readily absorb. Opt for organic oils that are free from artificial additives. Place 6 tablespoons (approximately 90 ml) of your chosen oil into a mixing bowl. Consider using:
- Coconut oil: a lightweight oil with antibacterial properties. Always opt for unrefined, virgin coconut oil for skincare purposes.
- Jojoba oil: a liquid extracted from jojoba seeds, quickly absorbed by the skin.
- Shea butter: a dense cream suitable for very dry skin.
- Argan oil: a lightweight oil effective against inflammation.
- Olive oil is also a viable option.
Introduce aloe vera gel. Measure out 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of aloe vera gel into the mixing bowl alongside the oil. If you prefer using aloe vera gel directly from the plant, carefully extract the gel from a piece of aloe vera using a knife. Gently scoop out the gel and add it to your measuring spoon. Alternatively, opt for aloe vera gel with minimal additives.
- Some preliminary studies suggest that aloe vera may effectively treat dry skin.
Incorporate an essential oil. To infuse a pleasant scent into your natural moisturizer, incorporate 4 to 5 drops of essential oil into your mixing bowl. While essential oils don't directly moisturize your skin, many possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties that can alleviate skin irritation. Essential oils beneficial for the skin include:
- Lavender oil, known for reducing skin irritation and possessing antibacterial properties that aid in healing cuts and scrapes.
- Geranium oil, which helps condition the skin and regulate natural oil production.
- Lemongrass oil, effective for toning and firming the skin.
- Tea tree oil, recognized for its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Chamomile oil, which soothes inflamed or irritated skin.
- You can also utilize a handheld electric mixer to blend your moisturizer.
Preserve your moisturizer. Transfer your moisturizer into a sterilized glass jar with a tightly sealed lid. Seal the jar and store it in the refrigerator. Due to the absence of preservatives, use the moisturizer within a few days.
- If you find yourself not using much moisturizer, consider halving the recipe to avoid wastage after several days.
Apply the moisturizer. Using your fingertips, extract a pea-sized amount of your natural moisturizer. Dot the moisturizer evenly across your face, then gently massage it into your skin using circular motions.
- For best results, moisturize your face after cleansing to maximize moisture retention and prevent massaging dirt and impurities into your skin along with the moisturizer.
Crafting and Applying Facial Masks
Create an oatmeal-fennel mask. Grind a few tablespoons (45-75 ml) of oatmeal in a blender until finely powdered. In a separate bowl, steep 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds in 1/2 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Afterward, strain and discard the fennel seeds. Combine 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the cooled fennel tea with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the ground oatmeal powder and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey.
- Fennel helps prevent wrinkles and moisturizes normal skin, while oatmeal aids in exfoliating dry, dead skin cells.
Whip up an avocado mask. Mash half of a ripe avocado in a bowl until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of plain yogurt and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of pure honey, mixing until well combined with the avocado. The mixture should have a creamy consistency.
- The natural oils in avocado can replenish your skin's moisture and hydrate your complexion.
Apply the face mask. Take a generous amount of your chosen face mask and spread it evenly onto your freshly cleansed face. Use your fingers or a clean makeup brush for a smooth application, avoiding the eye area and lips.
- Avoid applying the mask near your eyes and refrain from covering your lips.
- Fan brushes work well for precise and even application of face masks.
Allow the mask to set. Depending on the ingredients used, your mask may dry quickly or remain moist. If using the oatmeal-fennel mask, leave it on for 20 minutes. For the avocado mask, let it set for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Most moisturizing masks won't completely dry like those designed for oily skin. If your skin feels irritated or starts to dry out, remove the mask promptly.
Wash away the mask. Use lukewarm water to gently rinse off the mask using your fingertips. If the mask is stubborn, you can use a soft, damp cloth to help remove it. After most of the mask is gone, splash your face with cool water.
- To maintain hydration, consider using a moisturizing mask several times weekly.
Utilizing Household Solutions
Employ a humidifier overnight. If you wake up with dry skin due to living in a dry climate, your skin may benefit from added moisture in the air. Try using a humidifier that disperses moist air into your room while you sleep.
- While humid air can hydrate your skin, avoid prolonged hot showers, which can strip away your skin's natural oils and exacerbate dryness.
Adjust your moisturizer. By crafting your own moisturizers, you have the flexibility to modify them as the seasons change. If your homemade moisturizer isn't sufficiently hydrating during a particularly dry winter, consider switching to a thicker oil like shea or cocoa butter.
- Remember to revert to a lighter oil when the weather warms up and the seasons change.
Try an herbal mist. Keep an herbal mist handy to spritz onto your face whenever it feels dry. To create a mist, blend a few drops of your preferred essential oil into a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Attach the nozzle, shake to mix the oil, and mist onto your face.
- Experiment with essential oils like rose, sandalwood, or bergamot, which can help maintain skin hydration.
Stay hydrated. To maintain skin hydration, aim to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water (about 180 ml each) daily. This helps enhance skin appearance and prevents dryness. Remember, you can also hydrate by consuming fresh fruits and vegetables.
- If remembering to drink water is a challenge, consider herbal teas, juices, or milk as alternatives.
Engage in physical activity. Exercise promotes better circulation in the skin, and sweating helps distribute natural oils. Strive for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. After working out, remember to shower to prevent skin irritation from dried sweat.
Pointers
Materials Needed
- Natural oil such as coconut, shea, argan, or jojoba
- Aloe vera gel
- Essential oils
- Teaspoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or handheld electric mixer