Chapped lips, dry elbows, itchy shins, and cracked hands all indicate that the colder months have arrived. Most people are at war with elements during winter, fighting for silky smooth skin that looks nourished and moisturized. You don’t have to fight the good fight anymore because we have a DIY salve that will help your skin retain moisture like never before.
What Causes Dry Skin In The Winter?
The top layer of your skin, known as the epidermis, contains a lipid barrier and skin cells that keep the skin from drying out. This barrier also prevents harmful pathogens or substances from entering the body. The combination of environmental factors and age naturally weaken this barrier. Now add the excessive hand washing and use of hand sanitizers as a result of COVID-19 and you find yourself with skin that looks that you just jumped in flour. The temperature of the water, alcoholic sanitizers, and less moisture in the air during the winter months all contribute to dry skin. Luckily, you can replenish the moisture you lose with the right ingredients.
It’s All About The Right Moisturizers
If you want to lock in moisture to the skin, you need the right ingredients. Think of your skin like a bottle of carbonated water. If you leave the cap off, the carbonation won’t last very long. Keeping the cap on makes the bubbles last longer. Moisturizing is all about putting the right cap on your skin, creating a strong barrier that helps your skin retain moisture. The salve in this article contains several ingredients that keep the skin hydrated, but the two that stand out are detailed below.
Beeswax
Beeswax is hypoallergenic and works to protect the skin. It’s the natural waxy substance that hives produce, and it has myriad uses, but the buzz we’re concerned with is how it benefits the skin. The natural antibacterial properties work to combat eczema and acne, while the anti-inflammatory properties create a barrier between the skin and the environment to protect the skin without clogging pores. Beeswax is also rich in vitamin A, which helps support skin cell reconstruction. Finally, beeswax acts as a humectant, meaning that it attracts water to the skin to keep it hydrated and supple.
Olive Oil
This classic cooking oil is one of the best kept beauty secrets that is most likely in your kitchen. Just like beeswax, olive oil has humectant properties, which help to attract moisture to the skin. Olive oil also contains vitamins E, K, and other antioxidants that offer anti-aging benefits, helping your skin look younger and softer. The great thing about olive oil is that it helps to hydrate your skin whether you apply it topically or ingest it. If you are prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin, do not apply olive oil on your face.
DIY Moisturizing Salve
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 1/8 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 8 drops black spruce essential oil
- 4 drops frankincense essential oil
- 4 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- Add the olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and vitamin E oil to a heat-safe glass jar.
- Create a double boiler by pouring some water (about a couple inches) into a small saucepan. Carefully place the jar in the center of the saucepan.
- Keep the pan over medium-low heat until all the ingredients in the jar are completely melted. Before removing from the heat, stir to combine.
- Once you remove the glass jar from the pan, add in the vanilla extract and essential oils. Stir gently to combine and then pour the entire mixture in a small glass jar. Let the mixture solidify at room temperature before using it.
- It’s best to apply a small amount on dry hands, dry feet, or dry areas of skin at night to allow the moisturizing properties to soak in overnight.
