You don’t have to be braving the frigid, dry cold of winter to experience dry skin. Some people have naturally dry skin and regularly lather themselves with moisturizers or creams. Hand, body, and face lotions don’t always seem to provide long-term relief for dry skin, though. For that reason, we always recommend using all-natural ingredients that the skin can easily absorb.
The ingredients in the moisturizer in this article provide long-lasting moisture and are quite gentle on the skin. You only need four ingredients to make this moisturizer: olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and vitamin E oil. Add these ingredients to the top of a double boiler or to a heat-safe glass jar in a hot water bath in a saucepan on the stove. Once completely melted, pour the mixture into the vessel of your choice and allow it to cool. It will turn into a gel-like consistency. Continue reading to learn more about the moisturizing ingredients.
Olive Oil
Olive oil makes for a great addition to both your diet and your skin care routine. It is an emollient that contains monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants that make it an excellent moisturizer. The skin’s integrity is highly dependent on the lipid barrier, which holds individual cells together. Weather and other factors can evaporate the lipid barrier and lead to unpleasant, dry skin. Fortunately, olive oil acts as a secondary skin barrier that helps to keep your skin moist and hydrated.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil works as a great moisturizer, but is it right for your skin? If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, coconut oil may not be the best ingredient for your skin, especially your face. It does work to seal moisture into the skin, trapping water to keep the skin as moist as possible. Dermatologists recommend using coconut oil on damp skin, for optimal moisture sealing. Additionally, one study confirmed that coconut oil was a sufficient moisture-repairing ingredient. Coconut oil may also boost elasticity more than your average body lotion.
Beeswax
Beeswax works to form a protective layer on the skin that acts as a barrier against pollution and other environmental toxins. By forming this protective layer, beeswax also works to lock in moisture and can prevent the skin from becoming dry or irritated. If you regularly scratch your skin because of dryness, beeswax may also provide some relief, especially since it works to keep out irritants and allergens. Beeswax also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help fight grime or bacteria that exist on the skin or in pores.
Vitamin E Oil
Just like the other ingredients in this article, vitamin E oil encourages a healthy lipid barrier, which helps to keep the skin’s protective barrier intact. Vitamin E oil essentially fills in the little cracks in the skin, sealing in moisture so that it doesn’t dry out. Several studies confirmed that vitamin E allows for long-lasting moisture between skin cells. In fact, vitamin E oil can keep the skin hydrated for up to 16 hours!
DIY Olive Oil Moisturizer
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoon beeswax pellets
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a heat-safe glass jar (a canning jar or measuring cup will work). Pour a couple inches of water into a small saucepan over medium-low heat and then place the jar of ingredients into the saucepan.
- As the water heats up, the contents in the glass vessel will begin to melt. You can stir the ingredients with a wooden utensil as the melt to combine them.
- Once completely melted, remove from heat and pour the melted mixture into a small tin or jar for storage.
- Allow it to cool for about an hour and it should reach a gel-like consistency. Use as needed.
