There are many natural ingredients that people use to moisturize their skin. Because of that, you can choose to lather your skin in all sorts of oils, butters, salves, and balms. You don’t necessarily want to bombard your skin with too many things because you want to try certain products to see their efficacy before you keep adding more and more. If your skin is chapped or dry, the DIY moisturizer in this article can help enhance moisture levels.
This recipe calls for dried dandelion flowers, which you need to infuse into the coconut oil. This is a process that you can typically do two different ways, but coconut oil limits you to one way. Because coconut oil is solid at room temperature, unless it is very hot where you live, you can’t just add flowers to the oil and allow it to infuse for a few weeks. If this whipped moisturizer called for olive oil, you could do that process.
The quickest way to infuse dandelion flowers into the coconut oil is by putting them in a heat-safe jar with the coconut oil. A glass measuring cup or canning jar will work just fine. Set the jar down into a saucepan that contains a couple inches of water in the bottom. This is a makeshift double boiler. Set the pan over medium-low heat for about two hours, adding more water so that it doesn’t fully evaporate out.
Dandelion Flowers For Skin
Dermatologists recommend dandelion for the skin because it can inhibit microbial infections. Naturally rich in anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, dandelion can act as an antibacterial, germicidal ingredient, detoxifying the skin and clearing out pores. It may help reduce the risk of future breakouts, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Dandelion flowers also exhibit anti-aging properties, and some studies found that they may help reduce the appliance of fine lines. Lastly, dandelion stimulates collagen and elastin production, which helps to firm up your skin, preventing sagging or drooping. As a bonus, it may help minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation or age spots.
Coconut Oil
Is coconut oil the undisputed champ of moisturizing agents? That is up for debate, but it is an occlusive, so it sits on top of the skin and traps moisture underneath. That works to soothe the skin and lock in any existing moisture, but it does not “hydrate” the skin. Instead, coconut oil may help to plump up the skin because it is a natural anti-aging moisturizer. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil help your skin retain moisture, while keeping it silky smooth. Coconut oil may also suppress inflammatory markers and enhance skin barrier function, but more studies are necessary to confirm that.
Whipped Dandelion & Coconut Oil Moisturizer
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup dried dandelion flowers
Instructions:
- Add the coconut oil and dandelion flowers to a heat-safe glass jar. Set this jar in a saucepan with a couple inches of water in it over medium-low heat. This process takes about two hours.
- The indirect heat melts the coconut oil and helps infuse the dandelions into it. Make sure to keep an eye on the water so that it doesn’t all evaporate. When it gets low, pour more water into the saucepan.
- Remove from heat and strain the dandelion infused oil into a small mixing bowl. Discard the dandelion flowers.
- Place the infused oil into the fridge until it becomes firm. Once it is firm, remove it from the fridge and beat the chilled oil with a hand mixer for about five minutes, or until light and fluffy.
- Spoon this whipped coconut oil into a glass jar and store in a cool, dark place. If you have a warm house, though, consider storing it in the refrigerator. Use when ready, but let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.
