Essential oils have numerous health benefits and can be incredibly relaxing. Used in both aromatherapy and skin care, essential oils can help you create spa-like experiences in your very own home. Treat your feet right with an invigorating peppermint foot cream and slough away dead skin cells with a DIY sugar scrub. You can even use whipped body butter to establish a smooth skin tone. 

Although the aromatherapy shower mist recipe in this article doesn’t turn back the hands of time, it can transform your shower into a full-on steam room. Spray the mist in your steamy shower and the aromas will transport you to a relaxing oasis. The best part is that you don’t even have to leave your bathroom!

Typically, spa scents are made with a custom blend of essential oils. Because you are making this aromatherapy blend, you can also customize to your liking. If you prefer more eucalyptus essential oil than peppermint essential oil, alter the recipe. You can also use essential oils that help contribute to more alertness and energy to help you get your day started. A relaxing blend of essential oils, including lavender essential oil, may be beneficial for winding down before bed. 

What Is A Shower Mist?

A shower mist is basically a spray that you spritz into the water or steam of the shower, which transforms it into a spa-like experience. The steam from the hot water creates a natural diffuser, spreading the aromas of the essential oils in the shower air. While showering, you’re surrounded by the shower steam and an amazing fragrance. 

A shower mist is about more than a pleasant aroma, though. The essential oils in the shower mist have therapeutic properties, which you benefit from during your steamy shower. A few spritzes in your shower may help relax the body, calm the mind, wake you up, lift your spirits, regulate emotions, and rejuvenate your senses. 

Shower Mist Vs. Shower Steamer

You may have heard of a shower steamer. In fact, you can click here for our DIY recipe! They are scented discs that you place on the shower floor. As hot water flows onto them, they release their aroma into the shower air. A shower steamer is very similar to a shower mist, as both release the aromas from essential oils that you choose. Shower steamers are not for everyone, though, especially if you use oils or butters to make them. They can cause the shower floor to become a bit slippery, which is dangerous if your balance is not 100%. 

A shower mist is also a lot easier to make. All you have to do is pour the ingredients in a bottle, screw on the cap, shake the bottle up, and you are good to go. A shower mist also does not depend on humidity, so you can use the same recipe whether the humidity level is 0% or 100%. Shower steamers are a lot harder to make if you live in a humid environment. Finally, there is no setting time for a shower mist. Use it as soon as you make it, unlike shower steamers, which occasionally take days to set. 

DIY Shower Mist

Ingredients:

• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops orange essential oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil
• 1/4 cup high-proof grade alcohol (such as Everclear)
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to an eight-ounce spray bottle and then pour in the high-proof grade alcohol. 
• Should you choose to use other essential oils, that is also fine. The general recommendation for this recipe is 30-40 drops of essential oils. You can keep the high-proof grade alcohol and distilled water measurements the same in that eight-ounce bottle.
• Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water (leaving a small amount of space at the top to prevent overflowing), screw on the cap, and shake well to combine. 
• Put your spray to use! Spritz the shower mist in your hot shower and reap the benefits.

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If we know one thing about winter, it is that the weather is colder and skin can dry out easily. The constant changing of environments does not do the skin any favors. Being bundled up outside in the cold and then going inside to the warm, dry heat is a recipe for dry skin. Fortunately, you can pamper your skin and bring it back to life with the homemade body butter in this article. It is filled with natural ingredients that help to leave the skin feeling soft, radiant, and supple. 

What’s The Difference Between Body Butter And Lotion?

Both body lotions and body butters work to moisturize the skin below the neck. Each of these skin care products can help soften skin and minimize dryness, but they work differently. The primary difference between lotion and body butter is the texture. While lotion has a higher water content and more liquid consistency, body butter is thicker and creamier. Body butter also tends to have a higher concentration of heavy moisturizers, such as shea butter. Body lotion tends to be formulated with glycerin, or other lightweight hydrators. 

Generally speaking, body butter is ideal for dry or rough skin. The ingredients work to replenish the skin’s natural oils and protect them from stressors that increase irritation or dryness. Below, we’ll detail two ingredients that make this body butter highly nourishing for the skin.

Shea Butter

Shea butter comes from the kernels of shea trees, which are native to sub-Saharan Africa. To this day, most shea butter still comes from this region. Shea butter helps promote hydration because it contains several types of fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. These work to improve the skin barrier and protect the skin from damaging environmental pollutants. Shea butter also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for nourishing inflamed or upset skin. Additionally, shea butter is thought to offer mild protection from the sun, although it is not a replacement for standard sunscreen. 

Coconut Oil

Promoted for its ability to moisturize dry skin, coconut oil offers many compounds that help improve overall skin health. It exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties when applied topically. Studies have shown that it may help relieve symptoms of atopic dermatitis or eczema, which can cause itchy rash. The anti-inflammatory properties work to improve skin barrier function and prevent moisture loss. And while coconut oil may not be able to remove stretch marks, it is possible that topical application may help reduce their appearance. More research is necessary on that topic, though. 

Whipped Gingerbread Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw shea butter
• 1/2 cup coconut oil 
• 1/4 tsp  gingerbread spice
• 4 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 2 drops clove essential oil
• 2 drops vanilla essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter and coconut oil to a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup. Melt the two ingredients in the microwave for one minute. 
• Remove and stir well. If the shea butter and coconut oil are not fully melted, heat in the microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Remove and stir well again to combine.
• Transfer the melted mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. 
• Remove from the refrigerator and use the stand mixer to whip the mixture on high for five minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides every minute and continue blending until you have a light, fluffy cream. 
• Add the gingerbread spice and essential oils and mix on low to incorporate. Spoon the mixture into a jar, cover, and store in the fridge. Use as needed.

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Making your own lotion seems like a daunting task, but it’s a lot easier than you think. It also requires a lot less ingredients than what you see on the ingredient lists for store bought lotions. Some DIY enthusiasts prefer lotion bars, body butters, or other similar creations, but this one is just as effective and useful. It uses unrefined coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and shea butter to help nourish the skin.

Most store bought lotions contain emulsifying wax to blend the carrier oils with distilled water. This can be a little difficult to do at home and it requires preservatives to keep from going bad. The DIY lotion in this article skips that step entirely by eliminating the water. What you are left with is a combination of nourishing ingredients that easily penetrate the skin. You can extend the shelf life by using vitamin E oil, as it is an antioxidant that helps other oils not go rancid as quickly. 

The recipe is a water-free, incredibly moisturizing lotion that will last for years without preservatives. This one is oil-based, so it feels more like a body butter. That makes it great for anyone with dry skin. Read on to learn more about it. 

Choosing A Carrier Oil

Sweet almond oil is an excellent, middle-of-the-road carrier oil because it is suitable for every skin type. It isn’t as heavy as coconut oil and more moisturizing than grapeseed oil. You can replace it with another carrier oil of your choosing, should you be allergic or averse to using sweet almond oil. Jojoba oil, avocado oil, or olive oil are excellent options. 

Because this DIY lotion is oil-based (not water based), you don’t need to use as much. Because there is no water in this recipe, it tends to have a longer shelf life than other homemade lotion recipes. The ingredients are shelf-stable and there is no water to dilute them. 

Essential Oil Safety

How many drops of essential oil should you add to your homemade lotion? That entirely depends on the essential oil and your preference. If you add the optional shea butter, 45 drops of essential oil will be a 1% dilution. Generally speaking, a 2% dilution is considered safe for skin care products like lotion. If you prefer a stronger scent, you can double the amount to yield a 2% dilution. If you want a lighter scent and have more sensitive skin, cut the amount in half. You can even use less than that! You can omit essential oils if you plan to use this on little ones, especially babies. 

Certain essential oils are harsher, so you can use smaller amounts. Wintergreen, cinnamon, and lemongrass essential oils are a bit harsh, while grapefruit and lime essential oils are phototoxic. If you don’t want to worry about anything, these are skin-friendly essential oils to use:

• Sweet orange essential oil
• Geranium essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Frankincense essential oil 
• Tea tree oil
• Patchouli essential oil

DIY Lotion

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 2 tablespoons shea butter (optional)
• 45 drops essential oils of choice (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Add the sweet almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and optional shea butter to the top of a double boiler. Alternatively, place a heat-safe glass bowl on top of a saucepan with simmering water over medium-low heat.
• Stir the ingredients occasionally until completely melted. Remove from heat and add the essential oils, vanilla extract, and vitamin E oil, if using. Stir to combine. 
• Pour the mixture into a glass jar or tin for storage and allow it to cool at room temperature. Small mason jars are great for this. Store in a cool, dark place for one to two years. 
• A little goes a long way, so don’t go crazy when you apply this to the skin.

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Nobody wants to look in the mirror and see saggy skin. It is a reminder that the days of your youth are long gone and that old age awaits. Or, you don’t have to look at it that way! Are you a glass-half-full person, or what? You can figure out the cause of your sagging skin and take the necessary steps to fight the effects of aging and keep the skin looking as healthy as possible.

If you want to take an integrative approach to skin longevity, you have to determine why your skin is sagging. Don’t jump to a conclusion because you don’t want to treat the wrong issue. Knowing exactly why you have dark spots, redness, or even aging or sagging skin can help you establish a treatment plan. Photoshop and botox injections are not the answers! Your skin can look healthy if you do the work to understand why it doesn’t look the way you want. Below are three of the most common causes of sagging skin and what you can do to support it. 

Lifestyle Factors

If you are an SPF addict and you don’t spend lots of hours in the sun, you may want to look at your lifestyle habits. How is your sleep? Do you have high stress levels? A lot of research indicates a clear connection between the health of your skin and your stress levels or sleep health. Due to melatonin, your skin enters repair mode when you sleep. Melatonin plays an integral role in skin repair from UV light, stressors, pollution, and environmental exposure. If you don’t rest, your skin can suffer because the body isn’t producing enough melatonin for the skin to repair itself. 

Next, you have stress. According to research, the skin acts as a stress perceiver and is a target for the body’s stress response. Psychological stress tells the brain and the skin to release hormones that trigger inflammation. Those hormones impair wound healing, accelerate aging, and worsen skin conditions. 

The mind and body, including the skin, will be grateful if you add stress-relieving practices to your daily routine. Yoga, meditation, tai chi, journaling, exercise, or dancing all count. Whatever works to relieve stress, so long as it isn’t harmful to your health, is beneficial. Consider meeting with a therapist or psychologist if you need to talk with someone. Tending to your mental health can, whether you believe it or not, improve your complexion. 

UV Exposure

Collagen and elastin are the skin’s structural proteins that keep it taught and firm. If anything gets in the way of those two proteins, your skin will most likely sag. If you like to sunbathe, you expose yourself to a lot of UV rays, which can penetrate the epidermis and damage skin cells, proteins, and elastic fibers that maintain firmness. In fact, one study found that 80% of signs of visible skin aging (wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines) are attributed to sun damage. Even if sagging skin isn’t your main concern as you age, UV exposure is to blame for the majority of aging skin that you see. 

You cannot magically undo years of UV skin damage, but you can start taking better care of your skin when you want to venture into the sun. Dermatologists agree that you should wear sunscreen every single day, especially if you are going to be outside. If you plan to spend time in the sun, make sure to reapply every two hours. Additionally, consider using a cleanser, retinol, and moisturizer to remove dead skin and encourage cell turnover.

Age-Related Skin Sagging

You can’t turn back the hands of time. Even if you live a clean lifestyle, sleep great, nourish your skin, reduce stress or use the most expensive skin care products and treatments, your skin will still develop fine lines and wrinkles. Sagging is just a normal part of aging. It’s never a bad idea to spend more time caring for your skin. After all, it is the largest organ in the body. Just understand that sagging is natural and will happen over time. For example, collagen production starts to decline in your mid-20s, and you lose about 1% each year. Women in menopause experience a significant drop close to 30%! 

Sometimes, you just have to face the facts: you cannot fight life’s clock, nor should you feel like you have to. You can, however, cleanse the skin, use a toner, apply moisturizer, use eye creams, lather up in body butters, and protect it when out in the sun. You can also eat to improve skin health (click here for more info on that) and take supplements to encourage healthier skin. Just make sure to look for high quality products if you want to use supplements.

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The great thing about homemade body butter is that you can select ingredients and formulations that cater to your skin’s needs. Not only can you experiment with texture, but you can also tweak the moisture content. Although some people enjoy having body butters that are specific to different times of the year, there is something special about having a body butter you can use no matter the season. 

This mango body butter contains four ingredients: mango butter, avocado oil, vitamin E oil, and arrowroot powder. The first three ingredients work nourish the skin, while arrowroot powder enables the body butter to have a more appealing, lightweight texture. Additionally, arrowroot powder helps you avoid a greasy finish to the skin after application. You just have to mix in the arrowroot powder after you melt, mix, and then chill the butters and oils that you’re using. It will truly give your body butter a luxurious texture. 

Mango Butter

Although scientific studies on mango butter are minimal, mango butter may be an under-the-radar anti-aging ingredient. Researchers have pointed out the many potential skin-nourishing benefits of mango butter, especially in regards to anti-aging, because of the compounds it contains. A high percentage of tocopherols (vitamin E) may help environmental stressors like visible light, UV rays, and pollution. Because it has a butter-like texture, mango butter is a powerful emollient for dry skin. Dermatologists agree that it forms a naturally occlusive barrier on the skin that not only protects it, but also hydrates it. Additionally, mango butter may support collagen health because of the large amount of vitamin C. 

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E, in addition to a few other minerals like potassium. These nutrients work to moisturize the skin, specifically the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. The antioxidants in avocado oil may help alleviate dry or irritated skin. Although it is not an eczema or psoriasis remedy, people with those skin conditions may help relieve symptoms via topical application of avocado oil. Lastly, some studies found that consuming avocado oil may help the skin retain its elasticity. More research is necessary, but initial research is promising. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is known for two key features: antioxidant properties and moisturizing properties. As a common ingredient in many moisturizers, vitamin E oil may help prevent dry, flaking skin. A 2013 animal study found that, when given vitamin E supplements, mice were less likely to develop skin cancer, even when exposed to lots of UV light. Studies on humans, however, have not found any skin cancer prevention associated with vitamin E use. For those who experience dry or itchy skin from eczema, vitamin E oil may help provide relief. One study found that topical vitamin E use was able to reduce psoriasis symptoms. 

DIY Mango Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 5.6 ounces mango butter
• 2.2 ounces avocado oil
• 0.1 ounce vitamin E oil
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder

Instructions:

• Melt the mango butter in a double boiler over medium-low heat. You can melt it in the microwave, but you have better control with the double boiler method. 
• Once melted, remove the double boiler from the heat and stir in the avocado oil and vitamin E oil. Mix well, pour into a heat-safe bowl, and then place in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. 
• Remove the bowl from the fridge and then whip the mixture using a hand mixer. Whip for about five to seven minutes, or until light and fluffy. 
• Transfer the body butter to your favorite container and then keep it in a cool place, using as needed.

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When you start using homemade skin care products, you may notice that a little goes a long way. The skin can easily absorb natural ingredients, and if they are like the ingredients in this body butter, they help seal in moisture. With no chemicals, no additives, and being incredibly cost-effective in the long-run, making your own beauty products is a no-brainer! Don’t believe us? Let this homemade citrus body butter convince you!

Why Should You Use A Body Butter?

Body butters are basically dense emollients that consist of plant-based oils and fat extracts. These ingredients contain skin-fortifying ingredients that protect dermal tissues and moisten dry areas of the skin. Using a body butter can help create a defensive barrier over the skin that helps lock in moisture. The ingredients tend to penetrate deep layers of the tissues that supply hydration. Plus, regular use of body butter may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve major skin issues like eczema or psoriasis. For a closer look at the ingredients in the body butter in this article, continue reading. 

Cocoa Butter

According to dermatologists, cocoa butter is a naturally-occurring moisturizer for dry skin. It exhibits impressive antioxidant activity that may help fight off free radical damage on the skin. Protecting your skin from free radicals helps reduce the risk of fine lines, dark patches, and dull-looking skin. Because cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, it helps hydrate the skin, penetrating deep dermal layers. It contains oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, all of which nourish the skin. 

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural humectant that contains protective wax esters that draw moisture into the skin, and keep that moisture there. Providing gentle exfoliation, beeswax works to keep the skin soft and smooth. Similar to honey, beeswax exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient for people with dry skin. In fact, beeswax has an ability to soothe the skin and promote healing for skin conditions like eczema. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Some people use sweet almond oil to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and wrinkles. Although people use sweet almond oil in this way, there are not many studies that support those benefits, so more research is necessary. Sweet almond oil contains beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that work to nourish the skin. Studies show that using sweet almond oil may soothe and hydrate the skin, making it beneficial for people with dry skin. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in skin care products because it contains beneficial fats that nourish the skin. These fats work to enhance skin barrier function, helping to protect the skin from harmful pathogens. The essential amino acids in coconut oil also help to strengthen the skin, in addition to moistening it and keeping it as healthy as possible. Studies have shown that coconut oil has the ability to boost the level of antioxidants and collagen in the body, both of which play an integral role in the regeneration of skin cells. 

Citrus Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons beeswax
• 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest

Instructions:

• In a double boiler, add the beeswax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and then stir in the sweet almond oil and the orange and grapefruit zest.
• Pour the mixture into two separate jars and allow it to solidify at room temperature. If you prefer a whipped body butter, allow it to solidify in a mixing bowl and then whip with an electric hand mixer until fluffy. At that point, you can spoon into jars. 
• Whichever preparation method you choose, make sure to store in the fridge (if your place is hot), or store in a cool, dark place. Use when ready.

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It’s no secret people have changed quite a bit over the years. The demand for higher-quality products with little to no harmful ingredients is greater than ever. There has been a shift to more natural cleaning products, hygiene products, skin care products, and more in recent years. Given what people know about the harmful ingredients in certain products, more and more people continue to opt for non-toxic products. 

Did you know that you can easily make non-toxic renditions of products that you buy in stores or online? Not only is making your own products more cost-effective, but it is also more sustainable and you are in complete control. That means that there are no surprise ingredients that may cause adverse side effects. There are no fragrances or “natural flavors” that hide ingredients that can damage lung function or disrupt the endocrine system. 

We don’t mean to scare you out of the store because it can be quite labor-intensive to make every single product you use. That said, there are certain things that are just as effective as the products you purchase in stores, not to mention a whole lot safer, too. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite DIY recipes. We’ve got everything from cleaning products to hygiene products, and we think that your body and health will appreciate them. If you make some of the products, leave a comment to let us know how you liked them. 

Cleaning Products

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

Having an all-natural, all-purpose cleaner that’s free of vinegar is quite rare in the DIY cleaning space. Feel free to use this spray almost anywhere in the house because it is essential for cleaning.

Click here to make the cleaner.

Bathroom Disinfectant Spray

Kill those germs in the bathroom without using harmful chemical cleaners. This DIY bathroom disinfectant is eco-friendly, efficient, and doesn’t make your lungs hurt if you inhale the aroma!

Click here to make the spray.

DIY Bathroom Spray To Get Rid Of Odors

Nobody wants to leave the bathroom like a smelly wasteland. Make this DIY bathroom spray with simple ingredients that help eliminate odors.

Click here to make the spray.

All-Natural Glass Cleaner Spray

Don’t you wish you could clean windows and mirrors without spraying toxins all over the home? That’s exactly what this DIY glass cleaner is for. You don’t need chemicals to make those windows streak-free.

Click here to make the glass cleaner spray.

Orange-Scented Grease Cleaner

Cut through the toughest grease and clean up the grimiest messes in your kitchen with this DIY all-natural, orange-scented grease cleaner.

Click here to make the grease cleaner.

Beauty/Hygiene Products

DIY Lavender Sage Deodorant

Reduce sweating and help establish healthier bacteria under your pits with this DIY deodorant that is very refreshing and fragrant. You’ll smell great without the need for a bunch of aluminum or chemicals.

Click here to make the deodorant.

DIY Olive Oil Moisturizer

Four ingredients yield an incredible olive oil-based moisturizer that is a wonderful, natural alternative to store

Click here to make the moisturizer.

Lemon Vanilla Body Butter

Silky smooth skin is just a few ingredients away! Whip up a batch of this lemon vanilla body butter and keep your skin soft all day long.

Click here to make the body butter.

Homemade Rosemary Mint Shampoo

Nourish the hair and scalp with ingredients that contain compounds that may promote hair growth, increase thickness, and reduce inflammation.

Click here to make the shampoo.

Shaving Butter For Smooth Skin

Shave with ease and moisturize the skin at the same time when you lather up with this all-natural homemade shaving butter. It’s very safe and there’s room for customization.

Click here to make the shaving butter.

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In skin care products, there are two types of ingredients: the high-tech, lab-made molecules, and natural ingredients from plants. Honey falls under the latter category and it’s been used for both medicinal and beauty applications for thousands of years. Ancient Sumerian tablets indicate that humans used honey in cosmetics as early as 2100 BC. It’s fair to say, then, that honey is one of the oldest natural skin care ingredients. 

What Is Manuka Honey?

There are many types of honey, with one of the most prized varieties being Manuka honey. This semi-opaque, creamy honey is made from the nectar of the Manuka plant. Native to New Zealand and Australia, the Manuka bush blooms small whitish pink flowers. Most honey that you purchase is made from a variety of different flower nectars, but Manuka honey is exclusively crafted from Manuka flowers. Because of that distinction, Manuka honey has a rich golden hue and high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In fact, various studies confirm that Manuka honey has a higher pH and sugar content than other honeys, and researchers believe that those attributes enhance the antibacterial activity. 

The Antibacterial Properties

In the late 1800s, researchers discovered that honey contains glucose oxidase, an enzyme that converts sugar into a mild, bleach-like antiseptic you probably have at home: hydrogen peroxide. What makes Manuka honey so valuable is that in addition to hydrogen peroxide, it contains methylglyoxal. This compound is an even stronger antibacterial agent than hydrogen peroxide. Some studies suggest that it may fight against strong bacteria like Staphylococcus or E.coli. What does that mean for your skin? The antibacterial activity in Manuka honey may help combat blemishes, infections, and even impetigo. 

Keeps Skin Hydrated And Soft

Honey is probably not the first ingredient you think of in regards to moisturizing the skin. Manuka honey may be very effective at battling dry, cracked skin because it exhibits emollient and humectant properties. Emollients fill the spaces between the cracks to promote softer skin, whereas humectants draw moisture from the air into the skin to boost hydration. Manuka honey is also useful for fighting flaky skin and general irritation, both of which are symptoms of dry or dehydrated skin. 

May Reduce Signs Of Aging

Manuka honey exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which work to fight bacteria and promote healing. Additionally, Manuka honey provides optimal moisture, which is vital if you want to reduce signs of aging. Dry and cracked skin is more prone to wrinkles, discoloration, age spots, and fine lines. The antioxidants in Manuka honey also promote healing and may even enhance collagen production, which keeps the skin looking younger. Plus, the bleach-like qualities from the hydrogen peroxide in Manuka honey may help clear up skin discolorations. 

Manuka Honey Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup each: coconut butter, coconut oil, and shea butter
• 1 tablespoon Manuka honey

Instructions:

• Put the coconut butter, coconut oil, and shea butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Keep on the heat until fully melted. 
• Remove from the heat and pour the mixture into a heat-safe bowl. Allow the mixture to sit until it is opaque. You can accelerate this process by putting the mixture in the fridge for about 30 minutes. 
• Once the mixture is ready, use a hand mixer to whip it up. Add the Manuka honey and continue whipping with the hand mixer until light and fluffy. 
• Transfer the body butter to a glass container and store in the fridge until ready to use.

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Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause itchiness, dry skin, blisters, scaly patches, rashes, and skin infections. Itchy skin is the most common symptom of the condition, which affects more than 31 million Americans. Within that statistic, people experience different forms of eczema, including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. 

Many people with eczema use the word “flare-up” to describe one or more acute symptoms from prolonged itchiness. If flare-ups reach a certain point, antihistamines, corticosteroids, or topical steroid creams are the usual treatment options that healthcare providers recommend. Some people don’t want to resort to these medications and prefer to experiment with natural solutions to manage the condition. While the ingredients in this body butter do not cure the condition, they may calm flare-ups and reduce itchiness on eczema-prone skin. You can learn more about some of the ingredients below. 

Coconut Oil

Working to soften dry, brittle skin (a common symptom of eczema), coconut oil helps prevent skin breakups that invite microbes into cracks. As most of you know, coconut oil is a great moisturizer because the skin can easily absorb it. One randomized, double-blind study from 2014 found that virgin coconut oil had a greater effect than mineral oil in 117 patients with mild eczema symptoms. Compared to extra virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil was able to better moisturize dry skin and remove the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in 126 eczema patients. 

Shea Butter

Another wonderful moisturizing ingredient, shea butter is rich in beneficial fatty acids that rejuvenate the skin. In fact, the fatty acids in shea butter work to accelerate the renewal of skin cells, in addition to supporting circulation. Shea butter contains a few derivatives of cinnamic acid, which exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. The vitamin E in shea butter benefits the skin by promoting softness and providing relief from dryness. One research study found that 74% of patients with eczema reported a significant relief from symptoms after using a cream containing shea butter. Researchers believe that shea butter’s ability to prevent trans-epidermal water loss was a primary reason for this relief. 

Calendula Oil

If you have eczema, including calendula oil in your skin care routine is a great idea. It is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that work to reduce both itchiness and swelling in affected areas. Researchers note that calendula oil can help disinfect wounds, minor cuts, and mild skin irritations, primarily due to the inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Calendula oil also works to stimulate the production of collagen, which can assist with the healing process. In fact, one study monitored eczema patients who used topical applications containing calendula. Many participants reported that it soothed irritation, itching, and helped improve the healing process. 

Castor Oil

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which works to draw dirt, dead skin cells, and microbes from the skin. It also helps stimulate lymphatic flow and encourage the growth of healthy tissues. By promoting optimal circulation, castor oil works to remove cellular toxins, which in turn reduces inflammation in the body. According to researchers, castor oil is very effective at hydrating and moisturizing the skin. In fact, it may relieve pain and treat infection, making it an ideal ingredient for eczema patients. Lastly, the antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties in castor oil have been thoroughly documented.

Anti-Itch Whipped Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons raw, unrefined shea butter
• 5 tablespoons virgin, unrefined coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon castor oil
• 1 tablespoon calendula oil
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 7 drops tea tree oil (therapeutic grade)

Instructions:

• In the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat, add the shea butter, coconut oil, and castor oil. Stir occasionally until everything is thoroughly melted. 
• Remove from heat and pour the melted mixture into a heat-safe glass bowl and allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for an hour. You can place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill it for 20 minutes, or until it starts to solidify.
• Using an electric hand mixer, whip the partially solidified mixture for a few minutes. Add the calendula oil, vitamin E oil, and lavender and tea tree essential oils and whip for another several minutes, or until the mixture is nice and fluffy. 
• Spoon the body butter into an airtight glass jar and store in a cool, dark place. It will keep fresh for one to two months, or longer if you store it in the fridge. Just keep it away from direct sunlight.

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This colloidal oatmeal body butter may be the best skin-softening and moisturizing butter to date! It is rich in three different butters: shea butter, mango butter, and hokum butter. Despite being rich in these natural butters, this body butter applies easily to the skin without feeling heavy. Plus, the subtle amount of lavender essential oil gives this body butter a relaxing scent and extra skin-soothing properties. 

What Is A Body Butter?

A homemade body butter is a nutrient-dense cream that consists of natural oils and butters that nourish and protect the skin. It is not a lotion; rather, a body butter gives your skin a dewy glow and non-greasy finish. At room temperature, a body butter should be semi-solid, compared to a lotion that is almost always thicker. Lotions typically contain artificial scents and other chemicals, whereas a homemade body butter contains natural, unrefined ingredients. For more information about some of the key ingredients in this body butter, continue reading. 

Kokum Butter

Derived from the seeds of the kokum tree, kokum butter has a gray or pale yellow tint and is very rich in stearic acid, a type of saturated fat. This fat’s chemical structure allows kokum butter to remain solid at room temperature. Kokum butter can be used to improve the moisture content of almost every part of the body, including the feet, lips, skin, scalp, and hair. It is quite light and it is a powerful emollient and moisturizing agent. One study found that kokum butter was able to significantly improve symptoms of cracked heels after applying it twice daily for 15 consecutive days. More research is necessary on this butter, but initial research is very promising, and researchers are interested in the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Mango Butter

Mango butter is slightly less popular than cocoa and shea butters, but it comes with a wide range of health benefits. It exhibits a subtle scent and, just like kokum butter, is very lightweight and slickly smooth. Mango butter is an excellent source of vitamin A, an antioxidant that stimulates the skin’s natural renewal process. Vitamin A encourages the skin to produce new, healthy skin cells. Mango butter is highly moisturizing as well, improving the overall texture and elasticity of the skin. Do you suffer from dry, itchy, or inflamed skin? Mango butter may provide the necessary nourishment that your skin needs to ease inflammatory skin conditions. 

Colloidal Oatmeal

For centuries, colloidal oatmeal has been a natural remedy for dry, irritated skin. It is made by grinding oat grain into a fine powder. Considered an emollient, colloidal oatmeal is a substance that softens the skin because it contains fats, minerals, and other skin-nourishing nutrients. Studies confirm that colloidal oatmeal boasts impressive antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that fight oxidative stress on the skin. One study found that colloidal oatmeal has a unique chemical structure that reduces cytokines, proteins that cause inflammation, on the skin. People with eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions can help manage symptoms, including flare-ups, with colloidal oatmeal. Similarly, colloidal oatmeal can soothe general dryness or irritation. 

DIY Colloidal Oatmeal Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces shea butter
• 0.5 ounces kokum butter
• 0.4 ounces mango butter
• 1.5 ounces sweet almond oil
• 0.1 ounce vitamin E oil
• 1.5 tablespoons colloidal oatmeal
• 4 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter, kokum butter, and mango butter to a microwave-safe container and melt these butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals. It should take about a minute and a half to fully melt the butters. 
• Pour the melted butter mixture into a mixing bowl and add the sweet almond oil and vitamin E oil. Use a spatula to mix up the ingredients, cover the bowl, and then place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes to an hour. 
• Remove from the fridge and add the colloidal oatmeal and lavender essential oil. Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture until it is light and fluffy. 
• Spoon the whipped butter into several glass jars and store them in a cool, dark place. You should be able to fill two four-ounce jars or one eight-ounce jar.

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