When the weather is cold and the air is dry, it is very common to experience dry, itchy skin. This is especially true if you run the heater in your house during the winter. Staying warm is essential, but transitioning from the cold, dry air outside to the warm, dry air inside contributes to itching and dryness. That’s why moisturizers are necessary, but using the right one will change how you feel in your own skin. 

If you regularly moisturize, you probably know that you use more during the winter. Besides the outdoor and indoor air, the heavier clothing you wear in the winter can cause significant chafing. Maybe you reapply your moisturizer, only to feel dry again in an hour. Fortunately, there is a remedy in the form of the DIY body oil recipe in this article. Using a body oil in place of your typical lotion or moisturizer will help soothe dry or itchy skin and make your skin feel silky smooth. How does this DIY body oil do that? The ingredients nourish your skin and help it retain water, and you can learn more about how they do that below. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil differs from extra virgin coconut oil in that it goes through a process that makes it remain liquid at room temperature. Extra virgin coconut oil is usually solid at room temperature, unless it is in a warm environment. Fractionated coconut oil is made by separating different types of fats in regular coconut oil, and two medium-chain fatty acids remain. It is one of the most versatile carrier oils available and absorbs quickly into the skin. It helps to seal moisture into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil exhibits numerous health benefits for the hair and skin. It is especially beneficial for people with dry skin, itchy skin, eczema, or psoriasis. Derived from vitamin E, vitamin E oil can be applied directly to the skin or added to lotions, creams, or gels. It exhibits antioxidant properties that may fight inflammation and other properties that enhance moisture. Vitamin E oil is a common additive to moisturizers because it helps prevent dry, flaky skin. Some studies suggest that vitamin E oil provides temporary relief from itching caused by dry skin. Additionally, one study suggests that topical application of vitamin E oil may improve psoriasis symptoms. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Dry skin can overproduce sebum, the skin’s natural oil, to compensate for the dryness. That can lead to clogged pores and blemishes. Lavender essential oil exhibits antibacterial properties that can help kill acne-causing bacteria that may inhabit your pores. It also works to moisturize the skin and is non-comedogenic for pores. It is also an anti-inflammatory superstar, working to soothe irritated or reddened skin from the sun. 

Tea Tree Oil

Dry skin is no laughing matter and it can increase the risk of cracking, flaking, or even bleeding if you scratch too much. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe dry skin. The best way to enhance moisture with tea tree oil is to mix it with a carrier oil and then apply it to the skin. Tea tree oil is very potent, so don’t apply it directly to the skin, as that may cause further irritation. 

DIY Body Oil With Lavender

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fractionated coconut oil
• 40 drops tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 8-ounce jar with lid

Instructions:

• Pour the fractionated coconut oil into a mixing cup and then add the tea tree oil and vitamin E oil. 
• Finally, drop in the lavender essential oil and stir well to combine the oils. Pour this mixture into a clean eight-ounce jar and screw on the lid. 
• If you have a little left over, treat your skin well right away!
• This is a wonderful body oil to use right after you shower. Make sure to shake up the oil before you massage it gently into the skin while your skin is still moist.

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Beauty is very personal and different products resonate with each person in a different way. There is no definitive “best” routine, solution, cream, or serum for the skin; rather, the best skin care products are the ones that work best for your skin. That said, there are certain ingredients in various products that stand out more than others. In fact, it is universally understood that certain body oils are great for most skin types. The best part? They are unscented and have high concentrations of essential fatty acids. 

A Little Info About The Skin

The skin has two main layers, the epidermis and the dermis. Both of these primary layers are comprised of specialized cell types that contribute to the uniqueness of each layer. The epidermis consists of keratinocytes in varying states of differentiation. They help to prevent water loss and the invasion of toxins and microbes, serving to enhance skin barrier function. The dermis, which mostly consists of collagen and elastin, helps to provide physical and nutritional support to the epidermis.

What Are Essential Fatty Acids?

Essential fatty acids, like other essential nutrients, are types of fatty acids that the body cannot create on its own. This is because the body lacks the necessary enzymes to manufacture these ingredients from alternative food sources. That’s why you have to supply them via a steady, dietary stream. There are two families of essential fatty acids: omega 3 fatty acids, and omega 6 fatty acids, both of which are polyunsaturated fatty acids. You can obtain these essential fatty acids by eating different foods, or you can apply oils that contain them topically on the skin.

The Role Of Essential Fatty Acids In The Skin

When you supply the body with adequate amounts of essential fatty acids, it can perform optimally in several ways. As mentioned earlier, the epidermis (the skin’s top layers) form a barrier that locks in hydration and keeps irritants, allergens, and bacteria out. Essential fatty acids maintain the stratum corneum permeability barrier, serving as building blocks for the synthesis of complex lipids. These fatty acids are essentially part of the seal that sits in the cracks between cells in the epidermis, according to dermatologists. In simpler terms, fatty acids are like grout that sits between bathroom tiles. They maintain the integrity of the outer skin layer, helping the skin barrier do its job. 

Although you can find essential fatty acids in various skin care products, they work particularly best in oils. The reason for this is because they complement an oil’s intended purpose, which is to create a protective seal on the skin. Face and body oils are always the last step in a skin care routine for a reason, and it is because they are occlusive. Products with occlusive properties work to lock in moisture and nutrients into the skin. 

How To Find A Body Oil That’s Rich In Fatty Acids

Some brands infuse fatty acids directly into the formula, while other plant oils are naturally rich in them. If you purchase face or body oils, check to see if they have oleic acid, linoleic acid, or linolenic acid on the ingredient list. If you opt for plant oils, consider the following:

• Prickly pear seed oil: This oil is naturally rich in antioxidants and contains three major fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, and linolenic). Prickly pear seed oil also contains polyphenols that help the skin fight off free radicals. 
• Grape seed oil: Having a good blend of linoleic, linolenic, and oleic fatty acids, grape seed oil is traditionally made by pressing grape seeds that are collected after grapes have been turned into wine. It also works to feed the skin nourishing vitamins and antioxidants, helping to moisturize and condition the skin. 
• Sunflower seed oil: This oil primarily contains oleic and linoleic fatty acids, but it does exhibit an impressive vitamin E content. Because sunflower seed oil is a light oil that dries down quickly, it is ideal for the body. Beauty experts refer to it as a dry oil for this reason.
• Safflower seed oil: Most of safflower seed oil is of about 70% linoleic acid, with the remaining amount being linolenic, oleic, and other fatty acids. Most beauty experts agree that safflower oil is very well-rounded and noncomedogenic. 
• Rosehip seed oil: This oil is mostly used for facial skin and has a great balance of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. In fact, it is an excellent source of these fatty acids!

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Facial Astringent Spray – Facial spray that helps to restore the natural pH in the skin and remove oily residue.

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Healing facial and body oil that helps to soothe and heal the skin and treat chronic skin conditions.

• Natural botanical oils with nourishing and rejuvenating properties
• Helps to soothe your dry skin
• Works to maintain healthy looking skin
• Supports regeneration of skin cells and elasticity

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Essential oils are regularly used improperly by people who have little to no experience with them. Due to their potency, it is paramount to combine essential oils with carrier oils for topical application. Failure to do so can result in irritation or adverse reactions to the essential oils. Since more people are transitioning to use natural beauty products or DIY beauty products, it is beneficial to know what carrier oils are and how to use them with essential oils.

What Is A Carrier Oil?

Carrier oils, also known as base oils, are typically mixed with essential oils in a dilution of 0.5 to 5% for the average adult. A carrier oil’s job is to dilute the essential oils and assist with carrying them into the skin, hence the name. Carrier oils are commonly plant-based and extracted from nuts or seeds to moisturize the skin. In fact, your skin yearns for healthy carrier oils because they do not contain fillers or chemicals, making it easier for your skin to absorb them to protect the lipid layer.

Choosing The Best Carrier Oil

The carrier oil you decide on will depend on your skin type, where you will be applying the oil, and whether or not you have allergies. In order to find the right carrier oil, you will have to patch test different oils to see how your skin reacts. If you want to use carrier oils on your face, it is wise to use a thinner oil like sunflower seed oil or grapeseed oil, especially if your skin is prone to acne. Using carrier oils on your hair or scalp will depend on dryness, dull, or damaged hair; argan oil or coconut oil may be beneficial in these situations. Carrier oils should also be kept in cool, dry places to keep them fresh. Consider the following carrier oils when you decide to use them on your skin.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is naturally rich in vitamin E and saponins, which help promote more youthful looking skin. Pressed from the nuts of argan trees, which are only found in Morocco, argan oil has been known to restore the skin’s hydro-lipid layer, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. People like argan oil because it doesn’t leave an oily residue on the skin.

Jojoba Oil

Commonly used in massage or DIY beauty products, jojoba oil contains natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. An interesting fact about jojoba oil is that while it looks and feels like an oil, it is actually liquid wax ester that is made from expeller-pressed jojoba seeds. Since jojoba oil is similar to sebum on the human skin, it is easily absorbed and lightweight, helping to efficiently carry ingredients into the skin.

Coconut Oil

This is probably the most famous carrier oil out there. Historically, people in the tropics have used coconut oil as a natural moisturizer, but it has recently been researched for its antimicrobial properties and lauric acid content, which is the primary fatty acid in coconut oil. It can be applied to the skin, hair, and lips, protecting the skin with a thin oily layer.

Avocado Oil

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E, avocado oil is a natural moisturizer that is beneficial for soothing inflamed skin. Avocado oil contains sterolins, which are anti-inflammatory, and these have been effective at reducing sun damage, age spots, and inflammatory conditions like eczema and blemishes.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

You should already have this in your kitchen, so go get some if you don’t. The oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid, has moisturizing properties and is great for people with drier skin. Because olive oil is a bit heavier than other carrier oils, it has a longer drying period. Since about two-thirds of olive oils that are tested in the United States are adulterated, it is integral to use a trusted olive oil source. Always strive to purchase cold-pressed, organic extra virgin olive oil.

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Pimples seem to want to rob you of feeling good about yourself. Just when you thought you were lowering your stress, a pimple shows up and the stress is back again. How can you go out in public? How many products are you going to have to use to cover up your pimples? Rather than using chemical products, which only harm your body, we are bringing you some all-natural, overnight tricks to get rid of pimples.

What Causes Acne?

While stress can irritate acne, it is not the thing that causes it. The common belief is that acne is a result of rising androgen levels. Androgen, a type of hormone, levels rise during adolescent years and ultimately cause the oil glands to grow under the skin, thusly producing more oil. The excess oil breaks down the walls in the pores, causing bacteria to grow. Certain studies also indicate that acne can be genetic. Anytime there is a drastic hormonal change, for example during pregnancy or adolescence, acne can sometimes be a result. Impurities in the blood stream can also lead to acne because the impurities come up through the pores.

Note: Before using any of the following essential oils, make sure to do a patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin. This is so you can avoid a possible negative reaction.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil works to decrease redness and swelling with the antimicrobial properties, which also help to clear up the skin. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil in 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Apply the mixture directly to the zit or pimple and let your skin absorb the mixture. Leave this on for a couple hours and then reapply.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemons have some amazing health properties. In fact, lemons help to regenerate skin cells. Additionally, lemon oil helps to fight free radical damage, which can lead to healthier skin. Before using lemon essential oil, wash your face and pat dry. Drop 3 drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and pat this on your skin. Apply this several times a day and once before going to bed.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense oil contains anti-inflammatory properties that work to kill bacteria on the skin. It also works to tone the skin and promote healthy skin cell regeneration. This is a good oil to get rid of a stubborn pimple. After washing your face and patting it dry, drop 2 drops of Frankincense oil on a cotton ball and apply this to the pimple, and the surrounding area, before bed.

Tea Tree Oil

This is a common acne treatment, especially for acne on the forehead, chin, and cheeks. Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial properties and tons of antioxidants, both of which help to get rid of acne. Mix 1-2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. Apply a drop or two of this mixture to the affected area every few hours to help get rid of acne.

Lavender Essential Oil

The antifungal and antibacterial properties work to get rid of acne and the antioxidants help to accelerate the healing process. You can use this oil on the face, back, legs, and arms. To use this, apply a single drop on the pimple or zit and leave it on and let it air-dry. You can reapply after a few hours.

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It is almost summertime and that means that people are about to have some fun in the sun. We encourage being outside, but we also encourage you to take care of your skin. Sunburns and summer go together like two peas in a pod. Don’t let a sunburn get you down; rather, accelerate the healing process with the natural sunburn relief gel in this post.

Sometimes the sun can take its toll on the body, despite preventative measures. After getting burned, the skin becomes hot, itchy, and quite sensitive. While many people reach for creams, gels, or lotions that contain aloe vera, we prefer going to straight to the source for the maximum benefits.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has long since been used to help remedy a variety of skin conditions. Primarily used for topical application, aloe vera works to reduce sunburn symptoms and promote healthier skin. The gel from the aloe plant is safe to apply to the skin, provided the person is not allergic to the plant. Homemade preparations can be made from 100% pure aloe gel, which is used in the recipe below.

Essential Oils

This recipe utilizes lavender and peppermint essential oils. Lavender essential oil is commonly used to aid the healing process of bug bites, stretch marks, itching, and more. When it comes to sunburns, lavender helps the skin heal faster than aloe vera does. Peppermint essential oil helps to cool the skin down, which stops the burning sensation.

Together, the aloe vera, lavender essential oil, and peppermint essential oil help to soothe the skin, moisturize, reduce the likelihood of peeling, and offer an instant cooling effect. If you use this after sun gel, let us know how you like it.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Put 3 tablespoons of pure aloe vera gel in a small glas jar.
• Add the lavender essential oil to the jar, followed by the peppermint essential oil.
• Stir the mixture until the oils are mixed in with the aloe. It should look a little cloudy.
• Seal the lid and store in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect. Apply to the sunburn every few hours, or whenever you experience pain.

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