Changing weather, washing dishes, gel manicures and excessive nail polish use can wreak havoc on your fingernails. You may experience dry, brittle, or weak nails that easily split. Fortunately, you do not have to live with these nail issues. Take matters into your own hands and use the homemade strengthening nail serum in this article to help repair nails. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this serum!

What Causes Nails To Become Weak?

The nails are made up of keratin, which is a protein that is also found in skin and hair. As you get older, the body starts to produce keratin at a slower rate, which can cause nails to appear dry, dull, or even brittle. As mentioned previously, though, a number of factors influence nail health. Extreme weather, excessive hand washing, or contact with chemicals can leave nails dry and vulnerable. 

Signs Of Damaged Nails

Although the signs may vary, you may want to take better care of your nails if you experience the following signs:

• Changes in nail thickness
• Peeling nails
• Nail discoloration (yellow nails, or nails with white or dark spots)
• Changes in nail shape (ridges or curled nails)

You can strengthen your nails with various natural remedies, such as moisturizing daily or ditching nail polish removers that contain acetone. The following ingredients in this strengthening nail serum help encourage healthier nails. 

Vitamin E Oil

Anyone with brittle, ridged, or yellow nails will find that vitamin E oil is highly beneficial. Vitamin E oil helps to hydrate and protect nails, fighting off bacteria and viruses. It also works to widen blood vessels, which means that it helps make your nails stronger and healthier with less ridges. Vitamin E oil also works to repair damage done by harsh nail polish removers. You can apply vitamin E oil to your nails and cuticle beds for maximum benefits. Plus, it helps to increase moisture to the nail bed and skin around the nails. 

Jojoba Oil

Regular application of jojoba oil can help boost the moisture content of your nail plates, making your nails less prone to flakiness. You may sometimes notice a whitish or yellowish accumulation under the nail if you have psoriasis. Jojoba oil may help thicken the nails, which works to restore your nails to a healthier state. If the keratin in your nail beds break down, you can experience splitting or breakage. Jojoba oil can help strengthen the nails, helping them become less brittle when they are exposed to harsh products or extreme conditions. 

Essential Oils

There are many essential oils that can help strengthen weak or brittle nails. Naturally, the serum in this article does not contain all of those essential oils, but it does contain lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils. Lemon essential oil hydrates and strengthens the nail, helping to improve their natural shine. Lavender essential oil is excellent for cuticle care and boosts the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Frankincense essential oil has anti-fungal properties that help fight fungi, which can slow nail growth, and also adds moisture to nail beds and cuticles. Finally, myrrh essential oil is one of the best oils for keeping nails healthy and strong. It works to protect your nail beds from becoming brittle and thin. 

DIY Strengthening Nail Serum

Ingredients:

• 1.25 teaspoons jojoba oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5 drops each: lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a 10-milliliter glass bottle with a rollerball top. Screw on the top and shake well to combine. 
• This is a 10% dilution of essential oils, which may be greater than you are used to, so feel free to reduce the amount of essential oil drops you use if you have more sensitive skin or nails. 
• Apply two to three times per week, shaking before each use.

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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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It’s very easy to spend lots of money on skin care products. That is especially true when products say that they can turn back the hands of time and make your skin look 20 years younger. These products state that your skin will glow like never before! Unfortunately, people get lured in by these buzzwords, use the products, and don’t experience the advertised benefits. 

What if we told you that you could save some money and make y4our own face serum that has anti-aging properties. When you make your own serum, you know exactly what goes into it. There are no problematic fragrances or added ingredients that detract from the primary ingredients. When you make your own serum, you have the freedom to customize ingredients based on your skin type. For example, if the carrier oil in this recipe doesn’t work for you, swap it out for one that does. The same can be said for the essential oils. 

As a quick note, customizing your blend is very doable, but we recommend that you keep the same ratios for a two-ounce bottle. You can increase the amount of essential oils by a few drops or so, but be mindful with your use of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation, so do a small patch test on your arm or something to ensure that you don’t have a negative reaction.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is primarily known for nourishing dry, dull skin, but it may benefit people with acne-prone skin as well. Dermatologists consider argan oil to be non-comedogenic, so it will not leave the skin feeling greasy. It is safe and beneficial for all skin types. The rich antioxidant content helps protect the skin from environmental damage. Argan oil contains vitamin E and polyphenols, which help soften the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

Argan oil contains fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Not only does that help soothe irritated skin, but it also works to reduce the appearance of blemishes. Another reason why argan oil is great for all skin types is because of the moisturizing properties. People with oily skin will find that it is lightweight, while those with dry skin will find that it makes skin feel soft, supple, and highly moisturized. 

Rosehip Oil

Is rosehip oil the universal skin savior? Some say it is, but we’ll let you be the judge of that. Rosehip oil contains a lot of omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids, all of which are necessary for skin repair and regeneration. Rosehip oil may help reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars and may work to brighten overall skin tone. Similar to argan oil, rosehip oil is beneficial for all skin types, even the most sensitive. 

If dryness is your concern, rosehip oil may do the trick! Various creams may provide hydration, but rosehip oil goes above and beyond by adding moisture and sealing it in too. The fatty acids in rosehip oil help the skin retain water for longer, which helps to keep it soft and supple. Finally, rosehip oil has been described as a gentle alternative to retinol. Rosehip oil contains a small amount of vitamin A, which gives it the regenerative properties. Working with the other antioxidants, rosehip oil may help reduce sagging skin and fine lines. 

DIY Face Serum

Ingredients:

• 2-ounce amber glass bottle with dropper
• 20 drops frankincense essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree oil
• 5 drops rose essential oil 
• Argan oil
• Rosehip oil

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to the glass bottle and fill the bottle two-thirds of the way with argan oil.
• Fill the rest of the bottle with rosehip oil, screw on the lid, and shake well to combine. 
• It is best to apply this serum at night before bed. Add a dime-size amount to your palms and gently apply all over your face, but be careful to avoid the eye area.

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A lot of people welcome the warm weather of spring, while others dread the pollen that also arrives. From one morning to the next, people wake up sneezing, develop runny noses, and have itchy eyes. To avoid these miserable allergy symptoms, many people reach for the allergy medication bottle. There is nothing wrong with allergy medication, but some people may prefer to experiment with natural remedies that don’t cause the same unwanted side effects that accompany certain medications. 

If the immune system reacts to something, which may not bother other people, that indicates an allergic reaction. The most common culprits of allergic reactions include:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Insect stings
• Food
• Medications
• Pet dander
• Mold spores

Although everyone many not experience the same allergy symptoms, the most common ones are:

• Sneezing
• Itching
• Rashes
• Swelling
• Asthma
• Runny nose
• Dry eyes

Natural Remedies For Allergies

The best natural remedy for allergies, well, is to avoid allergens at all costs, but this isn’t always possible. Allergens, especially pollen, are difficult to avoid during the spring. If your symptoms to certain allergens are relatively mild, you may be able to fight them off with natural remedies. Experiment with the following remedies to see if they help your spring allergies. 

Clear The Air

Dust, dander, and pollen particles can trigger allergy symptoms, and filtering indoor air may help eliminate them from your home. Your best bet is to look for a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter because it can remove 99.97% of problematic airborne particles. Putting a HEPA filter in your bedroom can make a huge difference, especially if you have allergy attacks at night or early morning. Air conditioning may also help because it removes moisture from indoor air, which eliminates mildew growth. 

Saline Nasal Rinse

According to a 2012 review of studies, saline nasal irrigation benefitted both children and adults with allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Flushing the sinuses out with a neti pot or squeeze bottle can help wash away pollen, or other allergens, that may cause allergy symptoms. Studies show that a good saline nasal rinse can provide relief from both allergy symptoms and symptoms of the common cold. 

Vitamins And Supplements

A healthy diet helps encourage optimal immune response, but some people require supplementation to meet daily nutritional requirements. That is where dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs, come into play. These supplements may help limit inflammation that accompanies allergic reactions. According to health experts, the following supplements may encourage better immune function:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Quercetin
• Stinging nettle (a natural antihistamine)
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Acupuncture

Are you surprised to see acupuncture on this list? Don’t be! Historically, the practice of ancient needling boosted immune function and combatted hay fever. Additionally, a fair amount of research indicates the efficacy of acupuncture for treating symptoms of allergies and sinus disorders. In fact, a 2015 review of studies concluded that acupuncture demonstrated positive results for people with seasonal allergies. 

Use Essential Oils

If you have sinus issues, adding essential oils to a diffuser may help you breathe better, or at least limit the intensity of allergy symptoms. Many people benefit from using eucalyptus oil because it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Others find frankincense essential oil to provide protection against some allergy symptoms. One study found that frankincense essential oil helped fight against perennial allergic rhinitis. A 1998 study found that inhaling the aroma of peppermint essential oil had enough anti-inflammatory effects to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.

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Are you a perfume junkie? Do you enjoy spritzing body sprays and walking through them to bask in their scent? There is nothing wrong with wanting to smell pleasant or amazing. After all, it is better to smell good than to smell like dirty socks. The problem is that all of these perfumes and body sprays contain synthetic fragrances. 

Synthetic fragrances are very common in perfumes or body sprays. Because of the U.S. Fair Packaging and Label Act, manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients in those fragrances. Most of these fragrances do not contain natural products. Pyridine, methyl eugenol, benzophenone, and styrene are a few of the toxic chemicals in perfumes and synthetic fragrances. According to research, these toxins have been known to disrupt endocrine function, cause fertility and reproductive issues, and increase neurological degeneration. 

Those are just some of the chemicals. There is no way of knowing the exact ingredients in store bought perfumes and body sprays. That is why homemade body sprays are much safer and better for your health and the environment. The spray in this article, for example, is toxin-free and filled with beneficial essential oils. Do you want to know the best part? DIY body sprays are very easy to make!

DIY Body Spray Ingredients

Free of synthetic chemicals, the DIY body spray only requires a handful of ingredients. It doesn’t call for a double boiler, long infusion process, or anything of that nature. The only thing we emphasize is that you use amber glass bottles. The reason to use amber glass instead of regular glass is because they prioritize the longevity of essential oils. Amber glass essentially shields the essential oils from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UV rays can cause essential oils to break down and lose potency over time. 

Distilled Water

Why should you use distilled water in place of tap water for your body spray? The minerals in tap water can clog your spray nozzle and leave residue on the surface. Since water is the base for this body spray, opt for distilled water. 

Essential Oils

These give your homemade body spray its lovely scent. You will need a few different essential oils to get the blend that you want. The recipe calls for 20-30 drops of essential oils. If you want a floral aroma, use 10 drops of bergamot essential oil, 10 drops of geranium essential oil, and five drops of ylang ylang essential oil. Prefer a citrus scent? Use 10 drops each of tangerine, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils. Finally, 10 drops of patchouli essential oil, five drops of frankincense essential oil, and five drops of cedarwood essential oil will give an earthy scent. 

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin aids the combination of essential oils and water. It is an optional ingredient, but it does help the scent last a lot longer. Just keep this in mind when you make the body spray. 

Witch Hazel

Similar to vegetable glycerin, witch hazel helps combine essential oils and water. If you want your scent to linger for a lot longer, this is a necessary ingredient. 

DIY Body Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon unscented witch hazel
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
• 10 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Pour the witch hazel, vegetable glycerin (optional), and the essential oils into the amber glass spray bottle. 
• Fill the rest of the spray bottle with distilled water, attach the nozzle, shake well, and spray when ready.

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Depending on where you live, snowfall is well underway. Perhaps you are living your best life in the sunshine with beautiful holiday decorations that replicate a wintery vibe. No matter where you live or how much you decorate, you can take your holidays to the next level with some diffuser blends. Diffusing essential oils that are specific to the holiday season can enhance the spirit of holiday gatherings and activities. Have the room smell like a fresh Christmas tree lot while wrapping presents, for example!

Essential oils that remind you of the holidays typically have woody, citrusy, spicy, and refreshing aromas. Using oils that give off these scents can blend synergistically to your environment, enriching your holiday experience. Additionally, you may find that they brighten your space, elevate your mood, and comfort your soul. Continue reading to learn about some amazing essential oil blends for the holidays. 

Safety First

Using essential oils for parties and entertaining is great, but there are a few safety rules to take note of prior to using them. Keep the following in mind, particularly when it comes to diffusing essential oils in public gatherings:

• Inhaling essential oils can be harmful for certain groups and animals. Some of these groups include babies (especially six months or younger), children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, pets, and people with allergies or hypertension. 
• If your guest list includes anyone from the previously mentioned groups, it’s better not to diffuse essential oils at your event. 
• If you are diffusing essential oils, make sure that they are 100% pure varieties. You don’t want to skimp on essential oils because they may contain artificial fragrances, which can harm your health. 
• If you use an electric diffuser, only run the diffuser for little increments of time. Consider diffusing an hour before people arrive and then plug it in again after a couple hours. That will keep the aroma subtle and not overpowering. 
• Don’t diffuse in the kitchen or around food, snacks, and drinks. 

Choosing The Right Essential Oils For The Holidays

Pairing essential oils to put in a diffuser is not specific to the holiday season. This is a year-round practice that you can do, but certain essential oils evoke a festive, merry atmosphere. Pine, cedarwood, spruce, fir, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg essential oils have different aromas reminiscent of different parts of the holiday season. Spruce and fir essential oils give off woody aromas, while clove and nutmeg essential oils give off aromas that smell like snickerdoodle or gingerbread cookies.

Citrus essential oils are also very popular to use during the holidays because citrus fruits are in season. Sweet orange and lemon essential oils offer a festive, bright balance to diffuser blends. You can also incorporate the cool, frosty scents of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils. Last, but most certainly not least, you have the two holiday classics: frankincense and myrrh essential oils. Learn how to use all of these in the following diffuser blends. 

Candy Cane Celebration

A scrumptious blend of winter wonderland is exactly what this blend is! Think of powdery snow and the smell of the classic holiday candy. 

Ingredients:

• 2 drops wintergreen essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil

Winter Spice Blend

Do the scents of these essential oils embody the holiday season? That’s up to you to decide! This blend enriches your space whether you put up decorations or not. It truly is the perfect blend for sipping cocoa with loved ones, decorating the tree with kids, or doing any holiday activity at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 drop ginger essential oil
• 1 drop silver fir essential oil
• 3 drops bergamot essential oil
• 1 drop cassia essential oil

Cleansing Holiday Blend

Highlighted by the sweetness of patchouli essential oil, this blend exhibits floral and woody notes. It has a light, pleasant, and cleansing aroma that refreshes your space during the holidays. 

Ingredients:

• 4 drops patchouli essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 drop cinnamon bark essential oil

Wiseman’s Blend

Get into the classic Christmas spirit with this warming blending of frankincense and myrrh essential oils. Consider adding two drops of sweet orange essential oil to this blend in order to add a bright citrusy note. 

Ingredients:

• 3 drops frankincense essential oil
• 3 drops myrrh essential oil

Spiced Cider Blend

A warm, apple-infused drink with the perfect amount of sugar and spice is perfect for the holiday season. If you love the aroma of spiced cider but don’t enjoy the flavor, this is the blend for you. It has the quintessential cider notes because it calls for ginger, sweet orange, and cinnamon essential oils.

Ingredients:

• 3 drops ginger essential oil
• 3 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 1 drop cinnamon essential oil

Gingerbread House Blend

Would the holidays be complete without a trademark gingerbread house? Instead of making a mess with gingerbread, icing, and candy, diffuse this blend of earthy aromas to indulge your senses.

Ingredients:

• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 1 drop clove essential oil
• 1 drop cardamom essential oil
• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil

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Cologne can be hit or miss. It is a very common gift for men, especially fathers who enjoy wearing cologne or aftershave. Due to personal preference and powerful or varying scents, picking the right cologne can be tricky. Not to mention, most commercial colognes contain synthetic fragrances, which can include carcinogens, respiratory irritants, environmental toxins, and more harmful substances. 

Making your own cologne with all-natural essential oils ensures a product that you can use safely and confidently. Don’t worry, because essential oil colognes will not make you smell awful, or like you just stepped out of a wild animal’s cave. In fact, the cologne recipes in this article may help you smell like freedom, the wild, and volcanos. Well, to each their own regarding the scents!

Some Cologne Notes

It is helpful to understand a few notes before you mix up your essential oil blends. You need to understand fragrance notes, which are divided into three classes: top, middle, and base. The top note is the first scent you notice after application, but it is also the quickest to fade. That leaves you with the next lasting scent, the middle class. Finally, the bass class is the scent that lasts the longest. A general formula is 10-15% for the top note, 25-30% for the middle note, and 55-65% for the base note. You can adjust the ratios any way you please, but that is simply a suggested starting place.

Nightlife

Getting ready to have a night on the town? Apply this gentlemanly blend that has notes of citrus with a perfectly earthy smell of vetiver. Researchers state that the essential oils in this blend help to support immune function and promote positive feelings. The recipe is as follows:

• 3 drops of lemon essential oil (top note)
• 4 drops of cardamom essential oil (middle note)
• 4 drops of ylang ylang essential oil (middle note)
• 6 drops of vetiver essential oil (base note)

Earthy 

Crave the smell of the woods? This simple blend is great to apply for any time of day, as it helps you smell like a flannel-wearing, ax-yielding lumberjack. Frankincense and copaiba are great for reducing stress and anxiety, making this a great workday cologne. The recipe is as follows:

• 4 drops of lemongrass essential oil (top note)
• 6 drops of copaiba essential oil (middle note)
• 8 drops of frankincense essential oil (base note)

Outdoorsy

This is the go-to blend for anyone who loves the outdoors. Because this blend contains cedarwood essential oil, you’ll smell like you lathered yourself in pine trees. Don’t worry, though, because it has a citrusy zest, giving this blend a refreshingly manly scent. This recipe is as follows:

• 3 drops of lemongrass essential oil (top note)
• 3 drops of basil essential oil (middle note)
• 4 drops of cedarwood essential oil (base note)
• 6 drops of Douglas fir essential oil (base note)

Office

Great to wear during the workday, this blend of essential oils has beautiful notes of citrus and the woods. The essential oils help to ground your emotions, balance the mood, stimulate the brain, and promote focus. The recipe is as follows:

• 4 drops of wild orange essential oil (top note)
• 6 drops of sandalwood essential oil (middle note)
• 10 drops of frankincense essential oil (base note)

How To Make DIY Cologne

This is an easy method for a homemade spray cologne using the above essential oil blends. To make the spray cologne, use a glass spray bottle, the essential oils, vegetable glycerin, and witch hazel. 

Instructions:

• In a two-ounce glass spray bottle, combine the essential oils and 1/2 tsp of vegetable glycerin.
• Top off the rest of the bottle with witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well. 
• Spray on the chest, wrist, or neck when ready to use and make sure to shake before each use.

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The dry heat of summer can take a toll on the skin, especially if you spend the majority of your days outside. Salty beach air and sand or the chlorine in a pool can wreak havoc on the skin. While the good times may have ensued, your skin pays the price, feeling itchy and dry at the end of the day. How do you restore hydration, especially to your face, without using harmful products? 

This homemade cooling mist helps to rejuvenate the face, neck, and chest, giving your skin the hydration it needs to look the best. Should you incorporate it into your daytime routine while you’re outside, it may help to moisturize the skin. Protection is key if you don’t want your skin to dry out. You can also use it as an after-sun spray if you got a little more sun that you wanted to. Just keep a bottle with you at all times and you can treat yourself to a cooling mist whenever you want!

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has several cosmetic benefits. It may help to stimulate blood flow near hair follicles to produce hair growth and help treat dark spots. Tea tree oil also has a moisturizing effect on the skin, helping to fight the drying effects of the sun. If you experience itching or dryness after a long summer day, tea tree oil may work to reduce irritation and itching. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Since ancient times, people have used frankincense essential oil for its many health benefits and beautifying properties. Dermatologists agree that frankincense oil tends to be safe for all skin types, especially mature complexions. It is a luxurious oil that may boost the skin’s radiance, especially after using a cleanser and moisturizer. After a long day, applying or misting frankincense oil onto the skin with the rest of the ingredients in this spray may restore your skin’s texture. 

Aloe Vera

Skin experts say that aloe vera has a few primary benefits for soothing the skin. It works to soothe itchiness or irritation, calming inflamed or irritated skin that may result from extended sun exposure. When you are in the sun for a long time, it’s possible for the skin to lose moisture via transepidermal water loss. This happens when the skin gets dehydrated and inflamed. The phytosterols in aloe vera may prevent transepidermal water loss, which is especially important for sunburnt skin. Finally, aloe vera works to hydrate the skin and provide a cooling effect. Plus, the polysaccharides in aloe are known for their hydrating benefits. 

Witch Hazel

Indigenous to North America, witch hazel is a tree-like plant, from which extract is derived either from the bark or leaves. The bark and leaves are distilled to bring out the plant’s active compounds. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties provide a tightening effect on the skin. This is great for soothing puffiness, redness, general irritation, and skin tone. It may also sop up excess oil via the antioxidant-rich tannins. This is why witch hazel is a common ingredient in toners. 

Homemade Cooling Summer Face Mist

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or fractionated coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 4-ounce glass spray bottle with mist sprayer 

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into the glass spray bottle. Use a funnel if you need to, or use a glass measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Melt the coconut oil and pour it into the bottle. You can also use fractionated coconut oil so that it remains liquified. 
• Add the witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and essential oils to the glass bottle. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. 
• Use the face mist as needed, but make sure to shake the bottle before each use.

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Carrier oils and essential oils are excellent ingredients that help strengthen nails and repair cracked cuticles. Olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E oil exhibit hydrating and strengthening properties, while essential oils are quite soothing and anti-fungal. Since cuticles are more susceptible to cracking during dry, winter weather, this DIY cuticle butter should come to your aid. 

The primary issue, in regards to cracked or split cuticles, is a lack of moisture. That means that you have to supply the affected areas with ingredients that help to seal moisture into the skin. One of the easiest ways for the skin to absorb these ingredients is by applying a body butter to the area. The only difference between this cuticle butter and other body butters is that the ingredients cater to your nails and cuticles. We think that you’re going to like how it makes your cuticles look and feel!

Shea Butter

Beauty experts suggest rubbing rub shea butter into your cuticles and nail beds before you do any other nail maintenance. Allowing the shea butter to remain on your cuticles and nails promotes nourishment and hydration. Not only can shea butter strengthen your nails, but it may also heal damaged nail beds and cuticles. The best thing about shea butter is that it helps protect your cuticles from future damage. 

Coconut Oil

If the body is in a state of dehydration, one of the most common signs is dry cuticles or flaky nails. Although applying coconut oil to your cuticles doesn’t equate to drinking lots of water, it does help hydrate and nourish your nails. If you cook with coconut oil, dip your nails in the oil for a little hit of hydration. Massage the oil into the dry areas for optimal nourishment. 

Jojoba Oil

Experts say that jojoba oil may be one of the best oils to treat and soften your cuticles. Jojoba oil is seed-based and contains small molecules that are similar to human sebum, the skin’s naturally occurring oil. Because of that, jojoba oil is easily absorbed into the skin to provide natural moisture. Jojoba oil contains vitamins B & E, both of which help to repair damaged collagen inside nail beds, ultimately improving strength and promoting healthy nail growth. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil has a long history of use in strengthening brittle nails and hydrating chapped or dry skin. According to several studies, vitamin E oil exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that may help improve tissues involved in blood circulation. Researchers propose that the same properties that encourage this process may also be important for nail growth and healing. 

Lavender Essential Oil

This versatile oil exhibits relaxing properties that help calm the mind and improve sleep. Lavender essential oil is also deeply hydrating and soothing, making it an excellent choice for dry or inflamed cuticles. It also works to strengthen and moisturize the nails and cuticles. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil has a long history of use in medicinal applications. According to several studies, frankincense essential oil’s antifungal properties can fight fungi that can slow down nail growth. Frankincense essential oil can also moisturize the cuticle and prevent peeling and dryness.

DIY Cuticle Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 20 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

• Make a makeshift double boiler by adding an inch or two of water into a pot over medium heat. 
• Place the shea butter and coconut oil in a heat-safe glass jar and place that into the pot. 
• When the water starts boiling, turn down the heat. Stir the shea butter mixture until melted. 
• Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, and the two essential oils. 
• Pour the mixture into a heat-safe glass bowl and allow it to cool for an hour at room temperature. It should start to solidify. 
• Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip the mixture until it turns into a whipped butter consistency. 
• Spoon the whipped cuticle butter into little glass jars and screw on the top. Store in a cool, dry place. A little goes a long way with this recipe, so you should be good for quite a while!

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Made from the resin of the Boswellia tree, frankincense essential oil has been used for thousands of years. Very few essential oils rival the therapeutic and healing properties of frankincense. The oil offers a woody, spicy aroma and you can benefit via inhalation or topical application on the skin. Just remember to purchase high-quality frankincense essential oil in order to reap the impressive list of benefits. 

What Is Frankincense Essential Oil?

The Boswellia tree commonly grows in Somalia and regions of Pakistan. These trees differ from many others in that they can grow in very little soil in desolate, dry conditions. The word “frankincense” comes from the term “franc ecens,” which translates to “quality incense” in old French. Frankincense has been tied to several religions over the years, especially Christianity, as it was one of the first gifts given to baby Jesus by the wise men. 

Nowadays, many people use it in aromatherapy for its anti-inflammatory and potentially anti-cancer properties. Read on to learn more about the top five health benefits of frankincense essential oil. 

Can Kill Harmful Germs And Bacteria

Frankincense essential oil is naturally astringent and exhibits antiseptic, disinfectant, and antimicrobial properties. It has the ability to eliminate germs from the common cold and flu that exist in the air. In some cases, it can be an excellent ingredient in homemade, non-toxic household cleaners. A lab study suggests that the combination of frankincense and myrrh essential oils is particularly effective against airborne pathogens. These two oils have a long history of use, dating back to 1,500 BCE. They have synergistic and additive properties when exposed to certain microorganisms. 

May Improve Gut Health

As previously mentioned, frankincense essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which may improve gut function. A 2017 study found that combining frankincense essential oil with other herbal medicines reduced abdominal pain, bloating, and even depression that resulted from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Similarly, a small study found that taking a 250 milligram (mg) supplement of Boswellia daily for six months improved IBS symptoms. Another study found that taking extract from the Boswellia tree daily for four weeks improved symptoms of participants with mild ulcerative colitis in remission. 

Helps Reduce Stress Reactions

One of the most popular ways to use frankincense essential oil is by inhaling its aroma via a diffuser. Several studies found that inhaling frankincense essential oil may help to slow heart rate and lower blood pressure. This makes it highly beneficial for those with anxiety or high stress, as it helps alleviate symptoms without causing unwanted drowsiness or other side effects from anxiety medications. A 2019 study found that incensole acetate and incensole, two compounds in frankincense essential oil, may activate ion channels in the brain that alleviate depression and anxiety. More studies are needed on this matter, but initial research is very promising. 

Anti-Aging Properties

The powerful antioxidants in frankincense essential oil work to fight early signs of aging. Free radicals in the body are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons. As they move around the body in search of electrons to pair with, they can damage DNA, accelerating the aging process. Antioxidants slow the effects and damage caused by free radicals, which works to keep the skin looking young and healthy. A review in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine states that frankincense oil reduces skin irritation and redness. The studies in the review suggest that the pentacyclic triterpene structure of frankincense essential oil may be the reason it has a soothing effect on the skin. 

May Have Anti-Cancer Properties

Many of the studies surrounding frankincense essential oil’s anti-cancer properties are still preliminary, but initial research if very intriguing. Test-tube studies suggest that the boswellic acids in the essential oil may prevent cancer cells from spreading. So far, these test-tube studies indicate that frankincense essential oil may fight against breast, prostate, skin, pancreatic, and colon cancer cells. One study involved patients being treated for brain tumors. The participants took 4,500 mg of boswellic acid extract per day, and the researches observed a reduction in brain edema (accumulation of fluid in the brain). The participants in that study also were able to lower their dose of other medications. More research is still needed in regards to frankincense essential oil’s ability to fight certain cancers. 

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