There are too many creams to choose from these days! From body butters and facial creams to anti-aging serums and more, it can be hard to find exactly what works for you and your skin. If you are looking to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines, there are some essential ingredients to look out for. By that, we mean that you should seek out certain ingredients and also avoid others. 

When you choose an anti-aging cream, the goal is to find ingredients that nourish the skin in many different ways. Ideally, these ingredients should help your skin retain moisture, provide anti-inflammatory properties, and improve overall complexion. Continue reading to learn about some of the featured ingredients in the DIY anti-aging night cream that contribute to more youthful skin.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil, or rosehip seed oil, is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the rose plant. It contains a wide variety of essential fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic acids, which work to keep cell walls strong so they don’t lose water. If there is one thing to know about beauty, it is that hydration is necessary for soft, supple skin. Rosehip oil also contains vitamin A, which is necessary for collagen production. It also inhibits the creation of MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Some research indicates that rosehip oil’s antioxidants help combat visible sun damage, and may potentially prevent photo-aging. 

Sweet Almond Oil

As an emollient, sweet almond oil helps soften and smooth the skin, making this oil suitable for those with dry or sensitive skin types. Regular use of sweet almond oil may help reduce inflamed or irritated skin, which is why it is commonly used among people with eczema or psoriasis. According to research, sweet almond oil encourages collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity. That can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote a more overall youthful look.

Lemon Essential Oil

Researchers note that lemon essential oil is one of the top essential oils for reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Lemon essential oil reduces the effects of oxidation on the skin, so using it regularly can help fight against premature aging. Environmental pollutants and free radicals damage the skin through oxidation, but the antioxidants in lemon essential oil can help combat this process. Lemon essential oil also helps to remove dead skin cells, a process that contributes to brighter skin. That means that this essential oil may benefit people with dark spots, scars, or hyperpigmentation.

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil exhibits strong antibacterial properties that help the body in different ways. The antibacterial properties may help accelerate the recovery from mild burns, skin infections, and other skin ailments. Scientists note that geranium essential oil is a very effective anti-aging agent. Not only does it improve blood circulation, but it also offers impressive antioxidant activity that helps protect the skin from sun damage. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and has the ability to encourage health cell growth in the skin and hair. Some groups, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, may be sensitive to this essential oil and should avoid it. 

DIY Anti-Aging Night Cream

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon rosehip oil
• 1/2 tablespoon cocoa butter wafers (unrefined)
• 1/2 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 25 drops lemon essential oil
• 12 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops carrot seed essential oil
• 1/4 cup filtered water

Instructions:

• Add the sweet almond oil, rosehip oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax pellets to a medium sized glass bowl. Place this bowl on top of a saucepan with a few inches of water to create a makeshift double boiler. 
• Place this over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients have fully melted and combined. 
• Remove from heat and pour in the vitamin E oil and essential oils, stirring slowly as you add them in. 
• Either pour the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer or add it to a mixing bowl. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes to cool. 
• Remove the bowl from the fridge and decide whether you want to use a stand mixer or use an electric hand mixer to whip it until it becomes a thick cream. If using a stand mixer, make sure to use the whisk attachment. Start whisking slowly and then increase the speed. 
• Spoon the mixture into a clean glass jar and apply to the face, preferably at night after you cleanse.

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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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When warmer weather arrives, so do the bugs. Insects like mosquitoes, flies, ticks, leafhoppers, hornworms, and more flock to your garden to infest your flowers and plants. If you’re sitting around the patio enjoying time with family, you don’t want to worry about bugs biting you every other second. The good news is that you can forget about trying to clap insects to their death mid-flight because there are plants that help repel bugs. 

If you don’t want to inhale the fumes of mosquito candles and torches all summer, you can plant a series of plants around your patio, pool, house, and fence to keep out unwanted pests. In addition to causing itchy bites, mosquitos and other pests can damage your gardens, crops and home. Using plants to repel insects is an eco-friendly solution to your problem. Plus, these plants add both beauty and fragrance to your home and garden. Here is a guide to many common plants that repel insects. 

Geraniums

Geraniums are quite common in patio planters, but you can also pot them or plant them in your garden to naturally repel mosquitos. These flowers not only beautify your garden, but they also release a strong fragrance that mosquitos, flies, and beetles despise. That helps you enjoy your patio or garden without worrying about bites or infestation of the fruits and vegetables in your garden. Plant some geraniums around your garden to keep those pests out. 

Mint

Fresh mint is a great plant to have in your garden because you can harvest some of it to use in culinary applications. It’s very easy to grow and has been proven to repel flies, ants, and mosquitos. It emits a wonderful fragrance and helps deter bugs from infesting other nearby plants. Planting mint near your windows or doorways can help keep irritating insects out of your house. 

Citronella

Don’t want to buy citronella candles or citronella-infused oil for tiki torches? Plant the real citronella plant in your garden or pots near your doors to keep the mosquitos out. The plant itself acts as a natural insecticide, repelling a variety of flying insects, including mosquitos. The plant can grow fairly large, so you may have to keep it under control with your garden scissors from time to time. 

Lemongrass

Similar to citronella, lemongrass gives off a powerful aroma that mosquitoes dislike. Lemongrass is tall, grassy, and ornamental, growing up to four feet tall and three feet wide in one season. Not only does the plant do a great job at repelling mosquitos, but it also adds beautiful greenery to your garden or patio. 

Lavender

Before we get into the insects that lavender repels, it is important to note that lavender blossoms can attract bees. If you are allergic to bees, planting lavender near your patio or doorways may not be the best idea. How does lavender repel bugs? It contains linalool, which is a compound that contributes to the plant’s natural aroma. Other plants also contain linalool, but lavender seems to have the highest content and is the most effective at repelling bugs. You can harvest your lavender and hang some bundles around your patio and indoors.

Marigolds

Marigolds add vibrant colors to your garden or patio planters. Ranging from red and orange to yellow, marigolds make the perfect additions to your vegetable garden bed. They help keep tomato hornworms away, so consider planting them next to your tomato plants. Marigolds are very popular summer plants that also deter plant lice, mosquitos, and even rabbits!

Chrysanthemums

The primary reason that insects avoid chrysanthemums is because the flower contains pyrethrin, a neurotoxin that kills insects. Don’t worry about your furry friends because it is safe for animals. According to research, the list of insects that these flowers repel is quite extensive, including  ants, roaches, silverfish, lice, fleas, spider mites, ticks, bedbugs, and harlequin bugs. Plus, the flowers are just stunning to look at!

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Aging is a natural part of life, but seeing the physical results of this process is never exciting. The “damage” that results from aging comes in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, and loose skin. What can be done about this unsightly, yet natural process? While there are foods that encourage optimal collagen production and scrubs or masks that tighten skin, sometimes you just need a few powerful essential oils. 

Essential oils are extremely concentrated plant extracts that exhibit therapeutic benefits. Many essential oils offer antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. They can help improve complexion, give life to dull hair, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, or even tighten loose skin. As long as you dilute essential oils in carrier oils, you can safely use them on your skin. To figure out the best carrier oil for your skin type, click here. Keep in mind that it’s always wise to do a patch test on a small area of skin to make sure you don’t negatively react to the oil. 

Bergamot Essential Oil

If you drink Earl Grey tea, you are familiar with bergamot’s aroma. It comes from the rinds of the citrus fruit that the bergamot tree produces. Aromatherapists commonly use bergamot essential oil to promote calm and relaxation. The oil contains limonene, which is a potent antioxidant that is essential for optimal skin health. It also offers nerol, myrcene, and geraniol, all of which work to tighten skin and improve complexion.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil is held in high regard, as it offers many benefits for overall health. The molecular structure helps it penetrate the deep layers of the skin, working to encourage the health of existing skin cells. By oxygenating these cells, frankincense helps to improve elasticity, which ultimately tightens the skin. Frankincense essential oil also helps to encourage the growth of new skin cells. It has been most effective around the eye area. 

Neroli Essential Oil

The more common name of this oil is orange blossom essential oil. It’s a common ingredient in many fragrances or fragrance blends, as the aroma is inviting and floral. The anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, along with the diverse antioxidant profile, makes neroli essential oil an excellent choice to tighten and firm up loose skin. According to several studies, it exhibits the most regenerative properties to make the skin supple and taught. 

Geranium Essential Oil

Working to repair collagen and improve the skin’s elasticity, geranium essential oil is an excellent choice for skin tightening. By boosting elastin fibers, this essential oil can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In fact, many people use geranium essential oil to help get rid of stretch marks. It nourishes the skin and gives it a youthful glow, while making skin more taught in the process. 

Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasmine essential oil helps to encourage blood circulation, which promotes the regeneration of skin cells. As new skin cells produce, the body can hydrate the skin and provide it with more elasticity. This process can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars by tightening the skin. Jasmine essential oil pairs best with sweet almond oil as a carrier oil. 

Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh essential oil has historical and religious importance, being one of the gifts that the three wise men brought to the baby Jesus. Religious history aside, myrrh essential oil has proven to oxygenate skin tissues, which improves toughness. Many people incorporate myrrh oil into their skin care routine to moisturize and prevent skin from cracking. Lastly, this oil can help give the skin a more youthful glow, which makes the skin’s new flexibility look even better. 

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Back in the day of traditional farming, nobody ever thought to use pesticides on their crops. Although pests existed, farmers managed to grow what they needed, using natural solutions to stave off irritating pests. Nowadays, it’s perfectly normal to use chemical pesticides during agricultural practices. Just spray poison on the crops, which people inevitablly consume, and the pests go away. 

The Problem With Pesticides

Well, there isn’t just one single problem; rather, there are many. Pesticide sprays don’t single out the harmful insects from the beneficial ones. For example, they kill bees and butterflies and allow smaller predator populations to recover. They slowly develop a dependence on the chemical sprays, as opposed to the other natural systems. Additionally, plants may also become dependent on chemicals to grow properly. That is all to say that it’s time to get back to repelling insects the natural way, with companion plants. Repelling insects in this fashion actually increases biodiversity and enhances the ecosystems. The following plants may help to keep harmful pests away from what you are trying to grow. 

Alliums

This belongs to the onion family and the flowers are beautiful purple balls that bloom from tall green spikes, which are reminiscent of scallions. Alliums have been known to repel numerous pests, including slugs, carrot flies, cabbage worms, and aphids. These pests dislike the powerful aroma of alliums. 

Borage

Borage is an edible plant, with the flowers and leaves being safe for consumption. If you eat the leaves, make sure to choose the young varieties, otherwise they get fuzzy. The flavor is similar to that of a cucumber. They help attract bees and use deep taproots to pull up nutrients from deeper soil, depositing them on the surface. It also works to repel tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. 

Marigolds

Mosquitos, aphids, plant lice, and even rabbits avoid marigolds because they have a potent aroma. Fruit and vegetable farmers have used these little flowering plants to repel pests for many years. They are very easy to grow, especially in flower beds or planters. Make sure that they receive ample sunlight to thrive. 

Petunias

If you want to protect members of the brassica family (cruciferous vegetables), you’ll do well to plant petunias in the vicinity. The vibrant colors are signature to these wonderful flowers. Leafhoppers, tomato hornworms, aphids, and squash bugs do not like these flowers. 

Mosquito Plant

Yes, this is in fact a legitimate plant that offers a lacy green foliage and purple flowers. It’s also called citronella-scented geranium, and it is effective at repelling mosquitos. Mosquitos despise the citrusy aroma that comes from the plant’s natural oils. If you have lots of them flying around your yard, plant a couple to help repel mosquitos. 

Sunflowers

These are great garden companions because they help repel pests. Additionally, they are quite beautiful and distract aphids and white flies away from nearby plants. Those pests don’t actually have a negative effect on sunflowers, but they will harm other crops. Plant a few and see how the surrounding crops thrive. 

Chrysanthemums

Beetles, ticks, roaches, fleas, lice, mites, and ants will flee your garden when chrysanthemums are present. Several studies found that the extracts from the flowers can actually kill some of the aforementioned insects. In fact, chrysanthemum extract is a common ingredient in many residential insecticide products. This explains why pests steer clear of them.

Basil

There’s an enchanting quality to basil’s fresh aroma. Moths, mosquitos, and flies do not agree with this sentiment. In fact, they will steer clear of basil because of the potent scent. If you’re in a pinch and need to repel bugs away from your body, crush some basil leaves in your hand and rub them on your skin. You won’t have mosquito problems after that. 

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Cellulite describes dimpled or lumpy skin that typically occurs on the abdomen, thighs, hips, or buttocks. While it can occur in both men and women, women tend to experience it more than men. In fact, several reports found that around 85% of women over the age of 20 experience cellulite at some point during their lives. It’s embarrassing and can lower self-confidence and body satisfaction. 

Let it be known that cellulite is not a serious medical condition, and there are no serious medical repercussions. Mild cellulite may not even be noticeable! People who have cellulite tend to use laser treatments, cryolipolysis, or ultrasound technology to reduce cellulite appearance. These treatments can cost an arm and a leg! In actuality, some powerful essential oils can fight the look of cellulite. Combine the use of these oils with a healthy diet and regular exercise and you may decrease cellulite. 

Tips On How To Use Essential Oils For Cellulite

First of all, always dilute the essential oil(s) in a carrier oil so that it isn’t too intense for the skin. Regularly massage the affected area with this oil blend to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Massage helps to boost circulation and prevent fluid retention. It also stimulates the skin’s natural healing and regeneration processes. You can also use a dry brushing technique with essential oils to reduce cellulite. Dry brushing aids with deep exfoliation, which improves blood flow and helps the skin eliminate toxins. With that information in mind, continue reading to learn more about essential oils that reduce cellulite. 

Grapefruit Essential Oil

This refreshing essential oil is a common ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, and aromatherapy blends. After applying it to the skin, it gives the skin a healthy-looking glow. Regular use and continued application to cellulite can help reduce the appearance. Because grapefruit essential oil is phototoxic, it increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Please avoid sunlight exposure for 24 hours after application. 

Geranium Essential Oil

When you massage geranium essential oil into the skin, it works to reduce puffiness and remove excess fluid. These two actions can fight back against cellulite, reducing the appearance. Geranium essential oil also contains geranyl formate, linalool, geraniol, and citronellol, all of which are active chemical compounds. They possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that encourage the regeneration of new skin cells. This helps to firm up the skin and make it less susceptible to the pressure from fat cells underneath.

Juniper Essential Oil

Juniper essential oil contains alpha-pinene, juniperene, and sabinene, which are active chemical compounds. They work to reduce the severity of cellulite after massaging the area on a regular basis. Additionally, juniper essential oil has diuretic properties that may flush fluid from the skin. 

Fennel Essential Oil

Often times, especially in women, a hormonal imbalance contributes to the development of cellulite. If this is the case, fennel essential oil may be able to aid with balancing hormones. According to several studies, fennel is a safe and effective ingredient for helping menopausal women balance hormones. Fennel has a spicy, licorice-like scent and the essential oil can easily absorb into the skin, targeting areas where cellulite exists. 

Black Pepper Essential Oil

Black pepper is a common spice used for cooking, but it has many uses in traditional herbal remedies, especially in eastern cultures. The essential oil has powerful detoxifying properties that offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These are beneficial for myriad skin conditions, including wrinkles, cellulite, and fine lines. Beta-caryophyllene is a major component of black pepper essential oil, and it works to maintain healthy appearance of the skin. It may also reduce cellulite and scars!

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil has an enchanting, powerful aroma. Because it is quite pungent, it’s often used as a natural bug repellent. It works to enhance circulation to the skin and helps to naturally relax muscles. The belief is that increasing circulation to the skin helps to get rid of cellulite, and you can enhance the benefits by regularly massaging the affected area. Lemongrass essential oil dilutes will in olive oil. 

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Nobody wants to be the person with dry or chapped lips. You could be having the best day ever, feeling yourself and jamming out to your favorite song. Then you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and notice the flakiness on your lips. Horrified, you scramble in search of any chapstick or lip balm to remedy the situation. Then the sweet relief of hydration on your lips makes everything so much better.

What if you didn’t have to rely on a specific lip balm to moisturize your lips? Sometimes, it’s possible that chapsticks and lip balms can sting your lips when the chemicals enter the cracks. You can avoid all that by using natural oils to promote long-lasting moisture. Natural oils work with the body’s chemistry to repair dry lips and create a protective moisture barrier. 

Now, there is one thing you need to know before we continue. Some of the following oils are essential oils, and you cannot simply apply them to your lips. Essential oils are very pungent and need to be diluted in a carrier oil so that you don’t have an adverse reaction on the skin. Additionally, make sure to do a small batch test on your arm prior to applying the mixture to your lips. Wait 24-48 hours to see if you have a reaction before you use it as a lip moisturizer. Some great carrier oils to consider are jojoba oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and extra virgin olive oil.

Great Natural Oils For Luscious Lips

Olive Oil

This magnificent carrier oil is rich in healthy fats and offers wonderful moisturizing properties for the skin. The vitamin E content promotes healthy collagen production, while the anti-inflammatory properties help prevent lips from chapping. You can apply olive oil to your lips on its own, or you can mix it with some of the essential oils in this article. 

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

Are your lips in need of some TLC? If you answered “yes” to that question, it’s time to bust out some rose geranium essential oil. Working to moisturize dry, aggravated, or cracked skin, this essential oil is a great alternative to store bought lip balms. In fact, this oil is a common ingredient in commercial lip balms. You can hydrate lips by mixing a few drops of rose geranium essential oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil, and then applying that to your lips. 

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil contains a plethora of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins. When it comes to the antioxidants, the carotenoids and lutein stand out. These compounds work to protect the lips from developing fine lines, wrinkles, cracking, and other signs of aging. Avocado oil also contains vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen formation and skin hydration. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

This popular essential oil contributes to softer, smoother skin. In case you didn’t know, that’s great news for anyone who frequently experiences dry or chapped lips. Frankincense essential oil has notoriety in the skin care world, offering healing properties to a variety of skin conditions. Enhance the benefits by mixing 15 drops of frankincense essential oil, 15 drops of lavender essential oil, and one tablespoon of coconut oil. Apply that mixture to the lips and you’ll experience long-lasting moisture. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Just like coconut oil, sweet almond oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids that revitalize and nourish the skin. The vitamin E and B content, water, essential proteins, and antioxidants work to soothe scaly or cracking lips. Sweet almond oil is known for its ability to reduce dark spots after long term application, but it also does wonders to improve the appearance of your lips. 

Camellia Oil

This nourishing carrier oil comes from the camellia flower. According to several studies, the oil that the flower produces helps to slow the signs of aging, but it also makes lips appear fuller. The reason it can do this is because it helps to improve collagen synthesis. If you need to moisturize and contribute to plumper lips, look no further than camellia oil. 

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Raise your hand if you don’t want itchy, bumpy skin this summer. We assume all of you are raising your hands, which means that you need to find some excellent mosquito repellent, especially if you live in a hot, humid environment. Different species of mosquitos are attracted to specific bacteria, sweat, carbon dioxide, and other odors that the human body emits. As you may well know, mosquitos are also put off by certain scents, but there are ways to repel mosquitos that don’t involve spraying DEET on your body.

DEET is a chemical-based repellent that has the potential to cause serious health and environmental problems. It isn’t safe for the body and we do not encourage using chemical bug sprays; rather, many essential oils serve as natural mosquito repellents. From clove oil to geranium oil, myriad essential oils can be applied to the body to keep mosquitos away. Note that you will have to apply essential oils more often than bug spray, roughly once every hour. Read on to find out which essential oils are best for repelling mosquitos.

Thyme Oil

The carvacrol and alpha-terpinene compounds in thyme oil have demonstrated that they have mosquito-repelling properties. Thyme oil is not effective at repelling all species of mosquitos, but most topical applications offer 89% efficacy for about an hour. You must dilute thyme oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or castor oil, because it can cause skin irritation when directly applied.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

This is the most effective natural mosquito repellent. In fact, several studies have found that this essential oil is almost comparable to DEET and picaridin. It is the only natural repellent that is recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for human safety and effectiveness. The odor of this essential oil can be too pungent for some people, but the fresh smell of lemon and eucalyptus is off-putting to mosquitos. Dilute it in olive oil and apply it every two hours for mosquito protection.

Citronella Oil

Many people know that citronella candles are a commonly lit to repel mosquitos, but they only have a 50% reduction rate. Citronella oil is derived from the citronella plant and several studies have found that it is nearly as effective as DEET when it comes to repelling mosquitos. The primary problem with its effectiveness is that it can evaporate quickly, especially if you sweat. The candles are not as effective as pure citronella oil, which should be diluted in a carrier oil before topical application.

Geranium Oil

While geranium oil is not registered with the EPA for repellent ingredients, studies show that it can help repel mosquitos. More research needs to be conducted on the efficacy of geranium oil against mosquitos to be used as a registered repellent. Other findings have revealed that combing coconut oil with geranium oil contributes to a higher success rate.

Patchouli Oil

This oil is known for its potent scent, but it also happens to be an effective essential oil for repelling mosquitos. One Chinese study found that it offered protection for two hours, but more research needs to be done on how often it should be applied for complete protection. There have been no associated hazards with direct application to the skin, but use a carrier oil as a precautionary measure.

Bonus DIY Mosquito Repellent Bars

Carry these repellent bars with you to help naturally keep mosquitos away.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon organic beeswax
• 4 tablespoons organic Shea butter
• 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• 10 drops citronella oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops lemon essential oil
• 20 drops lemongrass essential oil

Instructions:

• Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water and place over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Add all of the ingredients to a stainless steel or oven-safe glass bowl and place on top of the saucepan with the simmering water.
• Stir the ingredients until they are all melted and combined. Remove from heat and pour into your desired molds. If you want to accelerate the hardening process, place the molds in the fridge.
• Once the lotion bars are solid, store them in an airtight container in a cool dry place.
• Use the lotion bars like a bar of soap when you go outside this summer. You’ll smell wonderful, but the mosquitos won’t think so and they’ll leave you alone.

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While summer may be coming to a close, the heat and mosquitos are still here! The itching is persistent and you can’t take it any longer. Mosquitos are not only annoying, but they also carry harmful viruses and diseases. Not to mention, the chemical bug sprays that you have been dousing yourself with can also lead to another set of health complications.

To keep mosquitos away, we recommend turning to the plant world. While citronella candles can do the trick, there are a variety of aromatic plants that have natural mosquito repellent properties. Additionally, they are readily available and easy to keep alive. Keep your house and surrounding areas mosquito-free with the following plants.

Rosemary

In addition to being a beautiful aromatic herb for culinary purposes, rosemary gives off a woody scent, which mosquitos and cabbage moths dislike. Rosemary plants actually thrive in hot, dry climates and they can be pruned in various shapes. Whether you have several plants in the garden or a couple small plants in the kitchen, rosemary is good to have around.

Lemon Balm

As a member of the mint family, lemon balm’s leaves have a fragrant lemony smell with a hint of mint. While the aroma helps to ward off mosquitos, you can also crush a handful of the leaves in your hand and apply it to your skin. Since lemon balm is an invasive species, it is best to plant it in pots to avoid takeover.

Lavender

Lavender has incredible calming properties that help to promote relaxation and healthier sleep. Mosquitos are actually offended by lavender’s aroma, which is why it is best to place lavender plants near windows, entertainment areas, and in the garden. For added benefits, rub the flowers on your skin for a natural mosquito repellent.

Marigolds

This is one of the most common, easy-to-grow flowers that are popularly sold in garden and grocery stores. They make great borders to vegetable gardens and they work to keep mosquitos, aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms away. Place potted marigolds near open windows and home entrances.

Basil

This is a common culinary herb that can survive indoors. The best part about basil is that you don’t have to crush the leaves for it to repel mosquitos. A 2011 study found that the essential oils in basil provide high levels of mosquito protection. Rub the leaves on exposed areas of skin to keep mosquitos away.

Geraniums

These popular mosquito-repelling plants are readily available at countless gardening stores. Geraniums with a lemon scent are the best to get because it is similar to citronella grass. They grow quickly and like sunny, dry climates, and the blossoms are attractive and decorative, too.

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Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns can make the skin under your eyes look puffy, saggy, or incredibly dark. Sometimes your eyes can look this way even if you are sleeping like a log every night. Things like stress, poor diet, anxiety, and nutritional deficiencies can also contribute to the way your eye area looks. Lucky for you, we found an intensive eye care cream that works wonders.

Store bought eye creams can contain a lot of harmful ingredients that may damage your skin. Additionally, using eye creams, or any skincare products with chemicals, can negatively affect your internal organs. The chemicals are absorbed by your skin and enter your body, which only creates more toxic build-up in various organs and systems. This homemade eye cream contains natural ingredients that work to hydrate your skin and naturally decrease dark circles. Let’s explore two of the awesome ingredients.

Geranium Essential Oil

Commonly used in aromatherapy, geranium essential oil has been used to promote healthy skin for thousands of years. In more recent years, people have used geranium oil to alleviate anxiety, reduce inflammation, and balance hormones. It contains astringent properties, which help to minimize wrinkles by tightening facial skin. Additionally, geranium oil works to stop bacteria from growing on the skin.

Shea Butter

Dark circles under the eyes typically indicate that the skin lacks moisture and is in desperate need of hydration. High quality Shea butter contains essential fatty acids and vitamins that help to brighten the skin under the eyes, resulting in an even tone. Shea butter also contains a large amount of vitamin E, which helps to restore skin elasticity and works to repair any skin damage.

Ingredients For Eye Cream:

• 2 tablespoons Shea butter
• 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon beeswax
• 5 teaspoons rosehip oil
• 4 drops geranium essential oil

Instructions:

• Place all of the ingredients, except the rosehip and geranium oils, in a heat-safe glass measuring cup.
• Fill a small saucepan with water and place the measuring cup containing the ingredients in the water. Make sure no water gets in the cup.
• Warm this over medium heat for about six minutes, stirring the mixture occasionally until everything is melted.
• Remove from the heat and carefully remove the cup from the water. Let this cool for about five minutes before adding the rosehip and geranium oils. Stir well.
• Transfer this mixture into a glass jar with a lid and use a thumbnail size amount under each eye every night. Store with the lid on the jar in a cool, dry place.

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The post Intensive DIY Eye Cream To Decrease Puffiness appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.