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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Are night serums all they’re hyped up to be? Some argue that there are serums that specifically help skin during the day, while some do their best work at night. Some people also believe that night serums are a marketing ploy, arguing that you can be economical and efficient by using the same skin care products during the day and night. 

Although it may be more affordable to buy just one thing, your skin often dictates which products you need to use. That is especially true if you suffer from dark spots, acne scars, uneven skin tone, or hyperpigmentation. In some cases, a vitamin C serum will help even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. That said, vitamin C is very powerful and can increase skin sensitivity if you go out in the sun. You may experience sunburn or general skin irritation. That’s why vitamin C serums are meant for nighttime use. Continue reading to learn a little more about how the ingredients in this dark spot remover benefit your skin. 

Grapeseed Oil

This oil is highly beneficial for people with acne-prone skin. The skin easily absorbs this oil, so it doesn’t feel like you have a heavy, oily layer on the skin’s surface after application. Grapeseed oil is an excellent carrier oil for the DIY dark spot remover in this article, but you can use another carrier oil of your choosing. Sweet almond oil or jojoba oil are two great carrier oils that are beneficial for all skin types. 

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood essential oil has a woody aroma and can provide the skin with a refreshing boost of hydration. It works as a powerful emollient and can help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Sandalwood essential oil may also help you achieve smoother, healthy-looking skin. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is a great product that may help treat dark spots, acne scarring, uneven skin tone, or hyperpigmentation. It contains Hesperidin, a flavonoid derived from citrus fruits that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Hesperidin may help reduce melanin production in the skin, which can help it appear lighter in tone. Lemon essential oil is photosensitive, so only apply it to the skin at night to prevent irritation or sunburn. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

This essential oil has soothing and beautifying properties that may help rejuvenate the skin. Because it helps promote youthful, radiant-looking skin, frankincense essential oil is commonly added to anti-aging skin care products. It may also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and acne scars. 

DIY Dark Spot Remover

Ingredients:

• 12 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 2 drops frankincense essential oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Amber glass dropper bottle

Instructions:

• Unscrew the cap on the dropper bottle and add all of the essential oils. Make sure the glass is amber or dark because UV-protected glass helps the contents retain their health properties. 
• Fill the remainder of the dropper bottle with grapeseed oil, but be sure to leave some room so it doesn’t overflow when you put the dropper top in. 
• Screw on the top and shake to combine. That’s it!
• Before use, make sure that you wash your face thoroughly and pat the skin dry with a facial towel. 
• Add about 3 drops of the dark spot remover to clean and dry hands. Rub hands together to evenly distribute and then massage into the face until absorbed.

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As a child, your parents tell you to clean your room or take care of other household chores. When you graduate to adulthood, the cleaning doesn’t stop. The only difference is that you don’t have someone bribing you with an allowance to clean your space. If you decide to have kids of your own, you will likely find out that they aren’t so neat. The moral of the story: the cleaning cycle never ends. 

We don’t mean to sound like defeatists, but cleaning is a part of life. If you are a maker of messes, you have to know how to clean up properly. If you clean up after your kids, you may want to consider using natural cleaning products, as the harmful chemicals in commercial products may be dangerous to young ones. You can also reduce your own risk of chemical exposure by switching to all-natural cleaning products that you make yourself. 

Why Make Your Own Natural Cleaner?

First of all, it can be very difficult to create or find an all-purpose and all-natural cleaning spray. Maybe you experiment with a concoction of your own, only to find that it really doesn’t do much. The cleaning power of the all-purpose cleaner in this recipe uses essential oils, borax, vinegar, and castile soap to help remove grime, soap scum, and everyday dirt. 

Making your own cleaner takes less than a minute, and you can save money in the process. It is eco-friendly and free of the toxins found in many conventional household cleaning sprays. Plus, you can customize the surface cleaner by adding different essential oils that work for you. 

Borax

You can incorporate borax into an all-purpose cleaning spray and use it on countertops, appliances, and windows. Some people find that it is highly effective at removing tough stains, dust, and food residue. You can often combine borax with water, shake it up, and pour in a spray bottle for use. In the case of this all-purpose cleaner, you combine it with other ingredients for safe and effective cleaning. If you are weary about using borax, you can always omit it from the recipe. 

Essential Oils

First of all, not all essential oils are created equal. There are many essential oils out there, but a lot of them are not pure essential oils. That means that other ingredients are added, so you won’t get the maximum benefits. When making a cleaning product, make sure to add your essential oils last to the spray bottle. Oils and water don’t mix well, so make sure to give your bottle a good shake prior to use. 

Washing Soda

Washing soda is different from baking soda. Baking soda is usually used alongside detergent to help get rid of stains or foul odors. It is usually gentler than washing soda, so it is not as efficacious. Washing soda is like a more amped-up version of baking soda that does a better job of removing stains and brightening colors when doing laundry. If used in excessive amounts and too frequently, though, it can be harsh on certain materials, specifically fabrics. 

Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon borax
• 1 teaspoon castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon washing soda (not baking soda)
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil
• 2 cups distilled water

Instructions:

• Place the borax, castile soap, washing soda, and essential oils in an amber glass spray bottle.
• Pour in the distilled water until the glass is nearly full. Make sure to leave room for the sprayer to slide into the bottle. 
• Screw on the lid, shake well, and use as needed. It is great for bathrooms, kitchen, or even on toys.

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Meditation, yoga, tai chi, deep breathing, and listening to music can help tame stress. Sometimes, you don’t want to meditate or listen to music because you will only fester and become more agitated. If you want to combat stress without exerting a lot of effort, sitting down and inhaling the scent of essential oils can be a great idea. It is a low-maintenance practice that has proven to be very effective. 

The olfactory system affects the part of the brain that regulates emotions. That’s why certain smells can trigger memories or feelings, both negative and positive. A 2016 review of studies found that aromatherapy was effective at reducing pain when combined with regular treatment. Aromatherapy can also be a useful tool to help reduce stress and anxiety. Many people report that aromatherapy helps to establish a general state of calm. 

How Do You Choose?

Many research studies have found that various essential oils exhibit stress-reducing and anti-anxiety properties. Generally speaking, you can use essential oils safely, save for a few that should not be used by certain groups, for example, pregnant women. Essential oils require dilution to prevent adverse reactions, so keep concentration levels below 5%. Pay attention to the dosage, purity, and application method. Some oils are perfectly safe when inhaled, but not when applied to the skin, which is why dilution is necessary. When you diffuse essential oils for stress relief, keep the following in mind:

• Follow proper dilution guidelines. 
• Diffuse intermittently, typically for 30 to 60 minutes on and 30 to 60 minutes off. 
• Make sure you diffuse in a ventilated area.

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood oil comes from the wood and roots of the East Indian sandalwood tree. Many consider this tree to be one of the most valuable trees in the world, primarily because of the health properties. A small study from 2006 found that sandalwood oil was effective at reducing anxiety in participants. Unfortunately, the sample size was too small to draw conclusive evidence, but results were promising. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Sourced from the leaves of the lemon plant, lemon essential oil may exhibit sedative and anxiety-reducing properties. Lemon essential oil offers a bright aroma that may help boost your mood and contribute to a positive outlook. A 2018 study found that lemon essential oil had a positive effect on dopamine activities in mice. A previous study from 2005 found that lemon essential oil improved cognitive performance, concentration, and attention span in students during the learning process.

Jasmine Essential Oil

A beautifully scented oil, jasmine essential oil comes from the flowers of the floral jasmine plant. It has been known for its ability to calm the mind and uplift mood. A 2010 study examined jasmine essential oil and found that it increased blood oxygen saturation, breathing rate, and blood pressure when compared to a placebo. A 2013 study found that participants who inhaled the aroma of jasmine essential oil experienced a significant decrease in negative emotions and had an overall mood boost. 

Clary Sage Essential Oil

Clary sage is a flowering herb native to the Mediterranean region. It may help reduce stress levels because of its ability to decrease cortisol (the stress hormone), as per a 2014 study. This study, which included menopausal women, also found that clary sage essential oil provided antidepressant effects. 

Orange Essential Oil

Orange essential oil exhibits anxiolytic properties, meaning it helps reduce anxiety. Because orange essential oil has a vibrant aroma, it may increase alertness or heighten the senses. In conjunction with its calming effects, orange essential oil may help balance your mood and regulate anxiety levels. Unfortunately, it did not have the same effects as tea tree oil did in a controlled study. 

Chamomile Essential Oil

Perhaps you drink a cup of chamomile tea if you want to unwind before bed. The chamomile plant is said to have sedative effects, and chamomile essential oil is no different. Chamomile essential oil may exhibit relaxation properties that can aid with sleep. An eight-week study from 2017 found that 58.1% of the participants experienced a reduction in symptoms of severe generalized anxiety disorder after using chamomile extract. A smaller 2018 study found that chamomile therapy was able to reduce symptoms of anxiety and decrease cortisol levels. 

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Growing on the Cananga tree, ylang ylang is a yellow, star-shaped flower native to countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and parts of Australia. Ylang ylang essential oil may have a relaxing effect by way of decreasing blood pressure. Preliminary research shows that it helps decrease blood pressure, but more research is necessary to confirm these findings.

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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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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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Don’t you love when you can make something that is both practical and beneficial? This lemon and peppermint hand scrub is exactly that! It works to exfoliate your hands and leaves them feeling refreshed and incredibly soft. Want to know the best part? You can whip up a batch of this scrub in about five minutes!

If you like DIY homemade skin care products, then this is a recipe you are going to love. It is much simpler to make than a whipped body butter or skin salve, so it is a great entry point to DIY beauty products. Yes, it is easy to make, but what is the purpose or need for a hand scrub? You regularly wash your hands, which can dry them out, especially if you use very hot water. To avoid cracking or dryness, you want to exfoliate them to remove dead skin and hydrate them at the same time. We’ll explain how the hand scrub does that by highlighting some of the standout ingredients and what they do for your skin.

Jojoba Oil

The molecular structure of jojoba oil is nearly identical to the composition of sebum, an oil that the skin naturally produces. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamins, and antioxidants that help to nourish the skin and fight free radicals. Unlike other oils, jojoba oil is actually a wax ester, so the skin absorbs it easily without conflict. Research shows that jojoba oil can be effective in easing or treating common skin conditions like acne, rash, dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Believe it or not, sweet almond oil offers mild protection for ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. It contributes to softer, smoother looking skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, due to the vitamin E content. Additionally, sweet almond oil contains fatty acids that help the skin retain moisture, helping soothe chapped, dry, or irritated skin. 

Fine Sea Salt

This is the exfoliating ingredient in the hand scrub. Sea salt works to cleanse, heal, and nourish the skin, but make sure that it is finely ground. Coarsely ground salts or Kosher salts can be harsh on delicate skin. If you know that your skin is sensitive, consider swapping this ingredient for brown sugar, which is a wonderfully gentle exfoliant. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains a number of antioxidant compounds, a couple of which have demonstrated an ab slitty to kill certain bacteria. Terpinen-4-ol is one of the compounds in tea tree oil that increases white blood cell activity. That activation helps the immune system fight off foreign invaders. The germ-fighting properties makes tea tree oil a valuable natural remedy for people with fungal skin conditions because it works to kill the infection and promote healing.

Lemon Essential Oil

Not only does lemon essential oil smell marvelous and zesty, but it also exhibits powerful antibacterial properties. Studies show that lemon essential oil has properties that may help clear up the skin by killing harmful viruses and bacteria. Plus, it reduces inflammation and the smell of it may help you fight exhaustion. 

Lemon And Peppermint Antibacterial Hand Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fine sea salt
• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 3 tablespoons pure coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)
• 5-10 drops lemon essential oil
• Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions:

• In a small mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients and then spoon the mixture into a jar or desired storage container with a lid. 
• When it comes time to use the hand scrub, scoop a small amount into the palm of your hand and gently rub it all over for 20 seconds. 
• Wash your hands with lukewarm water to rinse away. Use once or twice daily and avoid introducing water into the scrub container. 
• Store the scrub in a cool, dry place for up to a couple months. If the scrub starts to smell rancid, then it is time to throw it out and make a new batch.

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Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have upgraded their hand soap game. There are so many soaps on the markets, and the truth is that many of them are filled with harmful chemicals that are difficult to pronounce. Are there non-toxic hand soaps in stores? Some brands use reputable ingredients, but they may also use fragrances or other substances that can disrupt the skin barrier. 

Unlike making body butters, lip balms, or bath bombs, making your own non-toxic soap is a very simple process. When you go to purchase ingredients for the soap, you will also need to acquire a soap dispenser. You can either purchase a foaming soap dispenser, or any old hand soap dispenser. If your old hand soap is running out, give it a good rinse, let it dry, and use that for this DIY hand soap. 

Castile Soap

Is castile strong enough to kill germs? The short answer is: no, but it is still effective. Rather than killing bacteria, castile soap, which is a surfactant, removes germs and bacteria (like dirt and grease) with the aid of running water. That makes castile soap an excellent ingredient for cleaning your hands. Liquid castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, is free of synthetic ingredients or foaming agents. It is a blend of ethically sourced carrier oils and aromatic essential oils.

Dermatologists like to say that castile soap speaks the language of the skin. That means that it incorporates three essential moisturizing components: humectants, emollients, and occlusives, all of which benefit the skin. 

Humectants

Humectants are substances that attract water from the air or from deeper layers of the skin. Coming in naturally derived, unchanged, or synthetic forms, humectants bind with water and break down dead skin cells. They typically break down those skin cells first, making it so your pores remain unclogged. Once humectants loosen dead skin cells, they draw moisture from the air or deeper layers of the skin. 

Emollients

Emollients are ingredients in skin care products that help to relieve dryness or skin irritation. Skin care experts refer to emollients as skin barrier creams because they help form a protective film on the skin’s outer. Dermatologists usually recommend emollients for skin conditions that cause dryness, for example, eczema and psoriasis. Emollients attract moisture to the skin, help prevent moisture loss in the skin, and work to soften peeling or scaling skin. An emollient differs from a moisturizer because it works to soften the skin, whereas a moisturizer contains other ingredients that bring water into the skin.

Occlusives

Occlusives are moisturizing agents that help form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. Typically, they are waxy or oily and almost act like plastic wrap for the skin. What we mean by this is that plastic wrap forms a barrier between food and the outside environment. Similarly, occlusives aim to prevent harmful pathogens or particles from entering the skin, while keeping the skin moist at the same time. They help protect against dehydration, infection, and environmental damage, making them a great addition to any skin care regimen. 

DIY Non-Toxic Hand Soap

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup filtered water
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 20 drops lemon essential oil
• Soap dispenser

Instructions:

• Pour the water into the soap dispenser, followed by the liquid castile soap. 
• Add 20 drops of lemon essential oil, which works to remove odors and provides a refreshing aroma. 
• Screw the top on the soap dispenser, shake well, and use when ready.

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If you are the victim of a flaky scalp, you understand the struggle. Although the white flakes on your shoulders are not cause for serious concern, they can be annoying and embarrassing. Dandruff is occasionally difficult to treat, but one way to address the problem is the use of essential oils. A 2015 review of studies found that several essential oils, which we’ll detail in this article, can be very helpful in controlling dandruff. 

Although white flakes of any sort can arise, excess oil is what causes dandruff. Malassezia is a yeast that naturally exists on the scalp and feeds off the oil that the scalp produces. The excess of yeast creates yellow-is flakes that are hard to prevent. It’s important to note that dry scalp and dandruff are not the same thing. Your skin flakes off if your scalp is dry, and that can stem from using the wrong shampoo, soap, stress, or the weather. Dandruff may seem similar to dry scalp, but it results from an overproduction of oil and overgrowth of malassezia. 

Many people with dandruff resort to anti-dandruff shampoos, but you can go a more natural route for experimentation. Several essential oils exhibit health properties that may help relieve symptoms of dandruff or improve overall scalp health. If you do experiment with the following essential oils, make sure to dilute them in a carrier oil prior to application. Additionally, always do a patch test on a small area of your arm to ensure that you don’t have a negative reaction. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of peppermint essential oil make it great for soothing an itchy scalp. Researchers note that this essential oil helps absorb excess oils on the scalp, which is why it exists in complex hair care formulas. Although it isn’t an anti-fungal treatment, it does work to clarify the scalp and improve overall scalp health. By absorbing excess oils on the scalp, some beauty experts believe that peppermint essential oil may help your dandruff problem.

Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil is another oil that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help control dandruff. One study found that a solution containing 10% lemongrass essential oil significantly reduced dandruff symptoms in participants. These participants applied the solution twice a day for seven and then 14 days. After seven days, there was a 15% reduction in dandruff symptoms. By day 14, the effects increased even more.

Rosemary Essential Oil

According to many studies, rosemary essential oil may help promote hair growth after consistent use. Additional studies note that rosemary essential oil has astringent, anti-fungal, and decongestant properties, all of which reduce excess oils, build-up, and flakes that accompany dandruff. The anti-fungal properties work to address the overactive fungal activity on the scalp, which is the origin of dandruff. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most commonly recommended essential oils to remedy dandruff. Studies show that tea tree oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that work to ward off foreign invaders that try to attack your scalp. Tea tree oil also has antiseptic properties that work to alleviate the root cause of dandruff. You can add five to 10 drops of tea tree oil to eight ounces of shampoo. When you use this shampoo, let it sit on your hair before rinsing. That way the scalp can absorb the benefits. 

Bergamot Essential Oil

Many hair care products can cause build-up on the scalp that can clog your pores, increasing the risk of dandruff. The antimicrobial nature of bergamot essential oil helps reduce that build-up and reduce the growth of bacteria. Add a few drops of this essential oil to your shampoo and massage it into your scalp. Let it sit on your head for five minutes before reining out. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is known for its cleaning and antiseptic properties, making it a popular ingredient in DIY, non-toxic cleaning products. Those same properties work to gently cleanse the scalp and help remove oily debris. If oiliness contributes to your issues, or you are prone to acne, lemon essential oil may be the perfect oil for your scalp. Just make sure to dilute it in a carrier oil or shampoo for application.

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Have you ever opened up the fridge, only to be greeted with an unpleasant, pungent odor? For the most part, this doesn’t happen, but some fridges definitely have those odors. Sometimes, the smell may be from last night’s takeout, garlic or onions, or something that went bad. Whatever the smell is, you don’t want it in your fridge anymore. The DIY deodorizer in this article can help quickly combat those odors. 

You don’t have to attack your fridge with all sorts of chemicals and air freshener sprays. There’s no need to pollute all your food! All you have to do is combine three all-natural ingredients and then boom, your odors will go away. Instead of that foul smell, you’ll smell a light, refreshing clean scent. You want to know the best part? You just place the combination of ingredients on a shelf in your fridge, close the fridge, and walk away. 

Baking Soda

Why does baking soda work to combat odors in your fridge? It’s a weak base that can act as an acid, depending on what it comes in contact with. The odors in your fridge are composed of food particles that float around and settle into other meals. By putting a box of baking soda in your refrigerator, you give those food particles something else to bond with. Because of sodium bicarbonate’s unique characteristics, it can attract both acidic and basic particles. When these particles bond with baking soda, the odor is neutralized. One thing to remember in regards to baking soda is that you should not cook with the same baking soda that you use to combat odors in the fridge. The reason for this is because the baking soda absorbs those food particles as part of the neutralization process, which can change baking soda’s taste. 

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is an all-natural substance made up of silica from the shells of diatoms, which are microscopic pieces of fossilized algae. Mined from the sediment deposits in bodies of water, diatomaceous earth is an available resource that has been around for centuries. Some people use it as a natural pesticide, while others use it to deodorize shoes. When it comes to your fridge and unpleasant odors, diatomaceous earth may lend a helping hand. It works to soak up the unpleasant smells because it has absorbent qualities, just like baking soda. If you use diatomaceous earth to soak up foul smells, you need to change it every one to two weeks. 

DIY Deodorizer For Your Refrigerator

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup food-grade diatomaceous earth
• 15 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the baking soda to a wide-mouthed glass jar. Make sure that you don’t use plastic because that won’t work well. 
• Pour the diatomaceous earth into the same jar. It has to be food-grade, not pool-grade, diatomaceous earth. Stir to combine.
• When baking soda mixes with diatomaceous earth, they work together to combat the foulest odors!
• Finally, add the lemon essential oil to the jar and mix to combine. 
• Place the jar on a central shelf in your fridge. You don’t want someone to grab it and eat it by accident. Just make sure the jar has lots of air flow! Replace every couple weeks.

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