Sometimes, you come across a beauty product that can only be described as “tasty.” It smells so good that you want to take a bite! This homemade grapefruit mint body wash is one of those recipes. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also works to boost the health of your skin. After soaping up in the shower, your skin will feel silky smooth. Let’s take a look at the ingredients that elevate this body wash (and your skin) to the next level. 

Castile Soap

Liquid castile soap originally contained laurel oil and olive oil. After laurel oil became unavailable, it was exclusively made with olive oil. Nowadays, liquid castile soap contains other oils, including coconut oil. Castile soap is made more ethically and is way more environmentally friendly than a lot of other soaps out there. In addition to being biodegradable and nontoxic, castile soap does not strip away the skin’s natural oils. Instead, it helps to clean the skin while hydrating it at the same time. 

Almond Oil

Almond oil is a nourishing oil that is suitable for every skin type. It assists with cleansing the skin while adding moisture simultaneously. Almond oil is a rich source of monounsaturated oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid and linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. Researchers note that almond oil is also a rich source of vitamin E, providing nearly 261% of the recommended daily value per 100 milliliters. 

Witch Hazel

As an astringent with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, witch hazel may help soothe inflammation and fight acne. It is commonly applied to the skin and scalp to reduce skin irritation. Roughly 45% of Americans have sensitive skin, and some research indicates that topical application of witch hazel to sensitive skin may help treat broken, irritated, or inflamed skin. One study found that using a lotion with 10% witch hazel extract helped reduce skin inflammation and effectively treated erythema. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil exhibits a long list of benefits for skin health. It contains antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-itching, and anti-inflammatory properties. The primary compound (menthol) in peppermint essential oil may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects when applied to the skin. Researchers note that menthol has cooling effects on the skin, which can help diminish the sensation of itching triggered by histamine. 

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Grapefruit essential oil is bursting with vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to brighten and hydrate the skin. It even works to support the production of collagen. Grapefruit essential oil also contains other antioxidants that work to protect the skin from harmful free radicals. It also contains fruit acids, which help exfoliate the skin. Finally, it has d-limonene, which exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective ingredient to help fight acne.

Grapefruit Mint Body Wash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup witch hazel
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup almond oil
• 20 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• Foaming soap dispenser

Instructions:

• In a large bowl or glass measuring cup, add all of the ingredients and stir well to combine. 
• Place a funnel into the foaming hand soap bottle and pour the mixture into the dispenser. Leave an inch or so of room at the top for residual foam. 
• Pump, soap, and enjoy!

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If you wear makeup then you probably use micellar water to remove it at the end of the day. It dissolves makeup gently and cleanses the skin with ease. If you are conscious of what you put on your skin, perhaps you use a non-toxic micellar water, which can be quite expensive. Can you make your own non-toxic version and will it be as effective? The last thing you want is to have to scrub your face with elbow grease to remove makeup.

What Is Micellar Water?

Micellar (pronounced “mi-sell-ar”) water originated in France and is a common skin care product that aids makeup removal. Additionally, it works to remove impurities from the skin in a gentle way. The name comes from the word micelle, which is a collection of molecules. Micellar water has a mild concentration of soap or detergent molecules in the water, so there are microscopic bubbles that float in the water. It doesn’t feel like a soapy solution when you apply it; rather, it just feels like washing your face with water.

How Is It Different Than A Toner?

In a typical skin care routine, you apply a toner to your face after washing it with a cleanser. You usually follow up the toner application with a moisturizer or serum. Traditional toners help to get rid of excess oil or residual dirt or makeup that you don’t wash away with your cleanser. New toners are more focused on skin hydration, with cleansing taking a back seat. Water is the primary ingredient in most toners, and the same goes for micellar water. The difference between micellar water and toners is in the added ingredients (there are no micelles of soap, but low concentrations of alpha or beta hydroxy acids for anti-acne purposes). 

Does Micellar Water Remove Makeup?

Dermatologists agree that micellar water can get rid of most makeup and some waterproof cosmetic products. This is because regular micellar water contains a mild detergent. It doesn’t remove all types of makeup, though. Specialized makeup like stage makeup or certain types of waterproof cosmetics, such as mascara, prove difficult for micellar water to remove. It may remove some, but not all of it, and that is usually sufficient for most people. 

The Non-Toxic Version

The non-toxic micellar water recipe in this article only contains five ingredients, all of which are completely natural. It contains jojoba oil, coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, almond oil, and witch hazel. Jojoba oil is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin and it is incredibly hydrating, working to lock moisture into your skin. Some people use coconut oil to naturally remove makeup because it dissolves makeup and cleanses the skin with its antimicrobial properties. Almond oil isn’t necessary for the recipe, but it helps to add extra moisture and reduces puffiness. Vegetable glycerin is another moisture-locking ingredient that helps to soothe the skin and break down grime and makeup. Finally, witch hazel works to relieve inflammation, fight acne, and tighten your pores. 

DIY Non-Toxic Micellar Water

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 2 teaspoons jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon almond oil
• 2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a sealable container and shake well to combine. 
• When you use this micellar water to remove makeup, make sure to use it with a reusable cotton round. 
• This recipe feels exactly like any store bought version, if not better! Let us know how you like it in the comments below.

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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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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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You spent a glorious day in the park, hiking with friends, or walking your dog and now you feel itchy and notice splotchy red bumps. Poison ivy, or poison oak or poison sumac, has claimed yet another victim. All three of those plants contain urushiol, an oily, allergy-inducing sap that exists in every part of the plant, including the leaves, stem, fruit, and root. 

How Does Poison Ivy Rash Develop?

Bumps, blotches, and a linear streak of swelling or blisters typically indicates a poison ivy rash. It’s also possible for the rash to be weepy, crusty, and painfully itchy. The rash may not appear right away, as it can take four to 96 hours to show up. That said, a rash can take up to two weeks to appear if it’s your first time being exposed to poison ivy. The reason for this is because the immune system has to develop an allergic reaction first. If the body has never encountered it, the rash will take some time to appear. 

Although the best way to deal with poison ivy is to completely avoid it, that isn’t always possible. Even if you wear clothing that protects every inch of your skin, you can still rub your clothes that have brushed up against it and develop a rash that way. It spreads easily, even from pets to humans, and you can see a rash from the original point of contact to the places that you touch. If you do end up with that characteristic poison ivy rash, experiment with the following home remedies to soothe your skin and accelerate the healing process. Before you experiment with them, though, make sure to clean the affected areas and wash clothing and pets with detergent or soap. 

Aloe Vera

This succulent plan houses a sticky gel when you break it open. This gel is a common treatment for minor burns, sunburn, and other skin rashes, including poison ivy. Aloe exhibits cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve the itchiness that accompanies the rash. Unfortunately, several studies found that aloe vera does not accelerate the healing process, but it does provide temporary relief from burning and itching. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another common home remedy for relieving itchiness, especially if it accompanies a poison ivy rash. Research notes that you can also use baking soda to soothe irritated skin from dermatitis, bee stings, and other rashes. There are two ways to use baking soda to help relieve poison ivy rash. The first way is to add about one cup of baking soda to a lukewarm or cool bath and soak in it for about 20 minutes. The second way is to mix baking soda with water to form a paste that resembles toothpaste. Apply that paste directly to the rash. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common pantry staple that has uses in many culinary applications. Research also shows that it may have a place in home remedies because of the health properties it exhibits. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that may help reduce the risk of skin infections that result from scratching. Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, be careful when experimenting with it, especially if the poison ivy rash contains blisters. Dilute the vinegar with a small amount of water and dab a cotton ball into the solution. Dab it onto a small patch of the rash and if it doesn’t irritate the skin and stops the itch, it may be a viable remedy. 

Colloidal Oatmeal

For anyone with itchy skin or rash, a great option to soothe the skin is to soak in a bath with colloidal oatmeal for 10 minutes. Colloidal oatmeal is made from finely ground oats and, unlike traditional oats, it doesn’t sink to the bottom of the bath. Instead, colloidal oatmeal easily disperses throughout the water to coat the skin and relieve the itch. You can typically find colloidal oatmeal at drugstores. 

Witch Hazel

Made from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana plant, witch hazel contains tannins that work to fight infection and reduce swelling. You can pour witch hazel in a small bowl, dip a cotton ball in the liquid, and then dab the cotton ball on the affected areas. It can be beneficial to place the witch hazel in the refrigerator beforehand for an added cooling effect.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can effectively remove urushiol from the skin. Although this may not relieve itchy skin or other symptoms, it can help reduce the spread if you use it soon after exposure to poison ivy. Apply the rubbing alcohol to the affected area and then rinse thoroughly with water. You can also do the same thing to remove urushiol from your shoes.

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You’ve definitely seen facial toners in the skin care aisle at your local drugstore. They tend to be slim bottles filled with a clear or lightly tint liquid. Some people use them, but they don’t know why; rather, toner use is simply habitual or based on a recommendation. Face toner may actually be your new secret weapon that helps to clear up your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. 

What Does Face Toner Do?

The reality is that your pores don’t magically remain clean throughout your life. Sweat, environmental pollution, and other impurities easily get lodged in your pores, which is why you have to wash your face. Toner helps to remove traces of dirt or impurities and can have a positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores. Toner also works to restore your skin’s pH level, smoothing it out by refining rough patches.

When it comes to applying face toner, it’s best to soak a cotton ball with it and gently wipe it across your skin post cleansing. Beauty experts suggest that you use it in the morning and before bed at night. It should be the second step in your skin care routine, as it prepares your skin to absorb moisturizer (the third step) and skin treatments (the fourth step). 

Witch Hazel

According to clinical data, an estimated 45% of Americans have sensitive skin, defined by abnormal sensory symptoms. Some research shows that applying witch hazel to sensitive skin may be beneficial for treating inflamed, red, broken, or irritated skin. In fact, one study found that witch hazel suppressed erythema, reddening of the skin caused by injury or irritation, by up to 27%. Another small study found that topical application of witch hazel was able to provide relief for sensitive or irritated facial skin. Additionally, witch hazel offers anti-inflammatory properties that may prevent acne-causing bacteria from infecting the skin. It acts as an astringent, causing tissues to contract and shrink pores, while soothing the skin in the process. 

Vitamin E Oil

The body requires vitamin E for optimal immune function and cell regeneration. It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help improve the appearance of your skin. For that reason, vitamin E oil is a common ingredient in skin care products, especially anti-aging products. Applying vitamin E oil to the skin can help reduce early signs of aging and the appearance of acne. It’s a great skin-conditioning agent that works best if you apply it before bed and let the skin absorb it overnight. 

Simple DIY Facial Toner

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces witch hazel
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 3 drops each: geranium, cypress, and lavender essential oils
• 4-ounce bottle

Instructions:

• Pour the witch hazel into the bottle, followed by the vitamin E oil. 
• Add three drops of each of the essential oils, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Use after you wash your face with a gentle face wash or cleanser. Shake before you apply some to a cotton ball and wipe it across your skin gently. 
• Finish by moisturizing your skin with a face serum, moisturizer, or skin treatment.

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The great thing about homemade body washes is that they are very easy to make. Dare we say that the recipe in this article is tasty? We aren’t saying that you should give this soap a taste test, but the scent is powerful and zesty, almost like a dessert. Not only does it smell great, but it also nourishes the skin in the best way. We’ll explain how it does this by highlighting some of the standout ingredients below. 

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a small tree and the extract from the tree is a popular astringent. You can purchase witch hazel online or in stores in the skin care section. Many people use it as a toner, or they incorporate it into homemade moisturizers, lotions, and cleansers. Witch hazel has been used as a home remedy for various skin conditions for centuries. The astringent properties help remove excess oil, making it a great product for people with oily skin. 

Witch hazel also aids with inflammation reduction. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, including tannins and gallic acid, work to reduce redness and soothe skin. In fact, this is why it is a popular home remedy for sunburn relief. For people with acne, or those who are prone to breakouts, witch hazel works to dry out blemishes and remove excess oil and bacteria. Finally, it may work to reduce itchiness and inflammation that results from insect bites, eczema, psoriasis, and more.

Castile Soap

Castile soap originated in Castile, Spain, and the original soap was made from pure olive oil and sodium carbonate. Over the years, though, the formula has evolved to include various plant-based oils and lye. Sometimes, Castile soap contains coconut oil, walnut oil, almond oil, and hemp oil, but olive oil-based soap is still the most popular. It is a biodegradable, ethically produced, vegan soap that is free of harmful chemicals. In addition to being an eco-friendly soap, Castile soap is very hydrating. It works to cleanse and moisturize the skin, which researchers attribute to the high glycerin content. Although Castile soap is a great body wash, it also works as a makeup remover, facial cleanser, and shaving oil. 

Almond Oil

There are two main types of almond oil: bitter and sweet. These two varieties are derived from the almond tree that is common in Mediterranean countries. Manufacturers extract the oil from almonds by grinding them, and they may use heat or chemical solvents to refine the oil. Cold-pressed almond oil is also available and is much better for the skin and beauty applications. Almond oil is both an emollient and a moisturizer, so it helps to keep the skin hydrated. Emollients work to smooth out the skin, filling in cracks or gaps that can cause dryness, while moisturizers supply the skin with water. 

One study found that emollients including refined almond oil were able to relieve itching and improved skin barrier function. Additionally, another study found that a moisturizer containing almond oil was able to relieve symptoms of eczema. Another study found that almond oil may reduce premature signs of aging by protecting skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation. 

Homemade Grapefruit Mint Body Wash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup witch hazel
• 1/4 cup Castile soap
• 1/4 cup almond oil
• 20 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• Foaming hand soap dispenser

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix well to combine. 
• Place a funnel into the foaming hand soap dispenser and pour the mixture into the dispenser via the funnel. You should be able to fill two 8.5-ounce dispensers with this mixture. 
• Make sure that you leave about an inch of room at the top of the dispenser for residual foam. Screw on the top and use when ready.

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The only downfall to frequently washing hands is that the skin dries out quickly. Most of the time, the temperature of the water has a lot to do with maintaining optimal moisture, but ingredients in commercial hand soaps also dry out the skin. Even if you use a nourishing hand soap, it can seem like all the lotion in the world cannot remedy the problem. 

If you suffer from dry hands, trust us when we tell you that you are not alone. During the colder, dryer months, skin is more prone to drying out, which is why you have to invite moisture back in. It’s always possible to use natural lotions or moisturizers that hydrate the skin, but why not kill two birds with one stone by using a moisturizing hand soap. You’ll clean your hands and moisturize at the same time! See how the moisturizing ingredients help your skin below. 

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is often praised for being an all natural toner and all-around superstar for your skin care routine. The polyphenols in witch hazel help to fight the signs of premature aging. By fighting free radical damage that comes from harmful UV rays, witch hazel works to fight the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Additionally, the natural tannins help to reduce inflammation, calming the appearance of red or irritated skin. These tannins also fight any greasiness on the hands that builds up from environmental pollutants. This recipe only calls for a small amount because too much witch hazel can strip the skin of moisture. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is technically a group of oil-soluble compounds that are commonly added to serums, moisturizers, eye creams, and more. When it comes to topical application, dermatologists agree that vitamin E oil can benefit numerous skin disorders. It works to repair the skin by assisting with cellular restoration. Vitamin E oil also works to moisturize the skin and improve the exterior of the epidermis. It actually establishes a protective barrier that helps to seal in moisture and reduce potential inflammation. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil typically remains on the skin’s surface, creating a protective layer of moisture on the skin. Dermatologists believe that the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in sweet almond oil also contribute to wound or acne healing. More research is necessary to prove this, though. People with dry skin can greatly benefit from using sweet almond oil because it is a natural emollient. This means that it works to smooth the skin by filling in dry gaps with moisture. In doing so, the skin’s barrier improves and it is able to retain more moisture for a lot longer. 

DIY Moisturizing Hand Soap

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup purified water
• 3/4 cup liquid Castile soap
• 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
• 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 15 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the water, Castile soap, vitamin E oil, sweet almond oil, witch hazel, and lemon essential oil to a soap bottle with a dispenser lid. Make sure to pour them into the bottle in that order. 
• Shake well before each use. When you use the soap, make sure to dispense a small amount onto your hands, scrub together for 20 seconds, and then rinse with lukewarm water. 
• Pat hands dry and feel the difference. If you notice a little oily residue, this is completely fine and you should not rub it off. Those oils are working hard to moisturize your hands!

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A switch is often necessary to improve your health. This can translate to a dietary shift that improves your health, an exercise shift that leads to bigger gains, or a skin care shift that enhances the appearance of your skin. In the case of the latter, the shift to natural skin care recipes can elevate your skin from dull and dry to hydrated and revived. 

When it comes to shaving, there are many techniques to achieve a perfectly close shave. Some people have no rhyme or reason to the way they slick the hair away, while others have a procedure dialed in. However you shave is entirely up to you, and so is your post-shave routine. Let us make one little suggestion, though: use the natural aftershave in this article if you want silky smooth skin. 

What Does Aftershave Do?

Aftershave is considered to be any type of oil, gel, liquid, or lotion that you put on the skin after shaving. Many people consider the application of aftershave to be a ritual, but how it affects the skin is different for everyone. Chemical aftershaves can cause irritation, while aftershaves with natural ingredients can reduce itching or swelling, establish smoother skin, or reduce the appearance of razor bumps. The right aftershave can even promote regrowth of skin tissue or prevent hair follicle inflammation. The aftershave in this article soothes the skin because of the following ingredients.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Can we be frank about this essential oil? Don’t be incensed about that question! Bad jokes aside, frankincense essential oil is beneficial for both skin care and aromatherapy. Spruce up your skin to liven it up and make it feel rejuvenated with frankincense essential oil. Post-shave skin can be dry, but frankincense oil can leave it feeling fresh and hydrated. 

Witch Hazel

Before you use witch hazel, consider reading the potential side effects and which skin types are more prone to reactions. Witch hazel is an excellent ingredient that may help reduce inflammation or ease irritation on the skin. When it comes to burns or sensitive skin, which is common after shaving, which hazel works to helps to soothe the skin and provide a cooling relief. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil contains a group of fat-soluble vitamins that have powerful antioxidant effects. You can mix this oil with other ingredients, but you can also apply it directly to the skin. This oil works to moisturize dry or flaky skin, and it also helps to reduce itching, which is common after shaving. If you are prone to razor burn or razor bumps, vitamin E oil can help calm the inflammation and help you avoid potential scarring. 

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Besides having an enchanting aroma, sandalwood essential oil has incredible hydrating properties. It actually replenishes the epidermis with moisture because it is an emollient, meaning it penetrates the skin deeply to help it retain moisture. Sandalwood essential oil also helps renew complexion, and can even help reduce irritation or inflammation.

DIY Aftershave

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce witch hazel
• 1/2 teaspoon almond oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerine
• 3 drops vitamin E oil
• 8 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to an empty two-ounce bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water. 
• Screw on the lid and shake vigorously to combine the ingredients. It’s now ready to use.
• Make sure to shake it up before each use. Place a small amount in the center of your palm, rub your hands together, and apply to freshly shaven skin. 

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