
Now these recipes of course are to be experimented with as everyone has different kinds of skin. If you have oily skin, you’ll want to apply a lighter layer of moisturizer, and if you have dry skin, you’ll want to apply more. First of all, if you want a simple recipe that requires no mixing with the bare minimum of time needed, I would just use Virgin Coconut Oil that is organic and unrefined. I buy my coconut oil online from Tropical Traditions. You can put as much or as little as you want on your skin. So if you have dry skin, you’ll use more than just a little, etc. The only draw back on using the oil on your body is the fact that it gets on your clothes if you put your clothes on right away after using it. You can opt to only use the oil on your face or exposed parts of the body or just wear clothes that you don’t care about before going to bed. (Alternatives to coconut oil is almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil).
On a side note: Tropical Traditions also have lotions and a face cream to prevent the hassle of oil stains on your clothes. All their products are petrol chemical free with no animal products used. Check out their website for more information.
HOMEMADE MOISTURIZERS: You will use a combination of essential oils and a base oil (aka carrier oil). It is not wise to use essential oils directly on the skin without your base oil! Essential oils are very concentrated and are to be used carefully. If you don’t know if you’re allergic to a particular essential oil you can put a dab of it on your inner arm. If after some time passes no reaction on the skin occurs you are safe. If you feel itchy or have sensitivity in any way, do not use the essential oil.
Almond, grapeseed or even sunflower oil is a good base oil to use with your essential oils.
Method:
Mix together 10 teaspoons of base oil (aka carrier oil) with 5-6 drops of any combination of the essential oils suggested in the next paragraph. Or you can use just one essential oil on its own. One oil may be your favorite, so by all means, go with your favorite!
Here are some combinations you can use (essential oils):
lemon and geranium for normal skin
lime and orange for oily skin
lavender and rose for dry skin
OR
lemon, neroli, and geranium for normal skin
lime, orange and jasmine for oily skin
lavender, rose, calendula for dry skin
Essential Oil Moisturizing Cream
For those of you who own a bain-marie or a double-broiler, here is a more challenging recipe–but it’s still on the easy side.
—for all skin types—
3 teaspoons beeswax granules
5 teaspoons almond oil
4 tablespoons water
5-6 drops suitable essential oil
You can also choose from the essential oil combinations suggested above, that is suitable for your skin.
Melt the beeswax in a bain-marie or a double broiler keeping the heat very low. Once it has melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the almond oil. Heat the water, or use hot water from the kettle, and try to make it about the same temperature as the melted wax. Return the wax and oil mixture to the heat and gradually add the water, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and using either a fork or an electric beater, mix until it begins to cool and set. Then add the essential oils. Pot the cream and keep it in the fridge.
Budget and Recycle Tip:
To save money and the environment, why not keep used moisturizer cream jars that you have bought with product inside of it to store your homemade creams in? Just peel off labels and wash jar before using it. Make sure to label your jar (use address labels) before putting it into the fridge to store it. This will prevent confusion as to what is inside the jar. You can also use small jam or jelly jars or any other glass food containers that is small and easily accessible (to put your fingers into).