I have very dry skin that is also sensitive to many commercial chemicals. After spending way too much money on things that only partly hydrated my skin, or caused it to break out, or set off my allergies, I realized I could just make my own with things I had on hand.
Here’s a recipe for one of the gentlest, actually hydrating, easiest facial moisturizers you can make. (You might not have these ingredients on hand — and they’re not ridiculously cheap — although a little bit goes a long way, so they definitely pay for themselves in the long run.)
I like to use this for a nighttime moisturizer, as I use lemon essential oil in mine (and that can make skin sensitive to sunburn).
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of plain Aloe Vera gel or oil
Natural moisturizer with wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties, also stimulates new cell growth - 1 tablespoon of Sweet Almond oil
Hypoallergenic, naturally hydrating, pore cleansing, rich in vitamin E. You can substitute Rosehip oil, Grapeseed oil, or Avocado oil, which are also healing and hydrating, and good for sensitive skin - 10 drops Jojoba oil
Antibacterial, antifungal, similar to human sebum so it helps regulate skin oil production, rich in vitamins A and E - 1 teaspoon of glycerin for skin
An emollient that helps protect skin from moisture loss - 6 drops of essential oil
Lemon is brightening and antibacterial, geranium oil encourages new skin growth, lavender oil is anti-inflammatory and encourages new skin growth, etc.
Instructions:
- Put everything in a shake-able container.
2. Shake until everything is mixed.
3. To apply, put a dime-sized amount on a clean cotton pad and swab across your face. For me, two applications covers my whole face.
Be careful not to get this in your eyes, and don’t swallow it. It’ll last anywhere between one to three months (longer if refrigerated). After that, throw it out and make more — oil goes rancid naturally, after all.
More posts about stuff for your skin:
What a cool idea! I switched to homemade shampoo several years ago (https://thehairpin.com/how-to-quit-shampoo-without-becoming-disgusting-59726e27bf78) but had never imagined that making something as apparently-complicated as moisturizer would be possible!
I’ve thrown out nearly all of my skincare products, I only use an organic sheabutter cleanser that I wipe off with a wet cotton pad, and then apply almond oil to the moist skin. Works wonders for me, my skin has never been so clear.
However, I have very dry feet and have to moisturize them every night before I sleep (please tell me I’m not the only one who does this, I think it’s kind of weird), so I might try this recipe.
straight shea butter is the best for super dry feet. 🙂
I have used only all natural oils/Shea butter now for years. This recipe looks great gonna give it a try.
Indeed, I have super dry feet too and pure shea butter works best. However, I do have to wear ankle socks for a while for the butter to sink in. It’s not pretty, but it beats bleeding cracked feet and/or bleeding everything if one just slips on the greasy floor.
I’m pretty satisfied with the Full of grace bar mosturizer from Lush, but I might have to try this for the summer month. 1) The bar melts in high temps and 2) it’s a bit too mosturizing if I’m going to add sunscreen over it.
That recipe looks great. I find pure oils can make my skin feel too greasy, so I love the addition of aloe vera and glycerine in this recipe. I’ve made things like cleansers and lotions before, but this looks so nice and easy.
And other Cat: my feet get very dry too, especially in the summer when I wear sandals or go bare foot so they’re more exposed to the elements, but I definitely don’t bother to moisturise them every day so that could be why! Anyway, it’s not just you and it’s not weird (at least I don’t think it is 😀 )
This recipe looks great!
And thank you for the warning about lemon essential oil making you sensitive to the sun!
Lavender is from the peppermint family, if you use it in a face cream it will make your eyes water. Also, why not apply with your hand, instead of a cotton pad, to avoid making unneccesary waste?
Because your fingers won’t necessarily allow for a fine enough application. However, I use this moisturizer with washable organic coton and hemp pads instead of the disposable ones.