How to Keep Your Skin Naturally Moisturized

You can customize your moisturizer by making it at home.

Moisturizing regularly, especially during the winter months, can prevent the itching and flaking caused by dry skin and help prevent signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles. You can avoid purchasing commercial moisturizers, which are often full of chemicals and fillers, by making your own moisturizers from all-natural items, many of which you may have in your home already. The oils and fats in many foods nourish the skin when you apply them topically. Many food and plant-based oils, such as jojoba and grapeseed oil, are also sold commercially and can be applied directly to the skin or mixed into moisturizers.

Things You'll Need

• Yogurt
• Honey
• Oatmeal
• Vegetable oil
• Vegetable shortening
• Beeswax
• Argan, macadamia nut, emu, almond, jojoba or grapeseed oil
• Mold for lotion bars
• Essential oils (optional)

Instructions

Mix Up a Facial Mask

1. Combine 2 tbsp. of plain yogurt, 1 tbsp. of honey and 1 tbsp. to 2 tbsp. of cool, cooked oatmeal.

2. Apply the mixture to your face and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Rinse off the mask.

Treat Skin With Moisturizing Oil

1. Shower or bathe before applying the moisturizing oil. After bathing is the best time to do this because your skin is clean and your pores are open from the water's heat. You may also exfoliate at this time to remove any loose dry skin.

2. Dry your skin with a soft, clean towel.

3. Massage one to two dime-size drops of argan, macadamia nut, emu, almond, jojoba or grapeseed oil into your skin immediately after drying.

4. Wait one to two minutes for the oil to absorb into your skin before dressing.

Make Lotion Bars

1. Mix 1/4 cup beeswax, 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1/4 cup vegetable shortening in a double boiler or bowl set over a pot of simmering water. You can adjust the size or number of lotion bars this recipe makes by the amount of ingredients you use, but use equal portions at all times.

2. Stir until the ingredients are melted and well-combined. If you would like to scent your lotion bar, add a few drops of an essential oil, such as lavender or rosemary, to the mixture. Alternatively, you can add 1 tsp. of moisturizing oil, such as jojoba or coconut for an extra luxurious lotion bar.

3. Remove the mixture from heat.

4. Pour the mixture into molds, such as cupcake pans, small (palm-size or smaller) cake or bread pans, or clean yogurt cups.

5. Allow the bars to cool until hardened.

6. Turn the molds upside-down to release the lotion bars. If you have difficulty, tap the molds gently, run a butter knife around the edges or sit them in warm water for a few moments. Repeat as necessary until the lotion bars release from the molds.

7. Rub a bar between your hands to warm it and moisturize as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase beeswax at some craft stores, from your local beekeeper or online. Add a few drops of vitamin E oil to your moisturizing regimen. Vitamin E oil may soften skin and improve its appearance with repeated use. Some potential benefits include sunburn relief, scar and stretch mark minimization. Moisturized skin starts from the inside, so stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

• Don't apply anything to your skin that you know you could not eat. That is to say, if you're allergic to almonds or avocados, do not use them as topical moisturizers. You may have an allergic reaction when the food comes in contact with your skin. If your skin is sensitive or if your skin dryness is accompanied by redness or a rash, consult a doctor or dermatologist before applying oils or other skin treatments.

References

• Nicole Cothrun Venables; 7 Natural Oils for Revitializing Hair, Skin and Nails; 2011
• Little House in the Suburbs; Homemade Lotion Bars; November 2008
• Wise She; Uses of Vitamin E Oil

Resources

• Skin Care E-Learning and Resource Center; Homemade Skin Care Recipes
• It's Not Easy to Be Green; Homemade Facial Moisturizer; March 2011