If you, like millions across the nation, enjoy the warming fall aromas, then you are going to love this recipe. And if you love pumpkin spice everything, this is the nourishing lip scrub you never knew you needed in your life. It only contains natural ingredients that cater to the skin on your lips. Your lips will look more luxurious than ever!

What Is A Lip Scrub?

Just like a body scrub or facial scrub, a lip scrub contains particles that help slough away dead, dry, or flaky pieces on the lips. Lip scrubs naturally, not chemically, remove these dead cells, allowing your lips to better absorb moisturizing agents and protectants. If you ever apply lip balm and have to reapply 15 minutes later, your lips probably require exfoliation. DIY lip scrub recipes like the one in this article, are very simple to make and even easier to use. 

What’s In A Lip Scrub?

More often than not, a lip scrub will contain an exfoliant, such as sugar, a carrier oil, vitamin E oil, and some flavoring or scented ingredients. This pumpkin spice lip scrub in this article contains both brown and granulated sugar, sweet almond oil, vitamin E oil, and pumpkin pie spice. If you know that your lips are sensitive, consider just using brown sugar because granulated sugar can be a little intense for those with sensitive skin. 

How To Use A Lip Scrub

Wet your lips just as you would wet your face prior to cleansing. By wetting your lips, you help prevent abrasive friction. Apply the lip scrub directly to your damp lips and use small, circular motions with your fingertips to massage it in. Do this for about 30 seconds before rinsing off with lukewarm water. This process is highly beneficial if you want to soften and smooth your lips before applying lip balm or lipstick, or even if your lips are flaky from cold weather. If your lips are sunburned or have open cuts, please do not use a lip scrub because it may cause unwanted irritation. 

What Do You Do After Using A Lip Scrub?

After you scrub your lips, you have to then apply a repairing lip balm. Some people like to use pure petroleum jelly because it seals in moisture, which soothes your cleansed lips. Providing the lips with moisturizing ingredients post scrub can rehydrate the skin’s outer layer, sealing in as much moisture as possible. If you don’t like petroleum jelly, which is completely understandable, you can use this DIY lip balm. 

DIY Pumpkin Spice Lip Scrub

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 3 drops vitamin E oil
• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil

Instructions:

• Whisk the sugars and pumpkin pie spice together in a small bowl until they are thoroughly combined. 
• Pour the vitamin E oil and sweet almond oil into the bowl and stir to combine. The mixture should be thick, just like a body scrub. 
• Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to three months. 
• If your house is hot, it’s possible that the scrub may appear oily on the surface when you go to use it. Just make sure to mix it up if you see a layer of oil on the top. Then you can use it as you please.

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Please allow us to talk about breasts for a minute. Not in the inappropriate way, but in a real grown-up, lived-in body way. Between raising children, entering a new mid-life chapter, or dealing with the bodily changes that come with aging, it can be hard to take care of yourself…and your boobs. 

Why Use Castor Oil For Breast Health?

By applying castor oil to breast tissue, you can help support overall breast wellness. A castor oil pack on the breasts can promote circulation and lymphatic flow, both of which help nourish and detox breast tissue. The theory, then, is that castor oil may help repair and maintain breast tissue. As of now, though, there is no scientific evidence that supports these claims. They are merely anecdotal and women have been applying castor oil packs to their breasts for centuries. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter is an all-purpose bag that can help nourish the skin and hair, regardless of the time of year. It works to soften, protect, and smooth, and is suitable for almost everyone. Many women find shea butter to be a great hypoallergenic balm to help maintain breast firmness. You can apply it liberally to the breasts as a natural firming treatment. Due to the moisturizing nature of shea butter, it may help reduce stretch marks, itching, and skin tightness. In fact, it helps preserve skin elasticity when used regularly. 

Beeswax

There are many beeswax nipple covers intended for breastfeeding mothers, as the beeswax helps protect the nipples from irritation. Beeswax is an emollient, humectant, and occlusive, so it soothes and softens the skin by filling in gaps and smoothing the surface. It also attracts moisture to the skin and helps the skin retain that moisture. That’s why it is highly effective for preventing nipple pain and cracking. It is highly beneficial for the skin, but no evidence suggests that it will increase breast size or firm up sagging breasts. 

Geranium Essential Oil

Commonly used in aromatherapy applications, geranium essential oil may help to reduce feelings of stress or anxiety. It may also enhance concentration, cognitive function, and help balance hormones. In cosmetic applications, geranium essential oil has a reputation for eliminating dead skin cells and tightening the skin. It may also promote the regeneration of new skin cells and diminish the signs of aging. Studies confirm that the astringent properties in geranium essential oil work to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of sagging or wrinkling. 

DIY Firming Castor Oil Breast Balm

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cold-pressed castor oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 5 drops geranium essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Fill a small saucepan with about one to two inches of water and place over low heat. 
• Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the saucepan and then add the shea butter and beeswax pellets. Allow them to melt, stirring occasionally with a clean spoon or small silicone whisk. 
• Once the shea butter and beeswax are fully melted, pour in the castor oil and remove from heat. 
• Add the essential oils, mix well, and then carefully pour the mixture into a clean jar or tin. Allow it to firm up at room temperature (about an hour). 
• Once firm, screw on a lid and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. When ready to use, warm a small amount between your hands. 
• Gently massage the balm into a clean chest and the under-breast area using slow, upward motions. Use two to three times per week, or nightly if desired.

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If you regularly suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, infertility, or irregular periods, vitex, also known as chasteberry, may help. Historically, vitex has been a proven folk/herbal remedy for these issues, and newer research confirms this. Vitex is not only for women with hormonal issues; rather, recent studies found that it exhibits anti-tumor properties in different human cancer cell lines. 

What Is Vitex?

Technically, vitex is the name for the largest genus in the Verbenaceae family, comprising 250 species. The most common variety used for medicinal purposes is the chase tree, which is a small plant with berries that are similar in size to peppercorns. Native to the Mediterranean and Asia, vitex also goes other names, including lilac chastetree, Abraham’s balm, and monk’s pepper. 

Scientists are in pursuit of finding all of vitex’s biologically active compounds. After investigating more than 20 vitex species for chemical and biological properties, 18 beneficial compounds have been in the vitex fruit. An additional 200 compounds, including flavonoids, steroid, terpenoids, iridoids, and lignans, have been found in the 20 vitex species. Continue reading to learn how this plant can benefit female health. 

May Improve Female Fertility

According to research, vitex has demonstrated an ability to improve fertility, particularly in women with luteal phase defect (shortened second half of menstrual cycle). These women have trouble because their ovaries do not release enough progesterone. One trial consisted of 48 women between the ages of 23 and 39. They were diagnosed with infertility and took chasteberry once daily for three months. During the three-month trial, seven women became pregnant and 25 women experienced normalized progesterone levels. 

Another study evaluated 52 women with luteal phase defects from hyperprolactinemia (higher than normal levels of prolactin in the blood). Each woman received a dose of 20 milligrams (mg) of vitex or a placebo every day during the course of the study. After three months, women treated with vitex exhibited a reduction in prolactin release. Their shortened luteal phases were normalized and deficits in the luteal progesterone synthesis were eliminated. 

May Help Treat Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows beyond the uterine cavity. The lining of the uterus grows on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic tissues in a woman with endometriosis. Medical experts are not fully aware of the exact cause, but some contributing factors include genetics and hormonal imbalance. Although you cannot do anything about the genetics part, you can help balance hormones with vitex. Some researchers suggest taking chasteberry or vitex for 12 to 18 months for maximum effectiveness. 

Helps Relieve PMS Symptoms

People who want to help naturally remedy PMS symptoms, especially cramps, often turn to vitex. It is one of the top herbal remedies for PMS relief. One study found that 93% of the participants who were treated with vitex for three consecutive menstrual cycles reported a decrease in the number of symptoms, or a complete end of symptoms. Additionally, vitex may help treat some menopausal symptoms and hormonal acne. 

An increased production of prolactin may contribute to cyclic breast tenderness, which is another PMS symptom. Vitex works well at reducing PMS symptoms because it helps suppress the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland. Various studies indicate that vitex may also reduce headaches, irritable mood, and breast tenderness, all of which can be PMS symptoms. One review found that five out of six studies concluded that vitex extracts were superior to a placebo for treating PMS symptoms. 

Vitex or chasteberry is available in many forms, including dried, ripe, tea, or extract. It is one of the prominent ingredients in two Dherbs formulas that are in The Female Cleanse, which can help provide essential nutrients for female health and support overall wellness.

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Cracked and chapped lips are not only painful, but also hard to conceal. You do your best effort to make it look like the skin isn’t flaking from your lips, but it may show through, despite your best efforts. Lip balm is a helpful product that can moisturize the skin on your lips, but it is even more beneficial when you have the right ingredients in the product. That is exactly the case for this peppermint elderberry lip balm. 

What Is Lip Balm Essential?

Lip balm is a soft, waxy substance that you can apply to the lips to ease the soreness or burning caused by chapped or cracked lips. The skin on the lips is very thin, so it is more prone to dryness than other areas of the skin. The waxy lip balm, then, essentially creates a protective shield on your lips. This helps keep the lips safe from air, wind, and colder temperatures. 

A lot of people will use lip balm to remedy chapped lips during the wintertime, but lip balm can be used year round. If your lip balm does a good job, then you will not need to apply regularly. The right ingredients promote long-lasting moisture, nourishment, and comfort.

Infusing The Oil With Elderberry 

In order to make this lip balm, you have to infuse the olive oil with dried elderberries and alkanet root powder. This is a powder that is effective for naturally tinting lips. Now, if you do not want this lip balm to tint your lips, you do not have to use it. You can simply use another teaspoon or two of dried elderberries. Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare professional before using products that contain alkanet powder. Traditionally, it is usually not advised. 

Although you can use sunflower oil or jojoba oil, we opted for olive oil, as it is highly nourishing. It is also a great oil for infusing, whether you want to make a lip balm or flavored oil for culinary use. The only thing to keep in mind is that the infusion process takes a couple weeks. Add the elderberries to the oil and keep in a sunny spot, such as the windowsill, for two weeks. 

After the infusion period, strain the dried elderberries and collect the oil in a container. If you store the oil properly, this will keep for about one year. Once you have your infused oil, you are ready to make the lip balm. 

DIY Peppermint Elderberry Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1/2 tablespoon castor oil
• 1 tablespoon infused olive oil
• 1 teaspoon pomegranate seed oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellet (plus 1 more teaspoon)
• 12 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except the essential oil) to a heat-safe glass measuring cup. Place that cup in a small saucepan containing a couple inches of water over medium-low heat. 
• Keep on the stove until all of the ingredients are melted. Stir well to combine and then remove from heat. Add the essential oils once removed from heat. 
• Pour the mixture into lip balm tubs or tins and allow to set at room temperature before putting the lids on. Use when ready.

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If you want to enter the world of DIY beauty products, lip balms are the perfect entry point. They are not extremely difficult to make, and you can customize their flavor using different essential oils. In the case of the recipe in this article, we chose an essential oil that evokes the holiday spirit. All you need is a double boiler and four ingredients to make this lip balm!

When people look at DIY recipes, they often see a double boiler on the list of required items or tools. You don’t need a double boiler, but you can get one if you plan on making a lot of homemade beauty products. You can make your own double boiler variation in two easy ways. Both ways involve a pot that contains an inch or so of water in it. Place that pot on the stove over medium heat. Once the water is warm, place the ingredients you need to melt inside a heat-safe glass jar or measuring cup. Don’t let the water boil and stir until fully melted. The other option is to place a heat-safe glass bowl over the top of the pot with water. The heat that builds up in the pot will help melt the ingredients in the bowl above. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter boasts a long list of moisturizing and nourishing compounds. One of the best benefits is that it is enriched with emollient properties and health fats, which the skin can easily absorb for optimal hydration. Even the driest of skin types are no match for shea butter’s moisturizing properties. Applying shea butter to your lips supplies them with extra nutrients without weighing them down. Shea butter doesn’t leave your lips feeling greasy or textured either. Plus, the humectant properties work to prevent moisture loss during the winter months. 

Beeswax

You are probably familiar with the many beeswax lip balms in existence, and for good reason. Beeswax is an excellent ingredient for lip balms because it helps to seal in moisture and protect against dryness. It works to create a barrier between your lips and the environment, making it ideal for cold, windy weather. Like shea butter, beeswax is a natural substance that is not likely to cause allergic reactions or irritation. Finally, the anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe chapped or irritated lips. 

Coconut Oil

Just like shea butter and beeswax, coconut oil offers impressive moisturizing properties, making it ideal for chapped lips. The reason that lips are susceptible to moisture loss is because the skin is so thin. They are more exposed to the elements than other parts of the skin, so they rely on you for protection. Coconut oil is considered to be an emollient, which is a non-cosmetic moisturizer that helps keep the skin moist. Emollients trap moisture into the skin, which is good news for your lips because they lose moisture easily.

A Quick Note

One thing to note is that if you cannot get the Christmas Spirit essential oil, you can make a similar blend. All you need is three drops of cinnamon bark essential oil, three drops of orange essential oil, and one drop of Idaho blue spruce essential oil. You only need seven drops because you don’t want the scent to be overpowering, although you can add more if you so desire. 

All-Natural Holiday Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 7 drops Christmas Spirit essential oil
• Lip balm containers

Instructions:

• Create a double boiler by adding two inches of water to a pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. 
• Combine the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a heat-safe glass jar and sit it inside the pot. Slowly bring the water to a boil and reduce the hit so that the water simmers. 
• Once the ingredients are fully melted, stir well and then carefully remove the pot from heat. Add the essential oil and stir to combine. 
• Carefully pour or spoon the melted mixture into the lip balm containers. Allow the balm to harden at room temperature, and then it is ready for immediate use.

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Some people start purchasing Christmas gifts in July, while others wait until the last minute. Maybe those people buy gift cards to save time and please the masses. Let us be clear about something: there is nothing wrong with a gift card. If you want to make gifts a little more personal this year, while simultaneously saving a little money, consider making gifts for the people in your life. 

No, you don’t have to join an assembly line and craft an entire train set from scratch. We are referring to some classic homemade beauty products that are beneficial for the hair and skin. In the following list, you will see everything from body scrubs to candles, which do not include harmful fragrances. Some of these recipes even share similar ingredients, so you can get more bang for your buck and diversify your DIY gifts. We hope you love these holiday gift ideas, but we really hope the people you give them to love them even more!

3-Ingredient Facial Moisturizer

Customize your facial moisturizer to your skin’s needs. Keep that glow alive with a simple blend of carrier oils and essential oils. Moisturizing with oils may be counterintuitive, but certain oils benefit the skin and can prevent dryness.

Click here to make the moisturizer. 

Vanilla Pumpkin Sugar Scrub

Pumpkin puree has several uses outside the kitchen! Your skin can absorb the nutrient from pumpkin when you apply it topically. Incorporate pumpkin into your sugar scrub and enhance the health of your skin with coconut oil, cinnamon, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, and natural raw sugar. 

Click here to make the sugar scrub.

Sinus Relief Candle

The winter months can be brutal on your sinuses, especially with colds going around. Open up those nasal passages with an all-natural candle that contains tea tree oil, peppermint essential oil, and eucalyptus essential oil. 

Click here to make the candle. 

Peppermint Lip Balm

Chapped lips are very common in cold weather, but not anymore with this DIY lip balm. Made from ingredients that nourish the skin on the lips, this DIY recipe is moisturizing and holiday-themed. Consider painting the lip balm tins like candy canes to make them more festive. 

Click here to make the lip balm.

Apple Spice Sugar Scrub

Lather on a big dollop of this apple spice sugar scrub on your skin for maximum hydration, exfoliation, and moisture during drier weather.

Click here to make the sugar scrub.

Cinnamon Soy Candles

Skip the bags of scented pine cones at grocery stores or arts & crafts stores and make these DIY fall-inspired cinnamon soy candles instead. They will make the whole house smell amazing!

Click here to make the candles.

Citrus Mint Body Wash

Ditch the toxins and fragrances and awaken your senses with this DIY citrus mint body wash, which is made with all-natural ingredients.

Click here to make the body wash.

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In 2020, data from a National Health Interview Survey found that 14.5% of adults had trouble falling asleep most days. The number of adults who had a hard time falling asleep increased as family income and educational attainment decreased. Additionally, the percentage continued to increase as family income decreased and the place of residence became more rural.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends seven to eight hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Over 25% of adults do not meet this recommendation on a regular basis. If you have a hard time falling asleep, that decreases your ability to get a sufficient amount of sleep per night. Sometimes, it is difficult to relax, and that can be the result of an irregular circadian rhythm. Instead of resorting to sleeping pills, since they have a long list of side effects, you may want to consider experimenting with the bedtime balm in this article. 

Does Lavender Promote Sleep?

One study compared the effects of lavender and sleep hygiene versus sleep hygiene alone on sleep quantity and quality. The goal was to determine if participants experienced a sustained effect two weeks after the study. Study authors noted that the lavender and sleep hygiene group demonstrated better sleep quality at the two-week follow-up. Additionally, study authors noted that the lavender group woke up feeling more refreshed. 

Several studies indicate that inhaling lavender aroma may help reduce anxiety. Scientists have found similar results for lavender’s effectiveness in treating depression. Lavender essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy because of its ability to promote relaxation and sleep. Some studies found that the use of lavender oil for aromatherapy improved sleep quality not only in people without sleep or mental health disorders, but also in people with depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Inhaling lavender essential oil’s aroma may also increase the time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. 

Some research indicates that lavender may have a calming effect on the central nervous system. For this reason, lavender may benefit people who experience circadian rhythm disorders or occasionally sleeplessness. 

Where Do You Apply The Bedtime Balm?

Once you make the bedtime balm, apply a small amount to your wrists, collarbones, or temples when you get ready for bed. It is unclear how quickly the sleep balm works. It usually depends on how sensitive you are to the aromas in the balm. For the average person, it may start to calm you down and promote sleep in about 15-30 minutes. As with any natural remedy, though, it may take a few tries for it to be effective. Continue using it and experiment with different placements. Lastly, before we give you the recipe, make sure to do a small patch test on your arm and see if you have a reaction within 24 hours. 

DIY Bedtime Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces beeswax pellets
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops myrrh essential oil
• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 6 drops vetiver essential oil
• 6 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Melt the beeswax and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler or in the microwave in a heat-safe bowl. 
• While those ingredients are melting, prepare your lip balm containers to be filled. 
• Once the beeswax and coconut oil are melted, pour in the sweet almond oil and stir to combine. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture. 
• Let the mixture cool for about a minute and then add the essential oils. Stir until fully incorporated. 
• Pour the mixture into the containers and allow it to cool and solidify at room temperature. When fully cooled, the balm is ready to use. 
• To use, apply a small amount to your temples, wrists, collar bones, or back of your neck. You can even place a small amount on your pillow to help you sleep.

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Lemon balm is a relaxing, calming herb loved by bees and humans alike. It is a common ingredient in stress-reducing creams or supplements that aid sleep and rejuvenation. As a relative of the mint family, lemon balm has dense green leaves that emit a fresh lemon aroma. It is a lovely addition to any herb garden and complements other shrubs and flowers. If you have good soil and sunlight, lemon balm will grow easily!

How Does Lemon Balm Benefit The Skin?

Rich in caffeic and ferulic acids, both of which are antioxidants, lemon balm can help neutralize free radicals on the skin. Free radicals, which are commonly created by pollution, are oxidizing agents that cause damage to skin cells. If left unchecked, these free radicals can cause premature aging, including fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. Creams or salves that contain lemon balm work to increase circulation, while simultaneously tightening the skin. 

Lemon balm exhibits antibacterial properties that work to cleanse pores and reduce the frequency of blackheads. Some anecdotal reports indicate that it may aid healing, being a natural remedy for insect stings, bites, cuts, and small wounds. Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid, which works to benefit oily skin by reducing oil production. In turn, that effect may help reduce acne breakouts. 

What Does The Research Say?

An in-vitro study that used lemon balm oil found it to be very effective against a series of human cancer cell lines. Lemon balm oil exhibits antioxidant activity, evidenced by a reduction of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). Another study from 2004 found that lemon balm may offer anti-tumor properties, but more research is necessary to determine this. 

Lemon balm works to relax the blood vessels and offers antiviral activity. Historically, Greek and Latin cultures used lemon balm to calm nerves and treat fevers. In America, the Cherokee tribe used lemon balm to remedy digestive disorders and mitigate stress. Even today, lemon balm offers therapeutic properties that help soothe wounds, anxiety, acne, eczema, and even chickenpox. 

What Is Lemon Balm Oil?

Lemon balm can also be found in oil form, but you can make your own lemon balm oil if you have the time. Please note that lemon balm oil is not the same as lemon balm essential oil, which is made by distilling lemon balm leaves. To make lemon balm oil, you have to crush the leaves and slowly heat them in a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, almond oil, or fractionated coconut oil. This process can take a couple weeks before it is ready to use, and the longer you wait, the better. If you don’t have the time, though, you can buy lemon balm oil for the following DIY salve. 

DIY Lemon Balm Salve

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon candelilla wax
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 tsp lemon balm oil (not essential oil)

Instructions:

• Melt the wax with the jojoba oil and olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the wax is melted, you can stir in the lemon balm oil. 
• Transfer this mixture to a metal storage tin and allow it to cool before placing the lid on. Use as needed, but do not use lemon balm if you have thyroid issues.

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There are many natural ingredients that people use to moisturize their skin. Because of that, you can choose to lather your skin in all sorts of oils, butters, salves, and balms. You don’t necessarily want to bombard your skin with too many things because you want to try certain products to see their efficacy before you keep adding more and more. If your skin is chapped or dry, the DIY moisturizer in this article can help enhance moisture levels.

This recipe calls for dried dandelion flowers, which you need to infuse into the coconut oil. This is a process that you can typically do two different ways, but coconut oil limits you to one way. Because coconut oil is solid at room temperature, unless it is very hot where you live, you can’t just add flowers to the oil and allow it to infuse for a few weeks. If this whipped moisturizer called for olive oil, you could do that process. 

The quickest way to infuse dandelion flowers into the coconut oil is by putting them in a heat-safe jar with the coconut oil. A glass measuring cup or canning jar will work just fine. Set the jar down into a saucepan that contains a couple inches of water in the bottom. This is a makeshift double boiler. Set the pan over medium-low heat for about two hours, adding more water so that it doesn’t fully evaporate out. 

Dandelion Flowers For Skin

Dermatologists recommend dandelion for the skin because it can inhibit microbial infections. Naturally rich in anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, dandelion can act as an antibacterial, germicidal ingredient, detoxifying the skin and clearing out pores. It may help reduce the risk of future breakouts, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Dandelion flowers also exhibit anti-aging properties, and some studies found that they may help reduce the appliance of fine lines. Lastly, dandelion stimulates collagen and elastin production, which helps to firm up your skin, preventing sagging or drooping. As a bonus, it may help minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation or age spots. 

Coconut Oil

Is coconut oil the undisputed champ of moisturizing agents? That is up for debate, but it is an occlusive, so it sits on top of the skin and traps moisture underneath. That works to soothe the skin and lock in any existing moisture, but it does not “hydrate” the skin. Instead, coconut oil may help to plump up the skin because it is a natural anti-aging moisturizer. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil help your skin retain moisture, while keeping it silky smooth. Coconut oil may also suppress inflammatory markers and enhance skin barrier function, but more studies are necessary to confirm that. 

Whipped Dandelion & Coconut Oil Moisturizer

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup dried dandelion flowers

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil and dandelion flowers to a heat-safe glass jar. Set this jar in a saucepan with a couple inches of water in it over medium-low heat. This process takes about two hours.
• The indirect heat melts the coconut oil and helps infuse the dandelions into it. Make sure to keep an eye on the water so that it doesn’t all evaporate. When it gets low, pour more water into the saucepan. 
• Remove from heat and strain the dandelion infused oil into a small mixing bowl. Discard the dandelion flowers.
• Place the infused oil into the fridge until it becomes firm. Once it is firm, remove it from the fridge and beat the chilled oil with a hand mixer for about five minutes, or until light and fluffy. 
• Spoon this whipped coconut oil into a glass jar and store in a cool, dark place. If you have a warm house, though, consider storing it in the refrigerator. Use when ready, but let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.

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Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that typically presents dry, itchy patches on the skin. The inflammation, itchiness, and redness can lead to cracked or swollen skin, or even blisters. Dermatologists typically prescribe steroid creams to help control the condition, but you can go a more natural route. Homemade eczema creams harness the power of natural ingredients to moisturize the skin and calm inflammation. 

Believe it or not, homemade creams can be very effective at reducing eczema symptoms. The reason for this is because they contain nourishing, moisturizing ingredients that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Some of these ingredients include shea butter, coconut oil, oatmeal, and aloe vera, all of which help relieve itching and promote healing. In fact, research shows that shea butter contains beneficial compounds that exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. 

Please note that if eczema symptoms are severe or persistent, you may require over-the-counter or prescription-strength creams/ointments. Those products often contain active ingredients like immunomodulators or corticosteroids, which work to control symptoms and reduce inflammation. If you want to go the more natural route before resorting to those treatments, the following creams may provide relief. 

Baby Butter Balm

A baby’s skin is very sensitive, so prioritizing gentle and safe ingredients for eczema treatment is paramount. When using the following cream on a baby’s skin, make sure to do a small patch test before applying to the affected area. 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shea butter 
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon ground oatmeal 

Instructions:

• In a small heat-safe bowl, melt the shea butter and coconut oil in the microwave or in the top of a double boiler. You can also make your own version of a double boiler and melt those ingredients that way. 
• Once the shea butter and coconut oil are fully melted, remove from the heat source and allow it to cool for a few minutes. 
• Add the ground oatmeal to the melted mixture and stir to combine. Transfer to a clean, airtight container and allow it to solidify at room temperature. Use when ready. 

Soothing Oatmeal Cream

Known for its soothing properties, oatmeal has been used for centuries to remedy skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Oats contain compounds, such as beta-glucans, that work to reduce itching, calm inflammation, and relieve dry or irritated skin. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons raw organic honey
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

• For the oats, you can either use regular rolled oats or you can add them to a food processor and blend them into a powder. The choice is yours. 
• In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut oil, and honey, mixing until thoroughly combined. Add the lavender essential oil (if using) and mix again. 
• Apply a small amount of the cream to the affected areas and gently massage into the skin. Leave the cream on for a few minutes so that the ingredients can penetrate the skin. 
• Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Store the remaining cream in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. 

Aloe Vera & Olive Oil Eczema Balm

Olive oil is a natural moisturizer that works to hydrate the skin and enhance skin barrier function. The antioxidants and healthy fats in olive oil work to nourish and soothe dry, itchy skin. Aloe vera exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and itching, all the while providing a cooling sensation. A six-week study compared the effectiveness of Olivederma (a combination of olive oil and aloe vera) and betamethasone (a corticosteroid) for eczema treatment. The study found that both the Olivederma and betamethasone reduced eczema severity, but Olivederma showed greater improvement.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 10 drops rosehip oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Add the cocoa butter to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until melted. 
• Once the cocoa butter is melted, pour in the olive oil and remove from heat. Pour the aloe vera gel into the mixture and stir to combine. 
• Add the rosehip oil (if desired) and then transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before you use it. Store in a cool, dark place.

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