There are too many creams to choose from these days! From body butters and facial creams to anti-aging serums and more, it can be hard to find exactly what works for you and your skin. If you are looking to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines, there are some essential ingredients to look out for. By that, we mean that you should seek out certain ingredients and also avoid others. 

When you choose an anti-aging cream, the goal is to find ingredients that nourish the skin in many different ways. Ideally, these ingredients should help your skin retain moisture, provide anti-inflammatory properties, and improve overall complexion. Continue reading to learn about some of the featured ingredients in the DIY anti-aging night cream that contribute to more youthful skin.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil, or rosehip seed oil, is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the rose plant. It contains a wide variety of essential fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic acids, which work to keep cell walls strong so they don’t lose water. If there is one thing to know about beauty, it is that hydration is necessary for soft, supple skin. Rosehip oil also contains vitamin A, which is necessary for collagen production. It also inhibits the creation of MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Some research indicates that rosehip oil’s antioxidants help combat visible sun damage, and may potentially prevent photo-aging. 

Sweet Almond Oil

As an emollient, sweet almond oil helps soften and smooth the skin, making this oil suitable for those with dry or sensitive skin types. Regular use of sweet almond oil may help reduce inflamed or irritated skin, which is why it is commonly used among people with eczema or psoriasis. According to research, sweet almond oil encourages collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity. That can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote a more overall youthful look.

Lemon Essential Oil

Researchers note that lemon essential oil is one of the top essential oils for reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Lemon essential oil reduces the effects of oxidation on the skin, so using it regularly can help fight against premature aging. Environmental pollutants and free radicals damage the skin through oxidation, but the antioxidants in lemon essential oil can help combat this process. Lemon essential oil also helps to remove dead skin cells, a process that contributes to brighter skin. That means that this essential oil may benefit people with dark spots, scars, or hyperpigmentation.

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil exhibits strong antibacterial properties that help the body in different ways. The antibacterial properties may help accelerate the recovery from mild burns, skin infections, and other skin ailments. Scientists note that geranium essential oil is a very effective anti-aging agent. Not only does it improve blood circulation, but it also offers impressive antioxidant activity that helps protect the skin from sun damage. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and has the ability to encourage health cell growth in the skin and hair. Some groups, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, may be sensitive to this essential oil and should avoid it. 

DIY Anti-Aging Night Cream

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon rosehip oil
• 1/2 tablespoon cocoa butter wafers (unrefined)
• 1/2 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 25 drops lemon essential oil
• 12 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops carrot seed essential oil
• 1/4 cup filtered water

Instructions:

• Add the sweet almond oil, rosehip oil, cocoa butter, and beeswax pellets to a medium sized glass bowl. Place this bowl on top of a saucepan with a few inches of water to create a makeshift double boiler. 
• Place this over medium heat and stir occasionally until all of the ingredients have fully melted and combined. 
• Remove from heat and pour in the vitamin E oil and essential oils, stirring slowly as you add them in. 
• Either pour the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer or add it to a mixing bowl. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes to cool. 
• Remove the bowl from the fridge and decide whether you want to use a stand mixer or use an electric hand mixer to whip it until it becomes a thick cream. If using a stand mixer, make sure to use the whisk attachment. Start whisking slowly and then increase the speed. 
• Spoon the mixture into a clean glass jar and apply to the face, preferably at night after you cleanse.

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There is something to be said about a great cutting board. You probably use it all the time and may even use it as a charcuterie board on special occasions. When you use a wooden cutting board a lot, though, it begins to look dry and dull. It doesn’t retain that shine that sold you on it in the first place. Instead it looks beaten down with various knife cuts from repeated usage. That’s why you have to revive it with a conditioning treatment!

There are butcher block creams available at kitchen stores or online. Typically, the ingredient list is very short, usually consisting of beeswax and food-grade mineral oil. If the ingredient list is that simple, can’t you simply make your own? The answer, in case you were wondering, is yes. If you are already a DIY enthusiast, you may have beeswax and only need to procure food grade mineral oil. You can even buy a cutting board oil at most hardware stores!

How To Clean A Wooden Cutting Board

First off, always hand-wash your wooden cutting board. You don’t need to put your wooden cutting board or utensils in a dishwasher or submerge them in a sink full of soapy water. Both of those cleaning methods can actually warp or crack your wooden items. Remove any food bits with a bench scraper or spatula before placing it under water. If you notice stubborn stains, you can use a slurry of baking soda and water and scrub the mixture into the cutting board with a sponge.

Scrub the board with a sponge and hot soapy water (a mild dish soap is best). Always wash both sides of the cutting board to prevent uneven drying. Rinse the board and dry with a clean dish towel or paper towel. Stand it upright to prevent residual water from pooling and allow it to air-dry completely. 

How To Condition Your Wooden Cutting Board

Wood naturally dries out after frequent washings, which is why you have to condition it in order to prevent cracking. A properly conditioned cutting board also provides a protective barrier against moisture. That helps to keep the board clean and makes it less prone to warping or cracking. Conditioning your wooden cutting board also reduces the likelihood of staining or absorbing strong odors from certain foods. 

There are several ways to condition a wooden cutting board and if you have a method that works for you, wonderful. Some people prefer specific oils or waxes, so keep using the one you like if you fall into that category. Once you have your conditioner of choice, you want to dip the corner of a rag into the mixture and rub it around the cutting board. You should start to notice an improvement in appearance as you make your way across the cutting board. 

DIY Wooden Cutting Board Conditioning Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets (or grated beeswax)
• 4 tablespoons food-grade mineral oil

Instructions:

• Combine the beeswax and mineral oil in a small heat-safe glass jar (a measuring cup or pint canning jar will work). Place the jar in a small saucepan filled with a couple inches of water over medium heat. 
• Keep the saucepan on the stove until the beeswax has fully melted. You want the contents in the jar to be completely liquid. 
• Pour the melted mixture into a small jar and allow it to cool at room temperature. It will turn into a gel-like consistency. 
• To use, dip the corner of a rag into the mixture and spread it onto the cutting board, rubbing it gently. Continue until you have completely conditioned the entire board.

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During pregnancy, the body undergoes a lot of changes beyond the growing bump. In addition to the hormonal shifts and hunger cravings, many pregnant people develop stretch marks on their belly, thighs, hips, breasts, and more. There is no miracle solution to prevent these pregnancy stretch marks, but there are moisturizing oils, butters, and balms that may help reduce the appearance. 

Stretch marks are scars that occur under the skin. They appear when the skin stretches quickly, for example, during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, and puberty. Using a natural stretch mark cream while pregnant helps hydrate and moisturize the belly as it expands. That may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but there is one thing to remember: stretch marks are perfectly natural, even if you dislike the look of them. In this article, we’ll cover some ingredients that may help reduce the appliance of stretch marks during or after pregnancy. 

Coconut Oil

As previously mentioned, stretch marks scar under the skin. According to studies, the skin can easily absorb coconut oil, whereby it may prevent free radical damage. This is due to the lauric acid content, which easily penetrates the skin’s layers and has a positive effect on collagen production. Coconut oil is highly emollient and works to keep the skin moisturized. That makes the skin more elastic and less prone to stretch marks. The anti-inflammatory properties also aid with the healing process of existing stretch marks over time. More studies are necessary to prove whether or not coconut oil can reduce stretch mark appearance, though.

Sweet Almond Oil

A great source of nourishment for the skin, sweet almond oil is an excellent moisturizing agent and may help the skin look more youthful. It may be a great home remedy for stretch marks as well. Stretch marks can be accompanied by dry skin or general irritation, and almond oil can help keep those symptoms at bay. Sweet almond oil works to enhance skin barrier function, penetrating layers of the epidermis, which may benefit stretch marks. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter works to hydrate the skin and improve skin cell growth. Skin that is more healthy and supple is much less likely to scar. Stretching that causes stretch marks, especially during pregnancy, can be quite extreme. Although keeping the skin moisturized will help reduce the appearance, it will not prevent stretch marks from occurring. That means that shea butter cannot prevent stretch marks, but it can help minimize the amount of damage. Areas of skin that already have stretch marks may benefit from shea butter application. Shea butter contains triglycerides and esters that help lock moisture in and improve skin barrier function.

Cocoa Butter

Recent research found that civilizations have used cocoa butter since 445 A.D. for its medicinal properties. Cocoa butter contains catechin, a naturally occurring antioxidant that exhibits antibacterial properties. Cocoa butter also penetrates the skin more easily than other butters. It’s the only butter that can reach down to the middle layer of the skin, the dermis. This layer possesses the connective tissue, which is responsible for collagen and elastin production. By enhancing the production of these two proteins, cocoa butter may encourage skin regeneration and help reduce or prevent stretch marks. 

DIY Belly Butter For Stretch Marks

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons each: sweet almond oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter
• 1.5 tablespoons beeswax
• 3 teaspoons vitamin E oil
• 20 drops neroli essential oil (optional)
• 15 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the sweet almond oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and beeswax to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Stir as the ingredients melt. 
• Once melted, stir the mixture and pour into a four-ounce container. Allow the mixture to harden completely. 
• Remove the hardened mixture and place into a bowl, where you’ll mix in the vitamin E oil and essential oils. Mix well to combine and then put the mixture back into a glass container, preferably one with dark glass. 
• Apply this butter at least once a day and allow it to soak in for 15 minutes before putting clothes over it, because it is quite oily. Store in a cool, dark place.

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When you start using homemade skin care products, you may notice that a little goes a long way. The skin can easily absorb natural ingredients, and if they are like the ingredients in this body butter, they help seal in moisture. With no chemicals, no additives, and being incredibly cost-effective in the long-run, making your own beauty products is a no-brainer! Don’t believe us? Let this homemade citrus body butter convince you!

Why Should You Use A Body Butter?

Body butters are basically dense emollients that consist of plant-based oils and fat extracts. These ingredients contain skin-fortifying ingredients that protect dermal tissues and moisten dry areas of the skin. Using a body butter can help create a defensive barrier over the skin that helps lock in moisture. The ingredients tend to penetrate deep layers of the tissues that supply hydration. Plus, regular use of body butter may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve major skin issues like eczema or psoriasis. For a closer look at the ingredients in the body butter in this article, continue reading. 

Cocoa Butter

According to dermatologists, cocoa butter is a naturally-occurring moisturizer for dry skin. It exhibits impressive antioxidant activity that may help fight off free radical damage on the skin. Protecting your skin from free radicals helps reduce the risk of fine lines, dark patches, and dull-looking skin. Because cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, it helps hydrate the skin, penetrating deep dermal layers. It contains oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, all of which nourish the skin. 

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural humectant that contains protective wax esters that draw moisture into the skin, and keep that moisture there. Providing gentle exfoliation, beeswax works to keep the skin soft and smooth. Similar to honey, beeswax exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient for people with dry skin. In fact, beeswax has an ability to soothe the skin and promote healing for skin conditions like eczema. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Some people use sweet almond oil to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and wrinkles. Although people use sweet almond oil in this way, there are not many studies that support those benefits, so more research is necessary. Sweet almond oil contains beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that work to nourish the skin. Studies show that using sweet almond oil may soothe and hydrate the skin, making it beneficial for people with dry skin. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in skin care products because it contains beneficial fats that nourish the skin. These fats work to enhance skin barrier function, helping to protect the skin from harmful pathogens. The essential amino acids in coconut oil also help to strengthen the skin, in addition to moistening it and keeping it as healthy as possible. Studies have shown that coconut oil has the ability to boost the level of antioxidants and collagen in the body, both of which play an integral role in the regeneration of skin cells. 

Citrus Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons beeswax
• 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest

Instructions:

• In a double boiler, add the beeswax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and then stir in the sweet almond oil and the orange and grapefruit zest.
• Pour the mixture into two separate jars and allow it to solidify at room temperature. If you prefer a whipped body butter, allow it to solidify in a mixing bowl and then whip with an electric hand mixer until fluffy. At that point, you can spoon into jars. 
• Whichever preparation method you choose, make sure to store in the fridge (if your place is hot), or store in a cool, dark place. Use when ready.

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It can be difficult to keep track of so many different creams, treatments, masks, salves, and more on the beauty market. Wouldn’t it be nice if you just had a cream that could moisturize the skin, nourish the hair, and even remove makeup? That’s why you are in need of your own Egyptian Magic Cream, which offers multiple beauty benefits in one DIY balm. 

The original Egyptian Magic Cream was released in 1991, and it’s been rumored to be the best-kept beauty secret for celebrities. It is 100% natural and may help you unlock more beautiful, healthy skin and hair. Unlike most beauty products, Egyptian Magic Cream is free of additives, parabens, chemicals, preservatives, and fragrances. It contains olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, bee propolis, and divine love. What are these things and how can they help you? We aim to highlight some of those ingredients before providing you with your own recipe. 

Olive Oil

Commonly used in culinary applications, olive oil has many health properties, but it also exhibits beauty benefits. The high concentration of antioxidants helps to fight free radicals on the skin, which helps protect against early signs of aging. Olive oil also contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, and compounds like oleocanthal and squalene, all of which may help repair skin damage. Olive oil is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and non-toxic, making it an excellent carrier oil for topical use. 

Beeswax

Beeswax works to soften the skin and enhance skin elasticity, both of which help reduce the signs of aging. According to studies, beeswax exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, germicidal, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make beeswax a highly stable base ingredient, which extends the product’s life. If you have sensitive skin, beeswax is an excellent choice because it will unlikely cause skin irritation. 

Bee Propolis

Propolis is widely used in medicine because it exhibits antiseptic properties. In fact, propolis is used in dermatology to treat streptococcal, staphylococcal, and fungal infections. It is highly effective in the treatment of skin burns and it has comparable therapeutic effects to certain over-the-counter burn creams. Propolis also stimulates glycosaminoglycan accumulation, which is necessary tissue growth and wound closure. 

Royal Jelly

With a broad spectrum of biological activities, royal jelly has positive effects on the skin. Studies have shown that royal jelly exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties. The anti-inflammatory activity may help accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation. Because royal jelly can stimulate metabolism in tissues, it may improve the regenerative processes, which may reduce early signs of aging. 

DIY Magic Cream

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1/2 tablespoon bee propolis
• 1/2 tablespoon royal jelly
• 1 teaspoon bee pollen powder

Instructions:

• To start, reserve about one to two teaspoons of olive oil and then add the rest to the top of a double boiler. Add the beeswax pastilles to the double boiler as well. 
• Once the beeswax is melted, remove from heat and allow them to cool for about five minutes or so. 
• Pour the olive oil beeswax mixture into a heat-safe glass bowl and mix until it turns into an off-white cream. Make sure to allow the mixture to fully cool before adding the rest of the ingredients, as heat can destroy the enzymes in honey. 
• In a separate bowl, whisk the honey, bee propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen powder, and the reserved teaspoons of olive oil. Make sure to whisk well to fully mix the ingredients together. 
• Add the honey mixture to the olive oil mixture and whisk to combine. You can do this by hand because it doesn’t need to fluff up like body butter. 
• Spoon the mixture into glass jars or metal tins and let the mixture harden completely before storing in a cool, dark place.

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Keep your boots, purses, wallets, and car seats looking sharp and more water resistant with this all natural leather conditioner and boot wax. Not only is this two-ingredient wax affordable, but it is also free of chemicals and works on most types of leather. It’s great to conditioner your boots in late summer/early fall before the crisp, cold weather arrives. That helps preserve them during cold winter weather. We understand that it isn’t winter yet, but you can never prepare too early!

If you care for your leather boots, they’ll last you a long time. All-weather leather boots are great for walking around town or attending community events. Obviously, the higher quality the boot is, the better it will fare in the long run. Investing in quality boots, especially if you live in a place that endures harsh winter climate, will serve your feet better than cheap boots will. Real leather boots with quality lining and sturdy laces will transform your boot game for the better. And they’ll last longer if you regularly condition them. 

Why Condition Your Boots?

Beyond the scuffs, scrapes, or general wear and tear, leather boots are susceptible to drying out and cracking. In order to help your boots last longer and perform their best, you need to clean them and condition them regularly. You slap your shoes into water, dirt, grease, thousands of times as you wear them. The leather will remain water resistant if you keep it supple. If you spend the time to condition your boots a couple times a year, they will look as good in 15 years as they do now. 

What Does A Leather Conditioner Do?

Think of leather like your skin, in that it is fragile compared to tougher and rougher surfaces. That means that it requires protection and care. Unlike your skin, which receives nourishment from the body, leather on shoes does not receive nourishment, unless you provide it. A great leather conditioner is designed to be easily absorbed and helps to restore the flexibility of leather fibers. Leather is both flexible and durable, so long as you continue to condition it. Once leather loses the natural oils and moisture, the fibrous interweave starts to break down and crack. Once that happens, you will most likely have to replace your boots. 

DIY Boot Wax And Leather Conditioner

The two ingredients in the following recipe are coconut oil and beeswax. You don’t need anything else because leather can readily absorb these ingredients. Remember that you want to treat your boots with respect, especially if the leather is high quality. That means that you want to purchase organic coconut oil and organic beeswax pellets. With such clean ingredients, you can feel great about conditioning your leather boots. 

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces organic coconut oil
• 4 ounces organic beeswax pellets
• Silicone mold or metal tin
• Horsehair brush

Instructions:

• Add the coconut oil and beeswax to an Instant Pot and melt them using the “keep warm” feature. If you don’t want to use that method, you can add those two ingredients to a heat-safe glass bowl on top of a saucepan with an inch or two of simmering water.
• Once the ingredients are melted, pour the mixture into silicone molds or a metal tin. Let the mixture harden, which you can accelerate by placing in the freezer or fridge. 
• To use the wax, warm a wax disc or a little bit in your hands and spread generously over the boots. Use a horsehair brush to scrub and work the wax into the leather. Continue brushing the boots until the wax is worked into the leather.
• There’s no need to wait! Wear them right away!

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Are you lucky enough to have fruitful rosemary bushes around your home? Do you have so much rosemary that you don’t know what to do with it besides throw trimmings in the green trash bin? If you don’t want to cook with rosemary, you can harvest a bunch and incorporate them into homemade candles. This project uses a mixture of beeswax and soy wax, mason jars, rosemary sprigs, and essential oils. 

Rosemary Candles

Rosemary exhibits a floral aroma that has been used to aid memory and improve focus. When combined with the organic beeswax, rosemary’s scent is a bit more subtle and evergreen-like. The candles are very easy to make, so this is the perfect entry point if you are about to embark on your DIY journey. Plus, it is so much healthier to burn these candles than other scented store bought candles, which contain fragrances that have harmful toxins. 

Benefits Of Rosemary Aroma

Rosemary’s aroma holds core components, or the essence, of the plant’s compounds. The same is true for rosemary essential oil. Throughout history, rosemary has been used in various medicinal practices. The following health benefits have been associated with rosemary essential oil.

Repels Certain Bugs

Rosemary makes for a great addition to your garden because many insects are deterred by the plant’s scent. The same is true for rosemary essential oil, which may help repel spider mites and mosquitoes. When measured against 11 other essential oils, rosemary essential oil provided the longest repellent effect on mosquitoes. 

May Ease Stress

There are many things in this life that can cause stress, and inhaling some rosemary essential oil may help calm your mind. One study monitored nursing students who breathed rosemary oil from an inhaler before and during test time. Their pulse decreased by about nine percent, but no significant change occurred without rosemary oil. Additionally, another study monitored adults who sniffed rosemary oil for five minutes. Their saliva had 23% lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) compared to those who smelled a non-aromatic compound. 

May Improve Brain Function

According to research, inhaling rosemary oil may prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that you need for concentration and memory. In an observational study, 20 young adults had to answer math questions in a room diffused with rosemary oil. Their speed and accuracy increased in direct proportion to the duration the oil was diffused. Similarly, nursing students inhaled rosemary oil while taking a test. Researchers noted improved concentration and information recall compared to a group that inhaled lavender oil. 

Homemade Rosemary Candles

Ingredients:

• Rosemary sprigs
• 1/2 pound organic beeswax
• 1/2 pound soy wax
• HTP62 waxed and tabbed candle wicks 6”
• 6 milliliters fir essential oil
• 4 milliliters bergamot essential oil
• 4 milliliters cedarwood essential oil
• 1 milliliter juniper berry essential oil
• 2 eight-ounce canning jars

Instructions:

• After harvesting your rosemary sprigs, press them flat between two heavy books or pans. Leave them sandwiched between those heavy objects until completely dry. 
• Cut the sprigs so that they will sit one inch below the rims of the jars. 
• Measure out your essential oils in a glass container and swirl gently to combine. Set aside while you prepare the candles. 
• In the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt the beeswax and soy wax. As the wax is melting, grab some rosemary sprigs with tongs and dip the bottoms into the wax. Transfer these sprigs to the canning jars and adhere them to the insides of the bottoms with the waxy ends. You can use a wooden chopstick or paintbrush to help keep them in place as they dry.
• Cut your wicks so that they just go over the top lips of the jars. Use clothespins or a wooden down to keep the wicks centered in the jars. 
• Once the wax is fully melted, remove from heat and stir in the essential oil mixture using a wooden utensil. 
• Pour the wax mixture into each jar and allow the wax to harden fully. It should take about 48 hours or so, and then you can trim the wick, light, and enjoy!

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The days are getting longer and warmer, which means summer is approaching. That means days spent by the lake, beach days with friends, picnics in the park, and hiking trails. Sounds like fun, right? Yes, but these activities expose your skin to the sun, which means that you need to protect it at all costs. What better way to do that than by applying an all natural, skin-safe sunscreen!

Most commercial sunscreens contain ingredients that are both harmful to your skin and ocean reefs. That is why certain places, such as Hawaii, passed laws to ban the sale of sunscreens that are not considered reef-safe. Sunscreens typically contain chemical SPF ingredients, in addition to other potentially harmful chemicals. You want to protect your skin, not harm it! 

That’s why we are bringing you an easy, safe DIY sunscreen that offers protection even if you get your skin wet. That makes it an excellent option if you plan on going in the lake, pool, or ocean, or even if you work up a sweat. Because it is made with natural ingredients, you may need to reapply this sunscreen more often than the sunscreens you’re used to buying. Read on to learn what makes this sunscreen great for your skin.

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide

Non-nano zinc oxide means that the zinc oxide particles are larger than 100 nanometers. A nanoparticle is smaller than 100 nanometers, which is one billionth of a meter. NonZinc oxide is the only UV filter for sunscreen that has been approved by the FDA as a single ingredient that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike oxybenzone, the skin does not absorb zinc oxide; rather, it sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. Because this is an active ingredient in the sunscreen recipe in this article, you want to make sure that it remains on top of the skin for optimal sun protection.

Beeswax

In regards to making your own sunscreen, beeswax is a highly useful ingredient. While it may not offer protection from UVA or UVB rays, beeswax helps the sunscreen be more waterproof. When you consider the fact that the sunscreen in this article contains several oils and cocoa butter, it requires an ingredient that gives it a solid texture. That ingredient is beeswax, and the waterproofing power is what you need if you plan on using this and getting wet. 

Cocoa Butter

High in fatty acids, cocoa butter is touted for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin. It also works to improve skin elasticity and works to form a protective barrier on the skin to seal in moisture. The phytochemicals in cocoa butter may improve blood flow to the skin and slow the aging process by protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. Unfortunately, the research is preliminary on cocoa butter’s sun protection abilities, so more research is still necessary. 

DIY All Natural Sunscreen Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup avocado oil
• 1/4 cup cocoa butter
• 2 ounces beeswax pellets
• 1/4 coconut oil
• 1/4 cup non-nano zinc oxide
• 15 drops essential oil of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Add the avocado oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, and coconut to the top of a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, place those ingredients in a heat-safe glass measuring cup, and place that cup in a saucepan with an inch or so of water over medium-low heat. 
• Once the ingredients are melted, give them a stir and remove from heat. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before stirring in the non-nano zinc oxide. 
• Pour in the optional essential oil and whisk to combine. Transfer the mixture to a wide-mouthed glass jar. As a quick note, don’t add the essential oil if you plan to keep this in a plastic container for pool or beach use. The reason for that is because essential oils can break down plastics.
• This recipe is right around 20 SPF. Use as needed.

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You don’t have to be braving the frigid, dry cold of winter to experience dry skin. Some people have naturally dry skin and regularly lather themselves with moisturizers or creams. Hand, body, and face lotions don’t always seem to provide long-term relief for dry skin, though. For that reason, we always recommend using all-natural ingredients that the skin can easily absorb. 

The ingredients in the moisturizer in this article provide long-lasting moisture and are quite gentle on the skin. You only need four ingredients to make this moisturizer: olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and vitamin E oil. Add these ingredients to the top of a double boiler or to a heat-safe glass jar in a hot water bath in a saucepan on the stove. Once completely melted, pour the mixture into the vessel of your choice and allow it to cool. It will turn into a gel-like consistency. Continue reading to learn more about the moisturizing ingredients. 

Olive Oil

Olive oil makes for a great addition to both your diet and your skin care routine. It is an emollient that contains monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants that make it an excellent moisturizer. The skin’s integrity is highly dependent on the lipid barrier, which holds individual cells together. Weather and other factors can evaporate the lipid barrier and lead to unpleasant, dry skin. Fortunately, olive oil acts as a secondary skin barrier that helps to keep your skin moist and hydrated. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil works as a great moisturizer, but is it right for your skin? If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, coconut oil may not be the best ingredient for your skin, especially your face. It does work to seal moisture into the skin, trapping water to keep the skin as moist as possible. Dermatologists recommend using coconut oil on damp skin, for optimal moisture sealing. Additionally, one study confirmed that coconut oil was a sufficient moisture-repairing ingredient. Coconut oil may also boost elasticity more than your average body lotion. 

Beeswax

Beeswax works to form a protective layer on the skin that acts as a barrier against pollution and other environmental toxins. By forming this protective layer, beeswax also works to lock in moisture and can prevent the skin from becoming dry or irritated. If you regularly scratch your skin because of dryness, beeswax may also provide some relief, especially since it works to keep out irritants and allergens. Beeswax also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help fight grime or bacteria that exist on the skin or in pores. 

Vitamin E Oil

Just like the other ingredients in this article, vitamin E oil encourages a healthy lipid barrier, which helps to keep the skin’s protective barrier intact. Vitamin E oil essentially fills in the little cracks in the skin, sealing in moisture so that it doesn’t dry out. Several studies confirmed that vitamin E allows for long-lasting moisture between skin cells. In fact, vitamin E oil can keep the skin hydrated for up to 16 hours!

DIY Olive Oil Moisturizer

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Instructions:

• Combine all of the ingredients in a heat-safe glass jar (a canning jar or measuring cup will work). Pour a couple inches of water into a small saucepan over medium-low heat and then place the jar of ingredients into the saucepan.
• As the water heats up, the contents in the glass vessel will begin to melt. You can stir the ingredients with a wooden utensil as the melt to combine them. 
• Once completely melted, remove from heat and pour the melted mixture into a small tin or jar for storage. 
• Allow it to cool for about an hour and it should reach a gel-like consistency. Use as needed.

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The post DIY Olive Oil Moisturizer appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are those who can’t live without lip balms, and others who only purchase lip balms as an afterthought at the grocery store. You know those people, the ones that load their groceries on the conveyor belt and snag a lip balm just because. Lip balm is not a “just because” item, people. Your lips require extra love and attention, and the best way to do that is to supply them with natural, non-toxic ingredients. 

You can’t get much more non-toxic than making your own lip balm. And don’t worry about it costing an arm and a leg because that is not the case. Not only do the ingredients in this lip balm make your lips feel hydrated and moisturized, but they also smell incredible. In fact, this lip balm smells so great that you may want to eat it! Please don’t, though, because you don’t need to eat a combination of oils, shea butter, and beeswax. To learn more about some of the standout ingredients in this cinnamon honey lip balm, continue reading.

Honey

Honey is a great ingredient to use for dry or chapped lips. Researchers note that honey exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It won’t heal a giant gash in your arm, but it may accelerate the healing of small cracks in the skin. Applying honey to dry or chapped lips can protect them from cracking or infection. Additionally, honey can promote healing and provide your lips with moisture. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing properties, making it an ideal ingredient for chapped lips. The reason your lips are susceptible to moisture loss is because the skin is so thin, and they are always exposed to the elements. Coconut oil is an emollient, meaning it helps to keep the skin moist and protected. Emollients trap moisture into the skin, so the best time to apply them is after bathing, or washing your face in the case of a lip balm. Research indicates that coconut oil has potential disinfecting and antimicrobial properties, which may keep your lips germ-free and protected. 

Apricot Oil

Apricot oil is a cosmetic oil made from apricot kernels. It has a variety of skin and hair care benefits, but do not ingest it, as it is only intended for cosmetic purposes. In regards to the lips, apricot oil may enhance moisture levels and prevent chapping. The skin can easily absorb this oil, and it applies with a smooth glide. Apricot oil may also soften the skin on your lips and protect them from dryness and cracking. It may even keep your lips looking soft and luscious. 

Homemade Cinnamon Honey Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon apricot oil
• 6 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 1 teaspoon organic raw honey
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Pour about an inch or so of water into a small saucepan and place it on the stove over medium heat. Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the saucepan to make your own double boiler. 
• Add the beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, and apricot oil to the bowl and heat until completely melted, stirring occasionally. 
• Once melted, remove the bowl from heat and then stir in the cinnamon essential oil, honey, vitamin E oil, and vanilla extract. 
• Carefully pour this mixture into metal containers or lip balm tubes and allow the mixture to solidify at room temperature. 
• Once fully cooled, screw on the tops to the container or tubes and store them in a cool dry place. Use as needed.

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The post Homemade Cinnamon Honey Lip Balm appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.