As people become more aware of the chemicals in commercial skin care products, they slowly transition to natural alternatives. According to research, the average woman applies more than 200 chemicals to the skin during her skin care routine. The skin can absorb those chemicals, whereby they end up in the bloodstream. Not only does this decrease the overall health and appearance of the skin, but it also causes internal damage to bodily organs and systems. 

Within recent years, carrier oils increased in popularity as natural options to improve skin health. These oils, which are not the same as essential oils, work to nourish, moisturize, and care for the skin. Carrier oils come from the fatty portion of a plant, typically from seeds, nuts, or kernels. In the case of avocado oil, for example, the oil is extracted from the avocado fruit. While carrier oils have countless therapeutic properties, not all are meant for every skin type. For example, one carrier oil that assists one person with acne reduction may not benefit another person the same way. 

Check out some of the most common carrier oils below and see which one works best for your skin type. When you purchase these oils, make sure to purchase high quality varieties. There’s one for each skin type, so if we somehow didn’t include one for you, let us know in the comments below. 

Carrier Oils For Oily Skin

Tamanu Oil

Known for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, tamanu oil helps to fight bacteria and accelerate wound healing. It comes from tamanu nuts and is an excellent oil for oily, acne-prone skin. Some preliminary research studies found that it may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. The anti-inflammatory properties may also help relieve itching associated with eczema. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is a hypoallergenic carrier oil that’s great for all skin types. It’s particularly beneficial for people with sensitive or oily skin. The fatty acids in sweet almond oil work to remove excess sebum, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Let almond oil clear excess oil so your skin can be clean and bacteria-free. It also has emollient properties, meaning it helps your skin retain moisture.

Carrier Oils For Combination Skin

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is perfect for all skin types, working to enhance moisture and offer skin protection. Technically speaking, jojoba oil is a liquid polyunsaturated wax that has a similar consistency to the skin. Because of this, jojoba oil can effortlessly mix with sebum to form a thin, protective layer. Not only does it allow the skin to breathe, but it also keeps moisture in. It has the potential to fight acne and may even offer anti-aging and regenerating properties. 

Pomegranate Seed Oil

First of all, pomegranate arils are excellent for the skin because of the impressive antioxidants. The same goes for pomegranate seed oil, which works to promote a youthful glow by rejuvenating skin cells. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties offer protection for all skin types, and may even keep your skin safe from UVB damage. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil may be the holy grail of carrier oils. It contains a diverse mix of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids that help protect against premature aging and moisture loss. Additionally, coconut oil exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal activity that may fight acne and candida. Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that is safe to use on dry, sensitive, or oily skin. If you have oily skin, however, don’t lather coconut oil on your face because it may increase the risk of breakouts. 

Carrier Oils For Dry Skin

Avocado Oil

Extracted from dried avocado fruit, avocado oil is a thick oil that can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. Naturally rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, avocado oil helps to encourage cell growth and increase collagen production. People with dryer skin benefit from avocado oil because it noticeably improves moisture levels. Because it is a heavier carrier oil, introduce it slowly as a body moisturizer before slathering it on your face. 

Rosehip Seed Oil

This deeply moisturizing carrier oil is excellent for anyone who has skin in need of moisture. Rosehip seed oil contains vitamins A, C, E, and myriad antioxidants that contribute to healthier skin. It’s actually one of the richest plant-based sources of vitamin C, which is great for your collagen! The antioxidants work to reduce sun damage and may even inhibit the development of aging spots. The essential fatty acids in rosehip seed oil may also neutralize free radicals, which can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

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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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The hibiscus is a colorful, flowering plant that is not only stunning to look at, but also valuable in the world of health and wellness. It can be made into teas, extracts, supplements, and more. You can even cook with the dried flower leaves, using them as a meat substitute. But we are not here to talk to you about the many uses of hibiscus today; rather, we come bearing an easy DIY facial scrub made with hibiscus powder, among other natural ingredients. 

Why Should You Use Hibiscus?

Hibiscus grows in tropical and subtropical regions, including Mexico, Thailand, China, Nigeria, Sudan, and Hawaii. Native to Malaysia and India, hibiscus is naturally rich in bioactive compounds, which researchers attribute to the plant’s purported health benefits. For example, some of the reasons to use hibiscus include:

• Anti-aging properties: Known for its ability to increase skin elasticity, hibiscus is sometimes referred to as “the botox plant.” Due to the vitamin C and antioxidant content, hibiscus works to firm and lift the skin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 
• Rich in antioxidants: Hibiscus is particularly rich in anthocyanins, which work to fight free radicals and reduce the risk of oxidative stress. Some research shows that anthocyanins may also prevent premature aging. 
• Anti-inflammatory: Hibiscus contains anti-inflammatory properties, which may help soothe irritated skin, making it an ideal ingredient for people with acne or sensitive skin.
• Natural exfoliant: According to research, the natural acids in hibiscus, which include alpha-hydroxy acids, work to gently exfoliate the skin. They may also help remove dead skin cells and promote a brighter, even complexion. 
• Promotes collagen production: Due to the high vitamin C content, hibiscus helps support the production of collagen, which is necessary for maintaining the skin’s elasticity. 
• Hydrating: Researchers note that the mucilage content in hibiscus provides great hydration, which helps maintain optimal moisture levels. This leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.
• Natural cleanser: As we previously mentioned, hibiscus is a natural exfoliant. It is also a great cleanser, working to break down and remove impurities, helping to detoxify the skin and clean out pores. 

Pink Kaolin Clay

Yet another ingredient that works absolute wonders for your skin. Researchers note that pink kaolin clay’s gentle nature makes it optimal for softening the skin. It will help leave it soft and refreshed after every use. Similar to hibiscus, this clay helps exfoliate the skin on a mild level. It may assist with the removal of dead skin cells, resulting in a smoother, glowing complexion. Due to the natural soothing properties, pink kaolin clay is an ideal ingredient for those with sensitive or irritated skin. It may even work to reduce inflammation or redness. 

Pink kaolin clay, while gentle, works to absorb excess oil from the skin. That makes this clay beneficial for people with oily or combination skin types. What’s more, it doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture. Finally, because it is rich in minerals like silica, pink kaolin clay helps nourish the skin and give it strength, which contributes to the skin’s vitality. 

DIY Deep Cleansing Hibiscus Facial Scrub

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons oats
• 1/4 cup rose hips
• 1/4 cup hibiscus powder
• 3 tablespoon pink kaolin clay

Instructions:

• Grind the oats into a very fine powder. You can use a food processor or immersion blender to do this. Repeat the process for the rose hips. 
• Add the ground oats and rose hips to a small mixing bowl with the hibiscus powder and pink kaolin clay. Mix well and then pour the mixture into a glass jar. Screw on the lid and store in a cool, dry place.
• To use, slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, to the powder mix and rub onto your face in circular motions for two minutes. Rinse with warm water and then pat your face dry. Do this two times per week.

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A leave-in conditioner is a hair care product that you use after washing your hair and before you style it. More often than not, you apply it to towel-dried hair. Unlike traditional conditioners, which are washed out during the shower, a leave-in conditioner remains in your hair post-shower. By leaving the conditioner in, not only does it add moisture to the hair, but it also protects it from damage and helps detangle strands. 

Almost every hair type, be it curly, straight, color-treated, or natural, can benefit from a leave-in conditioner. You may find this leave-in conditioner especially useful if you deal with dry, damaged, or frizzy hair. A leave-in conditioner can also be helpful if you use heat-styling tools, such as straightening or curling irons. 

How To Use A Leave-In Conditioner

After you finish shampooing your hair in the shower, towel dry your hair before applying the leave-in conditioner. It will replace the conditioner that you’d normally use in the shower. That said, you can use both a conditioner and a leave-in conditioner if your hair is particularly damaged or dry. Ideally, use it while your hair is still damp, and follow the steps below for best results:

• After shampooing your hair in the shower, rinse thoroughly. At that point, you can use your regular conditioner if you want and then rinse out. 
• When you are done showering, gently pat your hair dry with a towel to remove excess water. Apply a small amount of the leave-in conditioner through your hair. You can start at the ends and work your way up to your scalp. 
• Brush your hair with a comb or brush (one that you are ok getting a little oily) and gently detangle your hair. Ideally, use a wide-toothed comb to help evenly distribute the conditioner throughout the hair strands. Allow the hair to dry, or you can style as needed. 

Why Should You Use This Leave-In Conditioner?

Unlike a lot of other leave-in conditioners, this DIY version is oil-based. The oils in it are very hair-friendly, some might say the most hair-friendly. The oils make it easier to brush or comb the hair, but it can cause the hair to look slightly oily. If you have an issue with this appearance, use it while you are at home. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients:

• Argan Oil: Some people refer to this oil as “liquid gold,” primarily because it has been used for centuries in health and beauty applications. It can help moisturize the skin and hair, as it is rich in fatty acids, primarily oleic acid and linoleic acid. These healthy fats work to lubricate the hair shaft and help hair retain moisture. Due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, argan oil also encourages a healthier scalp. 
• Jojoba Oil: This is the closest oil to sebum, which the body naturally produces. Because of that, jojoba oil doesn’t tend to make the skin or hair feel greasy after application. That makes jojoba oil a great choice for people with oily hair. It is quickly absorbed by the hair and skin, making it a popular addition to various skin and hair care products. 

Those two oils are the base of this leave-in conditioner recipe. If you desire, you can add a little rosehip seed oil or pomegranate seed oil during the winter or early spring, while the weather is still dry. Additionally, you can swap out the essential oils, but both rosemary and lavender essential oil benefit the hair and scalp. 

DIY Leave-in Conditioner

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon organic argan oil
• 1 tablespoon organic jojoba oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the argan and jojoba oils into a one-ounce glass dropper bottle. Add the essential oils and then screw on the cap. 
• Shake well to combine the ingredients and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use. 
• When ready to use, place a couple drops on your fingertips and run them midway through to the ends of your hair. Don’t add oils directly to the scalp, but you can massage the scalp after running fingers through your hair.

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There is nothing quite like the feeling of a clean face. You scrub away all the grime of the day and feel renewed, or you wash away the sleepies and prepare for the day ahead. If you are like most people, you probably use a cleanser, potentially a toner, moisturizer, and an under-eye cream. Now, that is a perfectly fine skin care routine, but sometimes you need to clean out your pores and moisturize simultaneously. That’s why we love the brown sugar oatmeal face scrub in this article. 

Although brown sugar face scrubs are generally safe, you should always do a small patch test before using it all over your face. Use a small amount on your inner forearm. Wait 24 hours to see if you experience any itchiness, redness, or swelling. If you experience any of those symptoms, you have an allergy to one or more ingredients in the product. If that is the case, do not use it. Should you not experience any of those symptoms, feel free to use the product.

Here’s Why You’ll Love This Scrub

First of all, you don’t have to worry about the addition of unnecessary chemicals that could potentially harm your skin. Natural ingredients help clear up your skin and contribute to a natural glow. In case you didn’t know, this is not a scrub that you use daily. Using this face scrub daily may irritate the skin, due to the mildly abrasive nature of brown sugar. Ideally, you use this scrub once a week and follow it up with a moisturizer once you finish. You’ll love it because it:

• Is very easy to make
• Hydrates the skin
• Removes grease, dirt, and makeup
• Helps unclog pores
• Removes dead skin cells
• Only requires four ingredients
• Helps improve skin tone
• Improves circulation to the skin 

Benefits Of This DIY Face Scrub

This face scrub consists of four ingredients, all of which benefit the skin in different ways. We’ve detailed a few benefits of the four ingredients below:

• Brown sugar: This is the exfoliator of the scrub! Brown sugar works to remove dead skin cells, which helps improve the complexion. Due to the glycolic acid, brown sugar also helps to lock in moisture, stimulate collagen production, and cleanse your pores. 
• Oats: Working to reduce oil production and free radicals on the skin, oats help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. If you have dry or irritated skin, use face scrubs that contain oats to help enhance the health of facial skin.
• Honey: Believe it or not, honey has mild exfoliation properties as well, but we love it because it acts as a natural humectant. That means that it helps to draw moisture into the skin, contributing to a higher moisture content. 
• Olive oil: Similar to coconut oil, olive oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-fungal properties, all of which are beneficial to the skin. Using olive oil on the skin can help improve skin elasticity, reduce infections, and make the skin appear smoother. 

DIY Brown Sugar Oatmeal Face Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup oats, finely ground
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon raw honey

Instructions:

• Add the sugar, oats, olive oil, and honey to a clean bowl and mix well to combine. That’s it!
• When ready to use, apply a small amount of the scrub on your fingertips and massage it into your face in circular motions for one to two minutes. Leave the scrub on for a couple minutes so that the nutrients can penetrate your skin. 
• Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Use this scrub once per week.

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It’s very easy for hair to become dry or brittle, especially when the weather changes. That is even truer if you spend a lot of time outdoors, more specifically in the pool or ocean. Not to mention the fact that harsh hair care products can damage hair, increasing the risk of hair loss, breakage, and frizz. Fortunately for you, the homemade hair oil treatment in this article can help nourish the scalp and promote healthier hair. 

One of the great things about this hair oil treatment is that it is an inexpensive way to promote healthier hair, no matter your hair type. You can even use this product on children to help make hair more manageable! It can make hair easier to brush without irritating the tenderest of scalps. Let’s take a look at the ingredients to see why this treatment is a notch above the rest. 

Olive Oil

Olive oil is known for its culinary applications, but it also has a long history of use in cosmetics. According to historians, Ancient Greeks used olive oil to make body care products, including salves, soaps, and massage oils. Researchers note that olive oil can be particularly beneficial for people with brittle hair strands. Several studies indicate that hair treated with olive oil is less prone to damage than hair not treated with olive oil. Olive oil also works to enhance the hair’s resilience, making it stronger and easier to detangle without breakage. 

Coconut Oil

In 2022, researchers conducted a study that tested the effects of coconut-based hair oils on human hair damaged by regular washing. Study authors concluded that coconut-based hair oils were able to reduce that damage. Researchers attribute this to the lauric acid content in coconut oil. Lauric acid is a type of saturated fat that may protect against protein loss, particularly keratin. Dyes, bleach, shampoos, and other styling products can damage hair, making it appear dull or fragile. Coconut oil contains triglycerides that are able to penetrate and interact with the hair cortex. In doing so, coconut oil can help reduce the amount of water hair absorbs, which limits daily damage. 

Honey

Honey has both humectant and emollient properties, making it an excellent moisturizer for your hair. Humectants bond with water molecules, which works to add moisture to dry strands. Emollients help smooth hair follicles, helping to add shine to dull-looking hair. Because honey contains 0.5% protein, it may help restore weak and brittle hair strands. Protein treatments are very popular in modern hair care routine, considering that keratin is an essential protein that adds structure and strength to your hair. 

Epsom Salt

Believe it or not, Epsom salt can benefit more than sore muscles or skin issues. According to researchers, Epsom salt may help cleanse the scalp by removing impurities, toxins, and excess sebum. By detoxifying the scalp, you unclog hair follicles, which can help improve nutrient absorption and promote hair growth. 

Hair Oil Treatment

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Epsom salt
• 1-2 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except the essential oil) to a bowl and use an immersion blender to combine. If you do not have an immersion blender, you can place the ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat and whisk as the ingredients warm up. 
• Add the essential oil to the mixture and whisk well to combine. Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and store in a cool, dry place. 
• When ready to use, shake well right before application. You can also warm it up in a microwave for 30 seconds or so to ensure the ingredients are fully liquified. 
• Massage the treatment into your hair and scalp, put a shower cap on, and leave the oil in your hair for 30 minutes. 
• Rinse the oil off in the shower and shampoo out.

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There are many things that you can do to improve self-care. Many people find that great forms of self-care include meditation, exercise, bubble baths, playing video games, reading, and more. However you engage in self-care is your prerogative, and we are all for it! It is an essential component to your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. 

Creating your own cuticle salve with natural ingredients is a great way to enhance your self-care routine. The process of creating your own beauty or skin care products can be a relaxing experience in and of itself. Not only will this cuticle salve improve your overall nail health, but it may also leave your hands feeling soft and rejuvenated. Whip it up by completing a few simple steps and it’ll be ready in under an hour! It is great to use during dry weather. 

How Shea Butter Helps Your Nails

Shea butter is full of essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E. All of these nutrients help provide hydration to dry and brittle cuticles, which can help prevent cracking and bleeding. Because shea butter has emollient properties, it helps to increase moisture levels in the skin. This ensures that your cuticles remain supple and soft. Shea butter also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe any irritation or redness around the cuticle. That makes shea butter especially beneficial for anyone with discomfort that stems from dryness. 

Almond Oil For Your Nails

Similar to shea butter, almond oil also contains vitamin E, which works to promote the growth of healthy cuticles. At the same time, it may help prevent breakage of both your nails and cuticles. Some preliminary research suggests that almond oil may improve blood circulation to the nail area, which encourages faster regeneration and healing. Additionally, almond oil offers anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve redness or irritation. The nourishing properties in almond oil make cuticles easier to manage by softening them. Regular use of almond oil may contribute to stronger, healthier nails and reduce the likelihood of hangnails or other common cuticle problems. 

Vitamin E Oil Supports The Cuticles

In addition to the vitamin E present in both shea butter and almond oil, we decided to add more to the cuticle salve with vitamin E oil. Just like your skin, your nails require moisture to remain healthy and strong. Vitamin E oil is incredibly hydrating and helps restore dry cuticles by enhancing moisture in the nail bed. In order to produce healthy nails, keratin dead cells have to receive a continued blood supply that is rich in vital nutrients. Vitamin E oil helps supply the blood with the right amount of nutrients necessary for healthy growth. 

Beeswax Benefits Cuticles

Beeswax is a common ingredient in various beauty products, especially cuticle care products, lip balms, and other products that promise hydration. It can keep the nails and cuticles healthy by forming a protective barrier that prevents damage. Not only does this protective layer maintain hydration, but it also protects against the elements. Beeswax also works to keep the cuticles supple and healthy by providing hydration via the emollient properties. 

Homemade Cuticle Salve

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup almond oil
• 1 teaspoon beeswax pellets
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5-10 drops essential oil of choice (optional for fragrance)

Instructions:

• Combine the shea butter, almond oil, and beeswax pellets in a microwave-safe container and microwave for about 45 to 60 seconds (or until everything is melted). Just make sure to monitor it closely so it doesn’t overheat. 
• Once the mixture is melted, remove the container from the microwave and stir with a wooden utensil. Add the vitamin E oil and optional essential oil and stir to combine. 
• Pour the mixture into a storage jar and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This is a crucial step, as it solidifies into the salve, which you can apply easily. 
• Store the salve in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It can last for several months, but if it changes in scent or texture, go ahead and discard it.

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Every now and again, a hairstyling product comes along that garners a lot of attention. Sea salt spray is that product, and it rose to popularity with the loose and flowing hair style trend. Shirts got boxier and pants got baggier with more natural, relaxed fits replacing skinny or slim-fit items. The same looseness applies to hair as well, because the natural look is where it’s at. 

What Is Sea Salt Spray?

The idea behind sea salt spray is that you do not have to hang 10 on a longboard in Malibu, California to achieve ocean-sprayed hair. The spray does not require the offshore winds that contain salt from the Pacific Ocean; rather, it gives your hair a similar look and texture to when you come out of the ocean. Think of sea salt spray as a bottle of concentrated ocean water that adds texture and flow to your locks. The benefit is that you do not have to deal with crowded beaches, sunburns, and sharks to achieve this look!

What Does Sea Salt Spray Do? 

First and foremost, sea salt spray adds both volume and texture to your hair. When too much oil and product accumulate on the scalp and hair, hair shafts become weighed down. Plus, the oilier the hair gets, the more hair shafts clump together and lose their life. Sea salt spray works to remove excess buildup, which lightens hair strands so that they can flow independently. The salt in the spray also has a little grit, which helps texturize the hair. 

Enhances Natural Curl Pattern Of Hair

Let us quickly break down hair types, which are characterized by density, texture, and curl pattern:

• Type 1: straight hair
• Type 2: wavy hair
• Type 3: curly hair
• Type 4: coily hair (the most fragile because hair strands are finer with fewer cuticle layers)

Everyone has a different curl pattern based on their hair type. Type 1 has no curl, type 2 has a natural “S” shape, type 3 has round, tight curls, and type 4 has curls with more of a “Z” shape. In order to enhance the natural curl pattern of your hair, apply sea salt spray to when hair and scrunch it with your free hand. The hair shafts will settle deeper into their curl pattern as your hair dries. If you have straight hair, or type 1 hair, you will not a lot of curl from a sea salt spray. The reason for this is because type 1 hair is usually resistant to curling without chemical assistance. 

The great thing about this DIY sea salt spray is that it does not make your hair look greasy or hard. Instead, it works to hydrate your hair and control frizz. Plus, it has essential oils that not only add a lovely scent to the spray, but also stimulate hair growth. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, the essential oils will assist in protecting hair from sun damage, while simultaneously encouraging new hair growth. Just know that this is not a hair growth product; rather, it contains ingredients with properties that may help encourage healthier hair or stimulate the scalp. 

DIY Sea Salt Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Epsom salt
• 1 tablespoon organic sugar
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 10 drops clary sage essential oil
• 1 cup distilled water (hot but not boiling)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except for the hot water) to a spray bottle, preferably an amber glass spray bottle. The dark nature of the glass will help preserve the health properties of the essential oils. 
• Pour the hot water in until the bottle is full, leaving a little room for the sprayer to go in the bottle. 
• Screw on the top and shake until all of the ingredients are dissolved. 
• When ready, spritz the sea salt spray into dry hair and scrunch until the spray dries. You can also blow dry your hair on low as you scrunch to accelerate the natural curling process.

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If we know one thing about winter, it is that the weather is colder and skin can dry out easily. The constant changing of environments does not do the skin any favors. Being bundled up outside in the cold and then going inside to the warm, dry heat is a recipe for dry skin. Fortunately, you can pamper your skin and bring it back to life with the homemade body butter in this article. It is filled with natural ingredients that help to leave the skin feeling soft, radiant, and supple. 

What’s The Difference Between Body Butter And Lotion?

Both body lotions and body butters work to moisturize the skin below the neck. Each of these skin care products can help soften skin and minimize dryness, but they work differently. The primary difference between lotion and body butter is the texture. While lotion has a higher water content and more liquid consistency, body butter is thicker and creamier. Body butter also tends to have a higher concentration of heavy moisturizers, such as shea butter. Body lotion tends to be formulated with glycerin, or other lightweight hydrators. 

Generally speaking, body butter is ideal for dry or rough skin. The ingredients work to replenish the skin’s natural oils and protect them from stressors that increase irritation or dryness. Below, we’ll detail two ingredients that make this body butter highly nourishing for the skin.

Shea Butter

Shea butter comes from the kernels of shea trees, which are native to sub-Saharan Africa. To this day, most shea butter still comes from this region. Shea butter helps promote hydration because it contains several types of fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. These work to improve the skin barrier and protect the skin from damaging environmental pollutants. Shea butter also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for nourishing inflamed or upset skin. Additionally, shea butter is thought to offer mild protection from the sun, although it is not a replacement for standard sunscreen. 

Coconut Oil

Promoted for its ability to moisturize dry skin, coconut oil offers many compounds that help improve overall skin health. It exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties when applied topically. Studies have shown that it may help relieve symptoms of atopic dermatitis or eczema, which can cause itchy rash. The anti-inflammatory properties work to improve skin barrier function and prevent moisture loss. And while coconut oil may not be able to remove stretch marks, it is possible that topical application may help reduce their appearance. More research is necessary on that topic, though. 

Whipped Gingerbread Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw shea butter
• 1/2 cup coconut oil 
• 1/4 tsp  gingerbread spice
• 4 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 2 drops clove essential oil
• 2 drops vanilla essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter and coconut oil to a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup. Melt the two ingredients in the microwave for one minute. 
• Remove and stir well. If the shea butter and coconut oil are not fully melted, heat in the microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Remove and stir well again to combine.
• Transfer the melted mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. 
• Remove from the refrigerator and use the stand mixer to whip the mixture on high for five minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides every minute and continue blending until you have a light, fluffy cream. 
• Add the gingerbread spice and essential oils and mix on low to incorporate. Spoon the mixture into a jar, cover, and store in the fridge. Use as needed.

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Sometimes, money is tight and you cannot afford to buy elaborate gifts for everyone. If you have a little determination and a love for all things DIY, then you can make some very cool homemade beauty gifts. Not only are these more inexpensive, but they are often more heartfelt and personal than a T-shirt or vest. 

This holiday season, you can create a luxurious body wash that makes you smell like Christmas cookies. Fair warning: we do not take responsibility for anyone who tries to take a bite out of their shoulder or other body part. You may smell like cookies, but resist the urge to eat yourself! 

Normally, when you have a body wash that smells so strongly, it typically contains problematic ingredients. One of those ingredients is methylisothiazolinone, which can irritate the skin, lungs, eyes, and cause immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Another toxic ingredient is lilial, which is a known endocrine disruptor. Many popular skin care products that have fun scents usually contain ingredients that receive terrible ratings from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Not the recipe in this article, though! You can learn more about the ingredients in our Christmas cookie body wash below. 

Almond Oil

Almond oil is an emollient, meaning it is excellent for soothing dryness or irritation. Emollients form a film on the skin’s outermost layer, which helps enhance the skin barrier. Almond oil, and other emollients, attract moisture to the skin, prevent the loss of moisture, and help soften scaly or irritated skin. Because it is lightweight and non-irritating, almond oil is generally safe for sensitive skin. It can also help manage chronic skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. 

Vegetable Glycerin

Used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, vegetable glycerin helps improve hydration, relieve constipation, and moisturize the skin. Also known as glycerol or glycerine, vegetable glycerin is a clear liquid made from coconut, soybean, or palm oils. It is popular in skin care products because it has moisturizing properties. According to research, applying vegetable glycerin to the skin can improve smoothness and supplements. Some studies found that using creams containing glycerin increased hydration in as little as 10 days. 

Essential Oils

In order to create that addictive Christmas cookie aroma, you will need a few essential oils. When purchasing essential oils, make sure that you get organic, pure varieties. You do not want diluted essential oils or oils that have other ingredients. Pure essential oils can play a significant role in supporting the overall health of the skin. Many of them exhibit diverse healing and antioxidant properties, but the key to benefitting from those properties is with proper usage. Make sure to properly dilute essential oils in carrier oils to prevent irritation or reactions. Always do a small patch test to avoid complications.

Christmas Cookie Body Wash

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons almond oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin 
• 1 cup castile soap
• 20 drops ginger essential oil
• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 15 drops vanilla botanical extract
• 8 drops nutmeg essential oil
• 8 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 6 clove essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to an eight-ounce amber glass bottle in the order in which they are listed. 
• Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. Use when ready. Make sure that you shake well before each use, as the ingredients can often separate. 

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