This cranberry sugar scrub is similar to other scrubs, only we tweaked it to include real, fresh cranberries. ’Tis the season, after all. Plus, the cranberries provide essential antioxidants, texture, and beautiful color. Not only is it soothing for dry skin, which is very common during the winter months, but it also makes for an excellent homemade gift this holiday season. 

What Is A Sugar Scrub?

First of all, the body naturally sheds skin and regenerates new skin cells. The efficiency of this cycle depends on your skin type, your age, the products you use, and your environment. Just like anything else in life, the body is not perfect, so you may experience a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. That’s where a sugar scrub comes in, because they remove dead skin cells. 

Sugar scrubs are naturally abrasive without being too aggressive for the skin. By removing dead skin cells, the moisturizer you apply afterward will soak into the skin more easily and thoroughly. The exfoliation also helps to unclog your pores, prevent ingrown hairs, and reduce the risk of razor bumps. Additionally, when you do not remove dead skin cells, the skin can appear rough, dull, or cracked. Removing dead skin cells can yield a smoother, more even skin texture. 

Sugar For Skin Health

Sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it will hydrate your skin and preserve whatever moisture is already present. It is also a great source of glycolic acid, which works to break down the bonds between skin cells. This process facilitates cell turnover, helping you achieve more youthful-looking skin. The small sugar particles make it an excellent exfoliant, which is the reason a lot of body scrubs contain sugar, not salt. They are also much gentler than salt particles, making them generally safe for most skin types. 

Cranberries For Skin Health

Sure, cranberry sauce is a popular condiment around the holidays, but cranberries are not solely reserved for holiday consumption. Cranberries are in a wide variety of skin care products because of their nutritional profile. They are naturally rich in vitamin E, a natural moisturizing antioxidant that may benefit those with acne or dark spots. Cranberries are filled with vitamin C and salicylic acid, both of which work together to reduce hyper-pigmentation, lighten blemishes, and reduce acne scarring. 

Which Carrier Oil Should You Use?

You can use any type of skin-safe carrier oil for this recipe. Popular varieties include coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil. If you are looking for a guide on which carrier oil to choose for your skin type, click here for more information. Carrier oils work to deliver vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids to the skin, providing deep moisturizing, soothing irritation, and boosting elasticity. Some carrier oils may even help fight blemishes and promote a healthy glow. 

Orange Cranberry Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries 
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• Zest from 1 orange
• 10 drops orange essential oil

Instructions:

• Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until fully incorporated. 
• Transfer the mixture into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to one week. It will not keep fresh at room temperature. 
• To use, rinse your skin with warm water and then apply liberally on the skin, massaging gently. Rinse away with warm water and apply moisturizer or lotion as normal.

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The holidays are just around the corner, which means that fun, excitement, and joyous times are fast approaching. It also means that some inevitable stress is on the way. That stress can be attributed to family dynamics, holiday airport travel, or gift giving. A recent study actually found that a high percentage of Americans have anxiety about the holidays because of budget concerns. 

Fortunately for you, we provide lots of DIY beauty recipes that you can make and give as gifts. A little handmade soap, body butter, lotion, or face mask never hurt a soul! Making hand soap is a great idea because it can encourage hand washing, which can help minimize the spread of germs, which spread like wildfire during the winter months. Your gift is not only heartfelt, but may also help avoid getting sick. It’s like you are the holiday health hero!

What’s Wrong With Other Holiday Hand Soaps?

There are many beauty stores that sell holiday-scented hand soaps around this time of year. We are not the biggest fans of those products because a lot of them contain ingredients that can disrupt endocrine function. They may also contain ingredients that can cause immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity. There are many foaming hand soaps with various scents, some of which contain methylisothiazolinone, a known chemical to trigger allergies or immunotoxicity. 

Many of those products also contain synthetic fragrances, which can trigger allergies, endocrine disruption, and cause hormonal imbalances. Why risk all of that for a scented hand soap, when you can easily make your own, healthier version in no time? Knowing what goes in your beauty products is not only helpful to your health, but it also gives you confidence about using harmless products. Consider some of the benefits of certain ingredients in this hand soap. 

Liquid Castile Soap

This olive oil-based soap is generally mild and a lot safer than other soaps, which are made with animal-based fats or oils, lye, and scents or fragrances. You want to avoid unwanted reactions on the skin, making castile soap a great option. Pure castile soap is all natural, non-toxic, biodegradable, and free of synthetic ingredients. Castile soap is also ethically better and more eco-friendly. In fact, more and more people have started to use it because it reduces a person’s environmental impact. It is also cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Rich in antioxidants and nutrients that benefit the skin, sweet almond oil is a great ingredient to help soothe the skin and hair. Thanks to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, almond oil can be used in various applications. It is a natural emollient that helps to hydrate the skin, enhancing moisture and increasing smoothness. Research indicates that using a hand cream made with sweet almond oil provides relief from hand dermatitis, relieving symptoms like burning, stinging, redness, and itchiness. It is generally safe for most skin types, especially sensitive skin, because it is lightweight. 

DIY Candy Cane Hand Soap

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unscented liquid castile soap
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
• 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops spearmint essential oil
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Pour the soap, glycerin, almond oil, and essential oils into a soap container. 
• Fill the rest of the container with distilled water. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. 
• You can make custom labels for your soap if making holiday gifts. It gives the soap a personalized and fancy touch.

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Even though they may not be as expensive or fancy, handmade gifts tend to mean more than those bought in the store. Obviously, a homemade sugar scrub is not the same as a brand new laptop, but top-tier electronics are not always in the budget. Perhaps the laptop is in the budget, but you want to give a lot of gifts to friends, colleagues, and family. A great way to do that is by making your own beauty gifts. 

Heartfelt, homemade gifts always put a smile on the gift receiver’s face. It’s a beautiful gesture and people appreciate the time you took to make them something. The great thing about homemade sugar scrubs, bath bombs, soaps, or lotions is that you can make large batches and portion them out into small containers. Decorate the containers to your liking! You can even adhere labels on them that detail the ingredients or instructions to whatever you make. 

Since dry skin is very common during the winter, there are several DIY beauty recipes in this article that help moisturize the skin. There’s nothing wrong with giving a gift that improves skin health! Your gifts may be so well received that you have some repeat customers the following year. Or maybe you share the recipe(s) with your friends and family so they can enjoy the products year round. 

We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and hope these gifts go over well, should you decide to make and gift them. They are perfect for anyone on a budget, and the best part is that they are free of harmful chemicals. Let us know in the comments if you make one of the recipes, and if the people enjoy them as gifts!

Soothing DIY Lavender Oatmeal Bath Bombs

Release all the tension in your body and hydrate your skin in a relaxing soak with these DIY lavender oatmeal bath bombs. 

Click here to make the bath bomb. 

DIY Peppermint Sugar Scrub

Not only is this peppermint sugar scrub easy to make and beneficial for the skin, but it also utilizes some of the best scents of the holiday season.

Click here to make the sugar scrub. 

DIY Beard Oils With An Essential Oil Blend

Do you know someone with a beard? Help them get rid of any itchiness or dryness by gifting them this DIY all-natural beard oil. It’ll tame that mane!

Click here to make the beard oil. 

DIY Mint Foot Butter For Softer Feet

Nourish your feet, freshen them up, decrease cracked heels, and get rid of unpleasant odors by applying this DIY mint foot butter. People will notice the different after only a couple applications!

Click here to make the foot butter. 

DIY Under Eye Cream For Dark Circles

Do you want to help someone tighten their skin, reduce puffiness, and reduce wrinkles with 3 ingredients? Make this all-natural DIY under eye cream and people will love it!

Click here to make the eye cream.

DIY Aftershave Made With Essential Oils

Don’t let your male friends or family members plague their skin with the chemicals in personal care products after they shave. Instead, help them soothe their skin with this DIY aftershave.

Click here to make the aftershave.

DIY Apple Spice Sugar Scrub

Slather on a big dollop of this apple spice sugar scrub on the skin for maximum hydration, exfoliation, and moisture during dryer weather.

Click here to make the sugar scrub.

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Making your own face serum is fun and simple, not to mention beneficial for your skin. A face serum can add moisture and high concentrations of nutrients for your skin. Basically, a serum is a thin-viscosity topical product that will penetrate the skin’s surface more effectively. Due to the higher concentration of active ingredients, it may take a shorter amount of time to see visible results. 

Wondering why you cannot just use a moisturizer or face cream in place of a serum? First and foremost, there is no rule saying that you have to use a serum. A serum just happens to be lighter and delivers more active ingredients to the skin quickly, after you’ve cleansed the skin. You also have to seal the serum in with a moisturizer or face cream. Think of a serum like a secret weapon for your facial skin, especially if you want to target dullness, fine lines, or acne. 

How To Select A Carrier Oil

There are a few things to consider when choosing a carrier oil. Some of the best options are grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, rose hip oil, sweet almond oil, and tamanu oil. The reason that those are great is because they do not clog pores and enhance moisture in the skin. We will detail a few benefits of each of those oils below:

• Grapeseed oil: Great for all skin types, but it is most beneficial for oily skin because it helps reduce the risk of breakouts. 
• Jojoba oil: This oil helps support the skin’s pH balance and is very lightweight. Its molecular structure is similar to sebum, the oil that the skin naturally produces, making it great for all skin types. 
• Rose hip oil: With a subtle aroma, rose hip oil is great for tissue regeneration and dull or aging skin. You can combine it with other carrier oils at a 10-20% ratio, and it can be used on all skin types, especially mature skin.
• Sweet almond oil: Soothing, nourishing, and offering a light aroma, sweet almond oil helps create an even skin tone with its light texture. It is greatly beneficial for dry skin. 
• Tamanu oil: Known for its wound-healing properties, tamanu oil helps form new tissue because of the rich antioxidant content. It also works to reduce the appearance of acne scars and is commonly used for oily or acne-prone skin.

How To Select The Right Essential Oils

Essential oils can be tricky, especially if you have sensitive skin. Beauty experts agree that frankincense, blue tansy, and lavender essential oil are great for any skin type. All of those oils will work beautifully in your DIY face serum. Should you want to choose others or select a combination of them, consider the following when selecting the oils:

• Sensitive skin: Frankincense, rose, helichrysum, and copaiba oils are great for those with sensitive skin.
• Mature skin: Ylang ylang, helichrysum, sandalwood, and rose oils are excellent choices. 
• Dry skin: For those with dry skin, royal Hawaiian sandalwood, myrrh, jasmine, clary sage, and cedarwood oils are the top picks. 
• Oily skin: Many essential oils benefit oily skin, but the best ones are lemon, grapefruit, ylang ylang, cypress, tea tree, and geranium essential oils.

You may want to mix and match different oils for your skin type. You can also select many other essential oils that are quite refreshing. Just keep in mind that citrus oils may cause photosensitivity when out in the sun. Should you want to use citrus essential oils, apply them at night or when you are not going to be in the sun. 

Before you make the serum, figure out which carrier oils and essential oils work best for your skin type. Once you figure that out, you are all set!

DIY Face Serum

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces carrier oil of choice
• 15-20 drops essential oils for each ounce in the bottle

Instructions:

• After selecting your carrier oil, pour it into a small dropper bottle and then add the essential oils. Ideally, only use two essential oils in this glow serum. 
• Screw on the dropper lid and shake until fully mixed. 
• When ready, use five to eight drops on your face and massage gently.

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If you like cinnamon then you clicked on the right article because these candles are better than any air freshener. Cinnamon candles are very simple to make, but they make up for it in their enchanting, fall-themed scent. They will fill your home with the smell of holiday nostalgia or the changing leaves. 

The recipe requires soy wax that you will infuse with cassia essential oil. You can add additional flavors to make cinnamon vanilla or cinnamon apple candles, but that will be at your discretion. Not only do these candles go great in your house, but they also make perfect gifts. If you are the type of person that likes to get a head start on holiday gifts, you can experiment with these candles and start setting them aside. Make the decorations extra nice so you don’t have to rush at the last minute!

Cinnamon Candle Benefits

In aromatherapy, cinnamon essential oil helps to reduce feelings of faintness, exhaustion, and depression. Some people use it to help strengthen libido and immunity, while others use it to reduce joint and muscle pain. When you diffuse cinnamon essential oil in indoor environments, the scent naturally deodorizes and freshens the space. The uplifting fragrance carries throughout the space and has a soothing, therapeutic effect. Many aromatherapists recommend cinnamon essential oil if you want to benefit cognitive functions. It also acts as a natural mosquito repellent! 

What Is The Best Cinnamon Essential Oil For Candles?

Cinnamon essential oil can come from the leaves or outer bark of the cinnamon tree. There isn’t just one cinnamon essential oil; rather, there are three different cinnamon oils. Here is a quick overview of those oils:

• Cinnamon Leaf: This comes from distilling the leaves of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum plant. Cinnamon leaf essential oil has a lighter, muskier cinnamon aroma that is akin to clove’s scent, and the color is slightly amber. 
• Cinnamon Bark: This essential oil comes from distilling the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon plant (Cinnamomum zelanicum, Cinnamomum verum). The oil is slightly red-brown in color and has a warm and spicy scent with a strong undertone of cinnamon.
• Cassia: Steam-distilled from the bark of the cassia tree (Cinnamomum cassia), cassia essential oil is genetically similar to the Ceylon cinnamon plant species. The oil has a slightly sweet cinnamon smell and is golden brown in color. 

All of the above oils are perfectly suitable for candle making. We recommend that you choose cassia essential oil because it has a strong aroma with a hint of sweetness that makes it smell like someone baked cinnamon cookies in the house. It is also more affordable than cinnamon bark essential oil. If you already have a cinnamon essential oil that you prefer, please go ahead and use that. 

DIY Cinnamon Soy Candles

Ingredients:

• 4.5 cups soy wax flakes
• 200 drops cassia essential oil
• 4 pre-tapped cotton candle wicks
• 4 (four-ounce) mason jars

Instructions:

• First off, you have to prep your candle containers. Make sure they are clean, dry, and free of dust. You have to attach the wick to the bottom of the candle container prior to pouring the wax in the jar. 
• To do that, apply hot glue to the bottom of the wick tap and then adhere it to the bottom of the containers. Allow the glue to harden before moving on. 
• To secure the wick, thread it through a wick-centering device, which ensures that the wick stays centered and doesn’t sway when you pour the wax in the jar. 
• Melt your wax in a medium-sized saucepan over low flame. Stir occasionally until the wax is fully melted and then remove from the heat. 
• Allow the wax to cool to 185º F and then add the cassia essential oil. Stir about 30-40 times to properly combine the wax and essential oil.
• Pour the wax into the candle jars and allow the wax to set at room temperature overnight. 
• For the best cinnamon candle, seal the container and allow your candles to cure for one or two days. That will allow the wax and essential oil to bind together and build a stronger scent. 
• Trim the wick to a half-inch above the wax before burning for the first time. Light and enjoy the aroma.

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Face masks, not to be confused with those old COVID facial coverings, should belong to anyone’s skin care regimen. Applying a face mask is an amazing self-care ritual that helps you recharge the batteries. Aim to do a face mask two times per week to make your skin look and feel great. The only problem with face masks is that they can make a dent in your bank account if you enjoy them regularly. 

That’s all going to change when you start making your own face masks, like the one in this article. Not to mention, a lot of people already have the necessary ingredients for face masks at home. Most of them contain ingredients you keep in the pantry, minus some essential oils and clays or powders. This recipe contains bentonite clay, raw honey, apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, and cedarwood, sweet orange, and frankincense essential oils. 

Powdered vs. Liquid Face Masks

Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of preference. In order to apply a powdered face mask, you need to mix it with water or another liquid. Liquid face masks don’t require any additional liquids and you can easily apply them out of the bottle. Depending on the liquid face mask, though, it may or may not contain preservatives in the formulations to combat the increased risk of bacterial growth. Some synthetic preservatives can irritate the skin, but not all liquid face masks are created equal. Continue reading to learn why we love the face masks in this article. 

Honey

Incorporating honey into your skin care regimen can help calm inflammation on the skin. Many people say that they experience notably calmer and smoother skin after using honey. Additionally, honey exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant properties that may help clean out the pores. Some studies found that honey can kill several types of bacteria, but it has not been effective at killing the type of bacteria that causes acne. It may help soothe or reduce the intensity of a breakout, as opposed to getting rid of it entirely. One study found that combining honey with cinnamon bark may offer enough antibacterial properties to fight the primary bacteria that causes acne. 

Bentonite Clay

According to researchers, bentonite clay works by adsorbing oils and bacteria from the skin. It does this by sticking to the molecules or ions in the bacteria, and as you wash clay away from the body, it removes those impurities. Bentonite clay also contains iron, magnesium, and calcium, which may provide additional benefits. The clay works to remove sebum from the skin’s surface, which may help reduce the severity of breakouts. There are many anecdotal reports that say bentonite clay helps to clear up the skin and make it appear younger, but research is needed on this matter. The important thing to remember about bentonite clay is that you should never use metal bowls or utensils to mix bentonite clay with other ingredients. Use glass bowls and wooden utensils because the clay can adsorb some of the metal’s properties over time. 

DIY Honey Clay Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons each: raw honey, avocado oil, and apple cider vinegar
• 5 drops each: sweet orange, cedarwood, and frankincense essential oil
• 1/4 cup bentonite clay

Instructions:

• In a glass bowl, combine the honey, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, and the different essential oils with a wooden utensil. 
• While you’re stirring, pour in the bentonite clay and continue stirring until you get a smooth, thick consistency. 
• Transfer the mixture to a glass container and store in a cool, dry place. 
• Spread a thin layer of the mask on your face and leave on for 10 minutes. 
• Rinse with warm water and scrub away with a gentle exfoliant. Pat your face dry.

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According to health experts, the best way to balance hormones naturally is through diet. For example, avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which play a crucial role in hormone production. Some experts agree that these fats serve as the building blocks for hormone synthesis. Other foods that are rich in fiber may help manage cortisol levels and regulate estrogen levels. 

In addition to balancing hormones through your diet, you can also use essential oils to supplement your dietary efforts. In fact, using essential oils may help ward off health problems associated with hormonal imbalance. Some of the common side effects of hormonal imbalance include:

• Low libido
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Infertility
• Hair loss and hair thinning
• Insomnia
• Weight gain

Key Ingredients

The serum in this article contains two top essential oils for balancing hormones: clary sage and thyme essential oil. It also contains ylang ylang oil and evening primrose oil, but thyme and clary sage essential oils are the standout ingredients. 

Clary Sage Essential Oil

Although clary sage essential oil exhibits numerous health benefits, the primary one is that it helps balance estrogen production in the body. Many healthy issues, including PCOS, infertility, and estrogen-based cancers, stem from excess estrogen in the body. This is primarily due to the consumption of high-estrogen foods. In addition to clary sage’s ability to balance estrogen levels, it may be helpful with other hormone imbalances. More research is still necessary on that matter, though. 

Thyme Essential Oil

Studies indicate that thyme essential oil may assist with progesterone production in the body. A lot of men and women with low progesterone levels have a higher risk of infertility, depression, PCOS, and other imbalanced hormones in the body. Because thyme essential oil has the ability to improve progesterone levels, it serves as a great oil for hormone balance. It also comes with fewer potential side effects compared to other treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Homemade Hormone Balancing Serum

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce evening primrose oil
• 30 drops clary sage oil
• 30 drops thyme oil
• 25 drops ylang ylang oil

Instructions

• Mix all of the ingredients together in a two-ounce bottle. Screw on the top and store in a cool, dark place. 
• When ready to use, take a vial dropper and rub 5 drops onto the neck twice daily. Continue until you feel the results.

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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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Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? If you do, you are not alone. Although there is no general recommendation that will cure every person’s sleep issues, there is usually a remedy or two that can work for one, some, or many people. Sometimes, the simplest remedies can make the biggest difference. 

This DIY lavender chamomile sleep salve is a helpful tool to naturally support more restful sleep. The herbs in this sleep salve help naturally calm the mind and body, helping you get more relaxed and in the right headspace for better sleep. Not only is it easy to make and gentle on the skin, but it is also full of skin-nourishing ingredients, including coconut oil and beeswax. Keep a little tin by your bed and use it nightly as part of your bedtime wind-down routine. 

Why Use A Sleep Salve?

This sleep salve recipe uses lavender and cedarwood essential oils, in addition to chamomile and lavender flowers. When applied to your body, the oils release their aroma to encourage relaxation and help the nervous system activate rest mode. Both lavender and chamomile work to soothe the nervous system and prepare the body for sleep. Cedarwood essential oil has exhibited sedative effects that support melatonin release. 

How Does Lavender Promote Sleep?

A trial from 2020 found that breathing lavender essential oil for 30 minutes helped reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. A 2019 study suggested that lavender may improve the body’s melatonin levels, which may improve overall sleep. That is why a lot of people find it easier to unwind before bed and fall asleep faster when they inhale lavender aroma at night. Some people drop some lavender essential oil under their pillow to promote sleep, while others use lavender-scented balms or creams at night. Keep in mind that lavender alone will not fix sleep problems. You have to maintain good sleep habits, such as avoiding screens before bed, keeping the bedroom cool and quiet, and following a bedtime routine, to improve sleep. 

How Does Chamomile Promote Sleep?

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized, controlled trials found that chamomile was able to improve sleep quality. Researchers consider it to be a mild sedative, which is why it helps relax the nervous system. One study found that chamomile helped people with insomnia function slightly better during the day. Apigenin, a flavonoid in chamomile, is believed to cause a sedative effect. It binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Prescription drugs that bind to those receptors typically treat insomnia, seizures, or anxiety. Studies suggest that chamomile is one of the richest natural sources of apigenin. 

DIY Sleep Salve

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup lavender flowers
• 1/4 cup chamomile flowers
• 1 cup avocado oil
• 1/4 cup strained herbal oil (instructions below)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the lavender and chamomile flowers to a clean jar and cover with avocado oil. Let the jar sit for four to six weeks in a cool, dark place. Strain oil when finished. 
• If you are short on time, you can gently heat the herbs and oil in a double boiler for about three to four hours over low heat and then strain the oil. 
• In a double boiler, combine 1/4 cup of the infused oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. Stir occasionally until fully melted. 
• Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before stirring in the essential oils. 
• Pour the mixture into tins or jars and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Screw on the lids and store in a cool, dark place. Use within six months for best results.

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