Although Christmas trees are no longer aglow and decorated in your house, you can still make use of fresh pine needles from wild pine trees. Incorporate these aromatic needles into your very own sugar scrub. You want to know the best part? Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also requires just three ingredients! No need for double boilers or infusion methods. Just whip up a batch of this stuff and your skin will thank you.

If winter has left your skin dry and scaly, a sugar scrub may be the best way to pamper your skin. Not only does a sugar scrub help exfoliate the skin, but it also provides it with moisture, due to the presence of coconut oil. As a quick note, if coconut oil does not agree with your skin, you can replace it with jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, as those are great carrier oils for all skin types. 

Why Use Pine Needles?

Pine needles happen to be one of the most widely used herbs in the world. For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine has used them for thousands of years, as they are an excellent source of vitamin C. They have been incorporated into various herbal remedies for stomachaches, inflammation, headaches, arthritis, and more. Regarding inflammation, pine needles are often used because of their antioxidant and flavonoid content. The flavonoids in pine needles act as powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage. They also help prevent blood clots, aid with cholesterol reduction, and fight off some cancer cells. 

The antioxidants in pine needles also exhibit antimicrobial effects, which work to fight redness or infections on the skin. Chinese medicine used pine needle oil to help keep wounds clean while they healed. Additionally, pine needles have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, which may help reduce redness or swelling. In fact, some research says that pine needle tea helps reduce arthritic symptoms by aiding inflammation reduction in the body. 

In addition to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, pine needles are also rich in vitamin K. While vitamin K is necessary for optimal bone health, it also helps the body produce collagen, which keeps the skin smooth and elastic. The presence of vitamin C in pine needles also provides an added boost for collagen production. Finally, pine needles are particularly rich in both vitamin A and B1, which are necessary for cell growth. 

A Quick Note Of Caution

If you have sensitive skin, or you are prone to eczema, use discretion when experimenting with new ingredients on the skin. Always do a patch test, which involves using a small amount of the product on an area that can stay undisturbed if you experience a breakout. Dry skin is one thing that can inflame eczema. The application of oil-based exfoliants, such as this sugar scrub, may help with long-term hydration. Make sure that you avoid washing right away, or else you will strip the skin of any oil that the skin has not yet absorbed. 

DIY Winter Pine Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2.5 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh pine needles, chopped

Instructions:

• Begin by pouring the sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Make sure it is free of clumps. 
• Pour room temperature coconut oil into the sugar and mix until completely combined. 
• Add the chopped pine needles and continue to stir until fully incorporated. 
• Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and screw on the top, making sure to store in a cool, dark place. 
• When ready to use, massage about a teaspoon-sized amount and massage into the skin. Leave on for about 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

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Winter is the season for cozy sweaters, steaming mugs of tea, nights around a crackling fire, and dry and itchy skin. For people with eczema, winter is a time of itchy skin and flare-ups. Life doesn’t have to be this way, though. If you have eczema, you don’t have to fear winter and think that it equates to itchy-skin misery. There are steps you can take during the winter to keep flare-ups and dryness at bay. 

Why Is Eczema Worse During The Winter?

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly, and itchy rash on the top of the skin. People with eczema can experience severe itching, thick or scaly skin, dry patches that look scaly, and even raw or sensitive skin. It’s possible to experience more flare-ups or more severe itchiness during the winter. The moist outdoor conditions of snow or rain and indoor heat can cause dry skin, itchiness, or flare-ups. It’s also possible to experience flare-ups as a result of wearing too many layers, taking showers or baths that are too hot, or using too many blankets while sleeping. 

When you take the proper measures to protect the skin, eczema is manageable condition. There isn’t a single remedy or answer that works for every person, but there are tips to help calm symptoms or winer flare-ups. Learn more about these remedies below. 

Avoid Rapid Temperature Changes

Any time the skin experiences a rapid change in temperature, it starts to feel itchy and dry out. The constant back and forth between colder outdoor temperatures and warm, dry indoor temperatures can cause the skin to dry out quickly. If you have eczema, try wearing gloves, scarves, and beanies or winter hats when outside so as to keep the skin warm. Try your best to not let the skin get cold and protect sensitive areas from rapid temperature changes. Avoid hot water when you’re cold and make showers or baths warm, not scalding hot. 

Glove Up

Hands dry out quickly during the winter, and people with hand eczema can experience deep cracks, peeling, or blisters. Protect your hands from this damage by wearing gloves when you’re outside. Dermatologists agree that protecting the hands from the winter environment can help them retain moisture. Don’t use wool gloves, though, because they can cause itchiness to eczema-prone hands. 

Moisturize…Then Moisturize Again

If you want to control your eczema during the winter months, you need to have moisturizer at the ready. One study found that parents, who were educated about moisturizing their children who had eczema, were able to significantly improve their children’s skin during the winter. Using emollients is advisable because they help lock moisture into the skin, while also allowing it to breathe. Moisturize the skin within three minutes of exiting the shower or bath to help seal the moisture into the skin.

Use Gentle Soap

With the presence of new COVID-19 variants, health experts continue to encourage frequent hand-washing. If you have eczema or sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid harsh soaps or bath products that have harmful ingredients. Try your best to use gentle, moisturizing soaps that don’t contain dyes, alcohol, or fragrances. Harsh soaps are also laundry detergents, so look for those ingredients in detergents as well if you want to keep your skin healthy.

Use A Humidifier

The heating system in your home makes the air dry, which can irritate your eczema. Add moisture back to the air by combatting the warm, dry air with a humidifier. There are portable humidifiers that you can place in each room, but you can also invest in larger ones that you can hook up to a heating system. Make sure to frequently change the water in the humidifier (every three days is sufficient) to avoid fungal or bacterial build-up. 

Supplement With Vitamin D

The skin naturally creates vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. Because of the lack of sun during winter, it’s more difficult to get the vitamin D that the skin needs for repair and maintenance. One study found that people with eczema who supplemented with vitamin D during winter were able to reduce flare-ups. A review of studies from 2016 found that vitamin D supplements help to improve eczema symptoms. Consult with your health care professional about which vitamin D supplement is best for you. 

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When the sun is shining and you need a filling smoothie to cool you off keep you satiated until your next meal, this is the recipe you need. This smoothie has a variety of spices and seeds, which is why it offers a variety of nutrients. It delivers a hefty dose of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, complex carbohydrates, and anti-inflammatory properties. And while the seeds and banana are the ingredients that fill you up, it is turmeric that provides the following benefits:

• Improves digestion and helps prevent gas and bloating
• Helps improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
• Helps lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers
• Helps prevent certain types of cancer, including skin, prostate, breast, and colon, and may reduce side effects of chemotherapy
• Aids in weight management and fat metabolism
• Exhibits natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
• Slows the progression of MS and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline

The hemp hearts give this smoothie a slightly nutty flavor profile, which is complemented by the sweetness of the banana. For added sweetness, we included raw agave nectar, and made the smoothie creamy with homemade almond milk. It is truly a smoothie you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Easy to make and even easier to drink, we know that you’ll love this!

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Flaking, itchiness, and dryness can be signs of a dry scalp. Perhaps you spend a lot of time in the sun, wash your hair too frequently, or use the wrong hair care products. Whatever the case, having a dry scalp can be a real bummer. You don’t want to have to worry about whether or not you have visible flakes on your shoulders or hair. The good news is that you can make a few simple changes to moisturize the scalp and hair.

What Is Dry Scalp?

Not to be confused with dandruff, dry scalp is different, even though it exhibits similar symptoms, primarily flaking and itchiness. If your scalp is dry, the skin becomes irritated and flakes off. Dandruff is the result of too much oil production on the scalp, in addition to an overgrowth of yeast, Malassezia, that already exists on the skin. You can tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp because dandruff flakes are larger and may look oily and have a yellow tint. Dry scalp typically produces small, dry flakes. 

Dry Scalp Causes

The primary reason that a person experiences a dry scalp is due to lack of moisture, which can have several causes. Changes in weather, washing hair too frequently, using certain hair products, age, and different skin conditions (such as psoriasis or eczema) can cause dry scalp. Certain hair products may cause contact dermatitis, which occurs when the chemicals in those products react negatively with the skin. Some products also strip the hair and scalp of their natural oils, which reduces moisture content. Additionally, too much sun exposure without proper protection can burn the scalp, causing dryness and irritation. All of those things and more can harm the scalp’s natural moisture defenses. Basically, you can damage the outer layer of skin and experience flakiness and itchiness. 

Avoid Alcohol In Hair Care Products

If you notice alcohol on the ingredient lists of any of your hair care products, throw them out. The reason for this is because alcohol dries out the scalp. It tends to be used in a lot of styling products to help hair dry faster. Alcohol also wicks moisture from the hair and scalp. In addition to alcohol, look for other drying ingredients, such as menthol, eucalyptus, and sulfate. Those ingredients actually cause a pH imbalance on the scalp!

Protect The Scalp From The Elements

The scalp can experience sunburn, just like any part of the body exposed to sunlight. Once the scalp is burnt, you can experience irritation, but it doesn’t just become irritated from sun exposure. Extreme dry and cold weather can cause dryness and itchiness. To prevent this from happening, wear a hat in the summer and a beanie in the winter to shield the scalp from the elements. The more you protect your scalp and keep it covered when outside, the healthier and happier the scalp will be. 

Change Up Your Shampoo Routine

If you feel your scalp drying out on you, reduce the amount of times you wash your hair in a week. Over-washing can strip the scalp and hair of natural oils, which are already lacking if you regularly experience dryness. You may want to consider changing up your shampoo, especially if you notice dry scalp on a somewhat regular basis. As we mentioned earlier, steer clear of shampoos that contain sulfates and alcohol. Instead, look for nourishing, moisturizing ingredients, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, or avocado oil. Some shampoos also contain ingredients that offer anti-fungal and anti-yeast properties. 

Hydrate 

Failure to drink enough water every day can do more than impair digestive function. The skin, including your scalp, can experience dryness, flakiness, itching, and irritation if you are dehydrated. The itching and dryness can actively damage the skin, making you more susceptible to dandruff. Make sure that you drink enough water every day by drinking half your body weight in ounces of water. Keep a water bottle next to you at all times, adding cucumber or lemon to it to increase your desire to hydrate. You can also drink herbal teas and eat water-rich foods to promote hydration.

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During the summer months, it is easy to encounter several pests, including mosquitos and ticks. You can also get tangled up in some poison ivy while hiking if you are not careful. That should not scare you away from being outside and enjoying nature. Skin irritation happens no matter what you do or where you go. When something does happen, jewelweed salve may be the natural, folk remedy that helps your skin issues with ease.

What Is Jewelweed?

Jewelweed is a wild-growing plant that has helped soothe skin irritations for centuries. Some people have used it to calm eczema, while others apply it to keep bug bites from itching. The actual plant grows in shady areas across North America, but you can typically find it near water sources, such as creeks or streams in the forest. You can actually find it growing by its poisonous neighbor: poison ivy. The good news is that it has distinctive orange flowers and seed pods that explode (to a certain degree), making it fun to forage for. 

According to researchers, jewelweed contains powerful natural compounds, especially lawsone. This molecule is believed to contend with urushiol, which is the rash-inducing oil in poison ivy. Some preliminary research shows that rubbing jewelweed on the skin after brushing up against poison ivy can stop the rash before it even starts. How amazing is that?! Lawsone can actually block urushiol, which reduces or prevents rash altogether. Jewelweed also contains saponins, which act like natural soap to help cleanse the skin. 

Traditional And Modern Uses Of Jewelweed

Historically, Native American tribes mashed jewelweed plants to make a poultice to treat poison ivy rashes, cuts, burns, sprains, and insect bites. Modern research backs this up as well! Freshly mashed jewelweed is a popular remedy for stopping a poison ivy rash before it even starts. Jewelweed soap can also help reduce poison ivy rash if you use it right away after contact. In general, soap is efficient at breaking up the oils in poison ivy that cause rash. 

Should you get into some poison ivy, your best bet at avoiding a rash is to use jewelweed right away. It is not always apparent that you have been in contact with poison ivy until it’s too late, especially if you do not know what poison ivy looks like. If that is the case, a DIY jewelweed salve can be a great alternative. Soothe or prevent a poison ivy rash with the following salve, which also works on bug bites and irritated skin. 

DIY Jewelweed Salve

Ingredients:

• Fresh jewelweed, roughly chopped
• 1 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Instructions:

• Place the jewelweed into a pint-size Mason jar. You want enough plant material to fill the jar up to the halfway point. Cover the jewelweed with olive oil. 
• Fill a saucepan about halfway with water and place a cotton towel at the bottom. Place the jar with the jewelweed and olive oil on top of the cloth, as that will prevent the jar from breaking. 
• Turn the heat to medium-low and bring the water to a simmer. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and keep in the water bath for about three hours. You can add more water if it evaporates. 
• Strain the jewelweed-infused oil through a cheesecloth, giving it a good squeeze to get as much infused oil out as possible. 
• Add one cup of the infused oil and the beeswax to the top of a double boiler and heat until the wax is melted. Stir to combine. 
• Remove from the heat and then stir in the essential oils and vitamin E oil. Pour the mixture into small tins or glass jars and allow the salve to harden at room temperature.
• Use on poison ivy rash, mosquito bites, and eczema or irritated skin.

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A face serum can add moisture and high concentrations of beneficial nutrients to your skin. The ingredients in the serum will determine the benefits for your skin. For example, some serums, like the one in this article, help with early signs of aging, while others are better for hydrating or repairing texture. If you’re looking to enhance your skin care routine with a single product, though, a serum is the ticket.

What Is A Serum?

A serum is essentially a topical skin care product that contains concentrated amounts of active ingredients. With larger amounts of active molecules, a serum can potentially penetrate the skin’s surface with more efficacy that a moisturizer, for example. Due to its high concentration, a serum takes a shorter amount of time to see results. You can think of a serum like a secret weapon designed to treat skin issues such as dullness, discoloration, fine lines, and acne. 

Because a serum is light in nature and delivers active ingredients efficiently and quickly, you apply it first once you cleanse your face. In order to maximize the serum’s benefits, you have to seal it in with a moisturizer or cream. If you use a serum that is suited to the issue you want to address, it can have many benefits. We’ll explain the benefits of this serum below.

Vitamin E Oil

It’s common to see vitamin E oil in many different moisturizers because it works to prevent dry, flaking skin. As a result of moisturizing the skin, vitamin E oil may also reduce skin itching. Keeping the skin properly moisturized is the best way to prevent dry skin, which in turn prevents itchiness. The American Academy of Dermatology Association looked at the benefits of vitamin E oil for people with eczema. Researchers found that vitamin E had a positive effect on eczema. That said, they did not specify whether the focus was on topical or oral vitamin E. More research is necessary on this matter. 

Carrier Oil

Because the serum contains vitamin E oil, you want to choose a carrier oil that is rich in that particular vitamin. Not all skin types can use the same carrier oils, though, so keep that in mind. Additionally, climate and season play a role in your carrier oil choice. As for which carrier oil to choose, well, that depends on your preference and skin type. Some oils that are great sources of vitamin E include sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, grapeseed oil, and apricot kernel oil. If you have acne-prone skin, you may want to try jojoba oil, rosehip oil, hemp oil. 

Essential Oils

The use of essential oils is entirely optional in this face serum recipe. Most people do not react to essential oils if they are properly diluted with carrier oils. You can always use less and increase to a stronger dilution if you desire. A 0.5% dilution is generally what dermatologists recommend for facial skin, though. As far as which essential oils to choose, consider the following:

• Anti-aging: frankincense, helichrysum, carrot seed, geranium, and chamomile essential oils
• Glowing skin: lavender, sandalwood, jasmine, and helichrysum essential oils
• Fighting acne: lemongrass, tea tree, bergamot, grapefruit, eucalyptus, cedarwood, juniper berry, and cypress essential oils

DIY Face Serum

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp pure vitamin E oil
• 2 ounces carrier oil of choice 
• 10-20 drops essential oils (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a small dropper bottle, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Store the serum in a cool, dark place to preserve the healing properties. 
• To use, apply a few drops of the serum to your face and massage into the skin for about one minute. It’s a great serum to use for overnight treatment!

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Do you regularly cycle through different skin care products in search of the fountain of youth? Perhaps you have your skin care routine dialed in, but you notice that it isn’t yielding the results you want. Instead of spending more and more money on miracle skin care solutions, registered dietitians suggest that you pay more attention to the foods you eat. Your grocery list may be the secret to clearer skin. 

Many people are under the impression that a 10-step skin care routine is necessary to achieve great skin. This is primarily due to skin care ads and beauty influencers. What these ads don’t tell you is that eliminating certain foods from your diet can do your skin a great deal of good. Your skin is resilient, provided you feed it the goods it needs and craves. Instead of complicating your skin care routine, simplify it and diversify your diet. Rotate the foods you eat, not the products you use. 

Many nutritionists state that there is a connection between gut health and the appearance of your skin. In order to improve your gut health to clear up your skin, consider the following eating habits. You may notice how your skin looks and feels, but more so how you feel in your own skin. The great news is that these are not restrictive eating tips!

Keep Your Blood Sugar In Check

You don’t have to track your blood sugar to understand if your skin is trying to tell you that something is awry. For example, some people with recurring acne or eczema can experience flare ups if they eat foods that spike their blood sugar. That is primarily because big blood sugar spikes promote inflammation. Inflammatory skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne, or eczema, do not respond positively to sugar. 

That doesn’t mean you have to eliminate carbs and sugar completely from your diet. Don’t demonize them; rather, balance your carb intake with protein to curb a blood sugar spike. Add some Greek yogurt to your oats, for example. Pairing 20 grams of protein with a serving of starch can make a big difference, both for your skin and energy levels.  

Count Your Plants

No, not the amount of plants that are growing in your garden. According to research, one of the best ways to support a healthy gut microbiome is to diversify your plant intake. According to the American Gut Project, stool samples from healthy individuals indicated that they had a very rich gut microbiome in common. Most of these individuals were eating at least 30 different plants per week. 

That is drastically different from the typical American diet, which usually lacks fiber and a variety of plant-based foods. Most people only consume 14 to 16 grams of fiber per day, and the minimum is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Research confirms that 95% of American adults and children fail to meet their daily fiber needs. To meet your fiber needs, aim to consume five different fruits and vegetables per day, every single day of the week. And while you’re at it, do your best to enjoy fruits and vegetables that are all colors of the rainbow to get your share of different antioxidants. 

Eat More…Especially Protein

Although there is an obesity epidemic in the United States, it is very common to under-eat, especially protein. Most people overeat carbs, sugar, caffeine, and unhealthy fats and do not eat a sufficient amount of protein, and that can negatively affect the skin. The skin requires more protein than you think, particularly if you want to enhance your skin barrier or repeat any wounds. Doubling your protein intake at meals can have a large impact on your skin, energy levels, and even your sleep. Just make sure to consume lean protein, such as wild caught fish, cage-free boneless skinless chicken, and turkey. There are also plant-based protein options to enjoy, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

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Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, or bumpy. When a flare up occurs, it is highly uncomfortable and can be extremely difficult to avoid itching the affected area(s). Symptoms start to flare up if you encounter an irritant or allergen, and you have to use one or more remedies to stop the itching. 

More often than not, itchiness is the most common symptom, although itchy patches of skin can begin to ooze or crack from excessive scratching. Itchiness is the result of an overactive immune response, causing irritation or inflammation in the skin. The urge to scratch that itch can interfere with social life, general concentration, and your ability to sleep. To help stop scratching when you have eczema, give the following strategies a try. Some (or all) may not work for you, so keep experimenting until you find what works.

Stress Management

Stress is a common trigger for eczema and can worsen the severity of a flare up. Chronic stress, which stems from financial insecurity or major life events, can have a major impact on eczema. For this reason, dermatologists encourage eczema patients to develop stress management methods, such as: 

• Meditation: There is more than one way to meditate, people! You can experiment with solo meditation, guided meditation, or even walking meditation. Yoga and Tai Chi are also excellent forms of moderate exercise that promote stress reduction. 
• Limit social media time: According to mental health experts, spending too much time on social media can cause stress. Additionally, consuming too much news can cause high stress, so put away your socials and news sources to help curb stress. 
• Sleep: The average adult requires about seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Failure to get enough sleep can ignite symptoms. Make sure to go to bed at the same time every day and keep the bedroom at a cool temperature. 

Moisturizers

If your skin is dry, then you will likely feel itchy in problem areas. With eczema, dryness occurs because of issues with the skin barrier, which is the outer layer that retains moisture. To combat dryness, apply moisturizers to help preserve the barrier and its function. Dermatologists recommend applying a moisturizer at least twice daily, especially after bathing. There are oil-rich eczema creams and ointments, which are thicker than lotions and slightly more effective. Moisturizing daily can help reduce the number of eczema flare ups, according to research. 

Phototherapy

Phototherapy, or light therapy, is a possible treatment for atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. This therapy involves the use of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which researchers believe act on nerve endings that cause itchiness. One study found that 93% of people using UVB as eczema treatment reported relief after a couple weeks. 

EMDR Therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychological therapy commonly used to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some early research suggests that EMDR may relieve the itchiness associated with atopic dermatitis. It may also help reduce daytime scratching and increase self-control, which ultimately improves overall quality of life. During an EMDR session, you will visualize the discomfort and itch while a therapist stimulates your eyes to move. Alternatively, the therapist may expose one or both ears to certain sounds that help you adapt to the discomfort of an eczema-related itch.

Cold Compress

By applying a cold compress to the affected area, you may help relieve itchiness and inflammation. This is a remedy that can be applied whether you have eczema or not. To make a cold compress, soak a towel or washcloth in cold water. Make sure to wring it out before applying to the itchy areas. Once you do this, make sure to apply a moisturizer for ultimate relief. Avoid applying an ice pack directly to the skin, as this can increase burning or itching. 

Habit Reversal Techniques

This is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that involves changing your behavior and relationship to your eczema itch. This is something that you practice with a therapist or counselor. During your sessions, you’ll focus on disrupting the “itch-scratch” cycle and learn techniques to distract yourself from that itch, all while promoting mindfulness.

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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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It seems that the beauty industry continues to suggest new products for your skin and hair that you “absolutely need.” If you have a difficult time managing facial skin, hair, or scalp, then you may quickly purchase these items in hopes of remedying the issue(s). What you end up with is a cabinet full of masks, oils, exfoliants, serums, creams, lotions, and more. Is there an end to this madness?

Believe it or not, and we are not about to sell you on a product, but scalp serums make up a big part of this beauty shift. There are buzz-worthy formulas and ingredients in products, but are they really necessary? If you deal with certain scalp issues, though, you may benefit from using a simple scalp serum. We’ll detail three signs that may make you want to consider a scalp serum. 

Flakes Or Dryness

It’s possible to see two types of flakes on the scalp: dandruff and dryness, the former of which calls for targeted treatment, such as social shampoos. Dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, which is a form of eczema, and it is caused by Malassezia furfur, which is a type of yeast. Dermatologists note that dandruff flare-ups tend to happen for several reasons, but the most common are stress and changes in weather (both cold and humid temperatures).

A dry scalp may reveal symptoms, such as itchiness, flakes, tight skin, redness, or ashiness, some of which overlap with dandruff’s symptoms. If you see dryness-induced flakes, seek out a hydrating scalp serum that contains peptides, hyaluronic acid, and similar ingredients. 

General Or Localized Thinning

Hair thinning tends to result from miniaturization, a process during which the diameter of the hair shaft decreases in size. That can result from hormone-related hair loss, stress-related hair loss, or the buildup of natural oils and products on the scalp. The latter only happens if you do not wash your hair enough, or you frequently use heavy products on the scalp, such as dry shampoo. Thinning can be a sign that your scalp needs a little extra TLC, especially with a serum focused on hair growth. Click here to make a natural scalp serum that may help you grow your hair. 

Congestion Surrounding Roots

Congestion may not be the first word you think of regarding your hair and scalp, but it can happen there as well. Generally speaking, a congested scalp is full of buildup from various hair products, dead skin, and natural oils. If you get close enough to the mirror, you may see a little skin visible under the buildup between hair strands. You can also massage your scalp with your fingers and see if the buildup has broken up after. 

In order to get rid of buildup, you will need a scalp serum that contains an exfoliant. Detox treatments, as some people call them, are great for cleansing the scalp and removing buildup. A scalp scrub can also be a great first step before applying a serum. Use these scalp serums before you wash your hair and consider following it up with a hydrating scalp serum, just as you would moisturize your face after using a cleansing scrub. 

Ultimately, you should treat your scalp a little more like skin and a little less like hair. That means you use scalp serums when necessary, especially if you notice dryness, thinning hair, or product buildup.

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