It’s safe to say that people are not afraid of putting oils on their skin anymore, and rightly so. That’s great, considering that beauty shelves used to be replete with oil-free ads. Applying oil to the skin is not a new practice; rather, many cultures have used oils to benefit the skin for centuries. Various oils exhibit skin-nourishing properties, but you do have to find the right oil for your skin type. 

What Is A Carrier Oil?

A carrier oil is plant-based and tends to have a neutral or mild scent. You can use them on their own, or mix them with other oils, such as essential oils. The great thing about carrier oils is that they do not contain fillers or chemicals that you typically find in store bought skin care products. The main thing to keep in mind when buying these oils, though, is to make sure they are cold-pressed. That is the best method of extraction for preserving their health properties. 

A carrier oil can help to naturally moisturize, protect, and improve the overall quality of the skin. Different carrier oils may benefit certain skin conditions, while others aim to rejuvenate and improve the skin’s appearance. Some can even help you balance oil production, offer anti-aging effects, and enhance the skin barrier. Below, you will find great carrier oils for different skin types. 

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil is naturally rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help it function as a natural humectant. A humectant is a substance that attracts water, so it helps to hydrate the skin, nails, and even hair. Hemp seed oil is non comedogenic, meaning it will not clog your pores, and that makes it suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone or oily skin. The antioxidants in hemp seed oil work to reduce the signs of aging, while the anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin. 

Sunflower Oil

Beauty experts note that sunflower oil is naturally balanced, meaning it is not too heavy or too light. Sunflower oil is widely available and works to promote skin hydration, protect the skin barrier, and reduce water loss. According to research, sunflower oil is naturally rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which is why it is a common ingredient in anti-aging skin care products. Several studies indicate that the anti-inflammatory properties in sunflower oil benefit people with eczema, or general redness or skin irritation. Use it as a post-shower body oil, an anti-aging mask, or after-sun nourishment. 

Olive Oil

Rich in vitamins A and E, olive oil is a great carrier oil choice if you want to reduce premature signs of aging. Olive oil’s polyphenols, antioxidants, and immune enhancers make it great for skin protection. It works to fight the effects of sun damage and may even soothe inflammation. That said, do not use olive oil topically if you have a history of eczema or allergic contact dermatitis. It has been associated with worsening atopic dermatitis.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant, jojoba oil is one of the most common carrier oils in existence. It is beneficial for nearly all skin types and is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and nourishing fatty acids. Jojoba oil can help moisturize the skin without leaving a heavy residue behind. You can use jojoba oil if you have combination skin, dry skin, or oily skin because it mimics the skin’s natural oils. Jojoba oil is also a natural emollient, helping to maintain a protective skin barrier. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Sure, almonds are a healthy, filling snack, but have you ever used sweet almond oil to nourish your skin? If you have very sensitive or dry skin, sweet almond oil will be a great moisturizing treat for your skin. It is replete with vitamin E, fatty acids, proteins, and various minerals, all of which encourage healthier skin. You can use sweet almond oil as a body oil, combining it with rose petals for an optimal floral scent and enhanced antioxidant activity.

Argan Oil

Great for the hair and skin, argan oil has been an effective moisturizer and cosmetic oil for centuries. Although evidence-based studies are lacking, argan oil has helped many people reduce premature signs of aging. Some research indicates that argan oil can restore some of the skin’s natural hydration and elasticity after menopause. Its anti-melanin action makes argan oil great for evening out skin tone. Argan oil also works to promote collagen production, replenish the skin with fatty acids, and treat acne.

Avocado Oil

As you know, avocados are naturally rich in fatty acids and beneficial nutrients. That makes avocado oil the perfect oil for moisturizing dry skin. Because it has vitamins A, D, and E, avocado oil helps support collagen production and fights signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. Among other beneficial properties, avocado oil works to moisturize dry skin and fight free radicals, which contribute to early signs of aging.

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Dermatologists agree that dry scalp occurs when the scalp cannot produce or hold enough moisture. Just as is common for other forms of dry skin, dry scalp can cause irritation, flaking, and itching. It can also cause your hair to look dry, given that oil from the scalp helps condition the hair. 

People with dry skin tend to have an increased risk of dry scalp, meaning many of the things that cause dry skin also cause dry scalp. Such causes include excessive washing, dry air, and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. Thankfully, there are many easy and effective ways to moisturize the scalp. Below, you’ll find the best tips to help keep your scalp moisturized and healthy.

Apply A Hair Oil Or Serum

If dandruff is not the primary cause of dry scalp, then you may have success using scalp serums or oils that provide moisture. Replenish your scalp’s moisture with one of those products at the start of your day. Before you apply the serum or oil, wet your hair first because you don’t want your strands to pick up the majority of the product. In fact, beauty experts recommend using a cotton swab to apply it to the scalp. Serums, instead of oils, may reduce the risk of clogged hair follicles, which can cause other issues. 

Avoid Shampoos With Sulfates

If you care about your hair, scalp, and skin, you will do your best to avoid skin and hair care products that contain sulfates. Some shampoos can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leaving it irritated and dry. Shampoos that do not contain sulfates are usually much gentler on your hair and scalp. If you have mild dandruff, consider cleaning daily with a gentle shampoo. If that doesn’t fix the issue, you may require a medicated dandruff shampoo. You may even need to experiment with more than a single shampoo or hair care product to address the issue. 

Cut Back On The Number Of Products You Use

Instead of adding more products to your hair and scalp care routine, you may need to take a step back and leave some out. If you use a wide variety of products, try to simplify your hair care routine. Eliminate harsh ingredients and chemicals, opting for a more natural and streamline approach instead. Too many products can mess with the pH balance of the scalp and create additional issues that you don’t want. 

Incorporate A Scalp Scrub

A scalp scrub may not seem like the correct choice if your scalp is dry, but your scalp may need it in certain instances. Much like exfoliating your skin, scrubbing your scalp can help to remove dead skin cells and excess build-up. That process can make it easier for oils and serums to penetrate deeper into the skin for optimal hydration. Scalp scrubs also help free up hair follicles for better growth. 

Exfoliate Your Scalp Every One To Two Weeks

Although a scalp scrub can aid exfoliation, you may not require one to address your situation. Another thing to note is that you do not want to over-exfoliate, and avoid exfoliation if you have eczema or psoriasis. A scalp massage brush may dilate blood vessels under the skin, which may encourage hair growth. If you use a scalp scrub during a massage with this brush, you may help slough away dead skin cells, oils, and anything else clogging your hair follicles. 

Try Scalp Oiling

If you regularly massage oil into your scalp, you may help address dryness or build-up. Scalp oiling is especially beneficial for dehydrated hair follicles, and it preps the hair for styling. If you have dandruff, however, avoid scalp oiling. This is a process that you should only do if your scalp is in need of more moisture because it helps boost circulation and decongests the scalp. 

Visit A Head Spa

Depending on where you live, a head spa may not be accessible to you. A head spa basically offers treatments that address things concerning your scalp. Think of it like giving your scalp a facial! These places stem from the Japanese practice, where scalp-centric services are offered at many salons. A visit to a head spa can be beneficial, but may only provide temporary relief if your scalp concerns are more serious.

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Whether you follow TikTok beauty trends or get lured into buying commercial beauty products, skin care is an ever-evolving field. There are no breakthroughs, tips, and hacks about how to best care for the body’s largest organ. With so many options to choose from, how do you know which skin care products are right for you? That can be very difficult, considering that each product has a handful of ingredients, some of which may do more harm than good.

Because more people are aware of the negative effects of commercial beauty products, DIY skin care products are more popular than ever. Simple ingredients, many of which have been used for centuries, can help address common skin issues. In case you need more proof, the following five natural skin care ingredients have loads of research to back up their efficacy. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Green Tea For Inflammation And Aging

Green tea is replete with polyphenols, offering a shocking 30% polyphenol antioxidant count by weight. Researchers state that the most notable antioxidant is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties. According to several studies, topical application of polyphenols can help repair sun-damaged skin. Some research even indicated that this topical application may reverse the signs of aging, such as reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Oat Extracts For Sensitive Skin

Some beauty experts consider oats, or oat extracts, to be the gold standard for sensitive skin. Both colloidal oatmeal and oat oil are beloved by estheticians for their ability to soothe sensitive skin. For example, colloidal oatmeal has a high lipid and antioxidant content, which helps protect the skin barrier. Colloidal oatmeal has many active nutrients, including vitamin E, ferric acid, and avenanthramides, which exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Many dermatologists recommend colloidal oatmeal for the treatment of eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. 

Coconut Oil For Dry Skin

Soothing dryness should not be your only reason for using coconut oil topically on the skin. Coconut oil contains natural fatty acids that help nourish and smooth out the skin. The reason coconut oil is particularly beneficial for dry skin is because it helps increase moisture levels in the skin, due to its occlusive properties. It also helps to improve skin barrier function, which is why people with eczema or psoriasis find coconut oil so soothing. 

Aloe Vera For Dullness

You are probably most familiar with aloe vera for its ability to soothe sunburns and accelerate the healing from burns or mild scrapes. It has been a staple in natural skin care for centuries because of its medicinal properties. Researchers found that aloe vera contains more than 75 (and potentially up to 200) different active compounds, such as sugars, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and salicylic acids. Aloe vera is excellent for hydrating the skin because it is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the skin. 

Researchers note that aloe vera has proven to increase the water content of the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer. But wait, there’s more! Aloe vera may help brighten the skin, due to its content of aloesin. One study found that it helped treat UV-induced and post-acne hyperpigmentation. Topical application of aloesin may directly inhibit hyper pigmented skin from producing more melanin, which can cause the formation of dark spots. 

Jojoba Oil For Oil Control

The chemical structure of jojoba oil is very similar to human cells, making it a popular ingredient in skin care products. Jojoba oil may help reduce oiliness by modulating the skin’s production of sebum. Because of the iodine content, jojoba oil also works to balance bacterial overgrowth, which can lead to breakouts. Finally, jojoba oil is rich in skin-soothing ingredients, such as vitamin E, copper, B-complex vitamins, and zinc, which give the oil anti-inflammatory properties.

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Bedsheets and towels are materials that touch your skin daily, especially the most intimate parts of your body. Like most people, you probably hang your towel up after drying off when you exit the shower. You don’t think about it (perhaps) until the towel starts to smell. That is downright gross, and it raises the question: How often should you wash your bath towels?

Why Washing Your Bath Towels Is So Important

There’s no other way to say this without being blunt: you get up close and personal with your bath towel on a daily basis. You use it to dry off every square inch of your body, from head to toe. After a few uses, your towel can be contaminated with several pathogens or bacteria that increase your risk of infection. Some of those things include:

• Fecal pathogens (norovirus, C. diff, and E. coli)
• Fungal species (such as the ones that cause ringworm and athlete’s foot)
• Skin pathogens (such as Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA)
• Bacterial and viral pathogens that can cause conjunctivitis 

How Often Should You Wash Your Bath Towel?

Some researchers suggest that you should wash or change your bath towel after every use. This isn’t exactly feasible for everyone. Other researchers say that you can stretch your bath towel to three uses (max), so long as it dries fully between each use. According to one dermatologist and cofounder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans, Louisiana, she changes her bath towel every day. She added that it is acceptable to throw them in the laundry after every two to three uses.

What all researchers can agree on is that the towel must fully dry between each use. The reason for this is because drying helps kill potential microbes and inhibits them from growing. Your towel’s ability to dry will depend on the climate in your house. A towel may never fully dry in a more humid environment, and your bathroom tends to stay more humid than other areas in the home. For this reason, you may want to hang dry your towels outside the bathroom. 

As a quick note, there are some exceptions to the three-day towel rule. If you have open cuts or scrapes, had a recent surgery (such as mole or skin cancer removal), or have a lot of eczema or psoriasis, you will want to change towels more frequently. The reason for that is because the skin barrier is not intact, which is why you want to be more careful. Use a fresh towel after every shower until the skin has properly healed. 

How To Correctly Wash (And Dry) Your Towels

Make sure to wash your towels with detergent and then dry them on high heat. Health experts agree that that is the most efficient washing and drying routine to kill germs and keep mold counts down. Choose a detergent that contains enzymes, which break down dirt and kill germs during the wash cycle. The detergent will have that listed on the front label, saying that enzymes fight stains. 

If you have sensitive skin, it is possible that using a new detergent may cause irritation. If you experience any irritation after using a new detergent, stop using it. You can also find dye-free and fragrance-free detergents that incorporate enzymes into their formulas, as they may be gentler on the skin. You can also use liquid bleach or laundry products that contain activated oxygen bleach. Those products increase the efficacy of the cleaning process. 

What Happens If You Don’t Wash Towels Twice Per Week?

The short answer is that your skin will never be the same. No, of course this is not the truth. The reality is that not everyone will have problems with infrequent towel washing. If you notice that your towel has a mildew smell, that stink can transfer onto your skin when you dry off after showering. That could potentially trigger or contribute to allergy symptoms if you are allergic to mold. 

The transferring of pathogens from your towels to your own skin is possible, as we stated earlier in this article. That is true even if they are your own germs. You can get something from your towel, but it depends on how long the specific pathogen can survive and whether or not it will transfer from the towel to your body. On the other hand, some people won’t have any skin problems from overusing one towel. It really just depends on your skin and your body’s risk of infections.

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When the weather is cold and the air is dry, it is very common to experience dry, itchy skin. This is especially true if you run the heater in your house during the winter. Staying warm is essential, but transitioning from the cold, dry air outside to the warm, dry air inside contributes to itching and dryness. That’s why moisturizers are necessary, but using the right one will change how you feel in your own skin. 

If you regularly moisturize, you probably know that you use more during the winter. Besides the outdoor and indoor air, the heavier clothing you wear in the winter can cause significant chafing. Maybe you reapply your moisturizer, only to feel dry again in an hour. Fortunately, there is a remedy in the form of the DIY body oil recipe in this article. Using a body oil in place of your typical lotion or moisturizer will help soothe dry or itchy skin and make your skin feel silky smooth. How does this DIY body oil do that? The ingredients nourish your skin and help it retain water, and you can learn more about how they do that below. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil differs from extra virgin coconut oil in that it goes through a process that makes it remain liquid at room temperature. Extra virgin coconut oil is usually solid at room temperature, unless it is in a warm environment. Fractionated coconut oil is made by separating different types of fats in regular coconut oil, and two medium-chain fatty acids remain. It is one of the most versatile carrier oils available and absorbs quickly into the skin. It helps to seal moisture into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil exhibits numerous health benefits for the hair and skin. It is especially beneficial for people with dry skin, itchy skin, eczema, or psoriasis. Derived from vitamin E, vitamin E oil can be applied directly to the skin or added to lotions, creams, or gels. It exhibits antioxidant properties that may fight inflammation and other properties that enhance moisture. Vitamin E oil is a common additive to moisturizers because it helps prevent dry, flaky skin. Some studies suggest that vitamin E oil provides temporary relief from itching caused by dry skin. Additionally, one study suggests that topical application of vitamin E oil may improve psoriasis symptoms. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Dry skin can overproduce sebum, the skin’s natural oil, to compensate for the dryness. That can lead to clogged pores and blemishes. Lavender essential oil exhibits antibacterial properties that can help kill acne-causing bacteria that may inhabit your pores. It also works to moisturize the skin and is non-comedogenic for pores. It is also an anti-inflammatory superstar, working to soothe irritated or reddened skin from the sun. 

Tea Tree Oil

Dry skin is no laughing matter and it can increase the risk of cracking, flaking, or even bleeding if you scratch too much. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe dry skin. The best way to enhance moisture with tea tree oil is to mix it with a carrier oil and then apply it to the skin. Tea tree oil is very potent, so don’t apply it directly to the skin, as that may cause further irritation. 

DIY Body Oil With Lavender

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fractionated coconut oil
• 40 drops tea tree oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 8-ounce jar with lid

Instructions:

• Pour the fractionated coconut oil into a mixing cup and then add the tea tree oil and vitamin E oil. 
• Finally, drop in the lavender essential oil and stir well to combine the oils. Pour this mixture into a clean eight-ounce jar and screw on the lid. 
• If you have a little left over, treat your skin well right away!
• This is a wonderful body oil to use right after you shower. Make sure to shake up the oil before you massage it gently into the skin while your skin is still moist.

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There are face sprays, toners, oils, tinctures, lotions, masks, butters, and so much more to improve the health of your skin. Sea salt and magnesium are two ingredients receiving a lot of attention in the beauty world. Although this is relatively new, sea salt and water have a long history of use in various skin and beauty therapies. It even has its own name: thalassotherapy, the therapeutic use of salt water. People with various skin types may benefit from using salt water. 

Skin Benefits Of Salt Water

Historically, people who use salt on their skin notice fewer breakouts, clearer complexion, and improved skin texture. Salt scrubs, Epsom salt baths, or salt baths are excellent methods to add to your skin care routine. Using a sea salt scrub on your skin can be a little rough for people with sensitive skin, though. Fortunately, the use of a gentle sea salt spray stays on the skin and helps to nourish it throughout the day. 

Why is salt water so great for the skin? Well, it is naturally antimicrobial and can help get rid of acne-causing bacteria. Sea salt is also rich in naturally occurring trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, but Epsom salt, which is in this spray recipe, contains other beneficial minerals. In general, though, salt can help boost collagen production and aid with the removal of blackheads. 

Salt Water For Different Skin Types

Unlike other ingredients, salt is not the perfect fit for everyone’s skin type. If you have dryness or certain skin conditions, you may find it irritating. That said, many people with eczema and psoriasis benefit from the healing minerals in Epsom salt. If you are unsure whether or not salt negatively affects your skin, try a patch test before rubbing it all over your face and body.

Now, some dermatologists discourage people from washing their face with salt water. Various cultures have used this practice for thousands of years, though. In fact, studies found that salt water benefits musculoskeletal issues like arthritis and skin problems like psoriasis. A 2005 clinical trial examined the benefits of bathing in the Dead Sea as a remedy for psoriasis. The authors behind the study reported a 76% improvement in psoriasis symptoms. A similar study from 2007 saw a 95% improvement in symptoms.

Other studies examined the effects of salt water on eczema. The studies noted that patients experienced less inflammation and skin cracking. Other people note that salt water is highly beneficial for reducing dandruff. Another study examined the use of salt water baths for EB, a rare and painful skin disorder that causes blisters. EB patients reported having 91% less pain and saw improvements in skin discharge and odor. Salt water may not have the ability to cure diseases, but it may be powerful enough to improve your skin. 

How To Use Salt Water For Skin

You don’t want to use too much salt water, especially if you have dry skin. Try to follow up the salt spray in this article with a moisturizer for extra hydration. Some sources recommend that you start with a salt water cleanser or toner a few times a week before using the following spray. Whatever you do, don’t forget to add Epsom salt or magnesium flakes to the salt spray. Either of these ingredients will complement the benefits of sea salt. 

DIY Sea Salt Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Epsom salt (or magnesium flakes)
• 2 drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Pour the water, sea salt, and Epsom salt (or magnesium flakes) into a small saucepan over medium heat. You don’t want the water to boil; rather, you just want to heat and stir until everything is completely dissolved. 
• Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool. Stir in the essential oil, if using. 
• Pour into a glass spray bottle and store in a cool, dry place. 
• Shake well before each use. Spray on a cotton pad and use it as a toner, or you can lightly mist your skin with this spray.

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Don’t you love when you can make something that is both practical and beneficial? This lemon and peppermint hand scrub is exactly that! It works to exfoliate your hands and leaves them feeling refreshed and incredibly soft. Want to know the best part? You can whip up a batch of this scrub in about five minutes!

If you like DIY homemade skin care products, then this is a recipe you are going to love. It is much simpler to make than a whipped body butter or skin salve, so it is a great entry point to DIY beauty products. Yes, it is easy to make, but what is the purpose or need for a hand scrub? You regularly wash your hands, which can dry them out, especially if you use very hot water. To avoid cracking or dryness, you want to exfoliate them to remove dead skin and hydrate them at the same time. We’ll explain how the hand scrub does that by highlighting some of the standout ingredients and what they do for your skin.

Jojoba Oil

The molecular structure of jojoba oil is nearly identical to the composition of sebum, an oil that the skin naturally produces. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamins, and antioxidants that help to nourish the skin and fight free radicals. Unlike other oils, jojoba oil is actually a wax ester, so the skin absorbs it easily without conflict. Research shows that jojoba oil can be effective in easing or treating common skin conditions like acne, rash, dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Believe it or not, sweet almond oil offers mild protection for ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. It contributes to softer, smoother looking skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, due to the vitamin E content. Additionally, sweet almond oil contains fatty acids that help the skin retain moisture, helping soothe chapped, dry, or irritated skin. 

Fine Sea Salt

This is the exfoliating ingredient in the hand scrub. Sea salt works to cleanse, heal, and nourish the skin, but make sure that it is finely ground. Coarsely ground salts or Kosher salts can be harsh on delicate skin. If you know that your skin is sensitive, consider swapping this ingredient for brown sugar, which is a wonderfully gentle exfoliant. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains a number of antioxidant compounds, a couple of which have demonstrated an ab slitty to kill certain bacteria. Terpinen-4-ol is one of the compounds in tea tree oil that increases white blood cell activity. That activation helps the immune system fight off foreign invaders. The germ-fighting properties makes tea tree oil a valuable natural remedy for people with fungal skin conditions because it works to kill the infection and promote healing.

Lemon Essential Oil

Not only does lemon essential oil smell marvelous and zesty, but it also exhibits powerful antibacterial properties. Studies show that lemon essential oil has properties that may help clear up the skin by killing harmful viruses and bacteria. Plus, it reduces inflammation and the smell of it may help you fight exhaustion. 

Lemon And Peppermint Antibacterial Hand Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fine sea salt
• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 3 tablespoons pure coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)
• 5-10 drops lemon essential oil
• Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions:

• In a small mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients and then spoon the mixture into a jar or desired storage container with a lid. 
• When it comes time to use the hand scrub, scoop a small amount into the palm of your hand and gently rub it all over for 20 seconds. 
• Wash your hands with lukewarm water to rinse away. Use once or twice daily and avoid introducing water into the scrub container. 
• Store the scrub in a cool, dry place for up to a couple months. If the scrub starts to smell rancid, then it is time to throw it out and make a new batch.

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Fall is here, which means humidity levels are dropping as outdoor temperatures cool down. Low humidity levels cause dry air, which may aggravate existing skin conditions or problems. This is especially true to people with eczema, psoriasis, or other dry skin disorders. On top of that, the combination of indoor warmth robs the skin of moisture, so you can never escape dry environments.

So what do you do to encourage healthier skin as the weather dries out and cools down? Embrace fall for all the beautiful ingredients it has to offer, of course! That’s why we created this apple cinnamon sugar scrub! Not only does it smell like freshly baked apple pie, but it also helps to both exfoliate and moisturize the skin. Just keep in mind that it does not contain real apples because it would spoil very quickly. Instead, the scrub contains apple cider essential oil, ground cinnamon, cinnamon essential oil, white and brown sugar, and coconut oil. You most likely have the sugars, cinnamon, and potentially the coconut oil in your pantry already, so you only have to go out and get a couple ingredients for the recipe. 

How Does Sugar Benefit The Skin?

Brown sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment to hydrate the skin. Brown sugar is much gentler than raw, coarse sugar, so it exfoliates the skin in a much gentler way. Exfoliating dead cells from the outer skin helps to give the skin a more radiant glow. It also helps to prevent bacteria from building up in pores, helping to hydrate and promote healthy circulation to the skin. People who are prone to acne can opt for brown sugar exfoliating scrubs to help prevent acne and blemishes. Lastly, brown sugar exhibits antibacterial properties, which work to clean the skin and keep it simultaneously hydrated.

Raw or granulated sugar is a bit more coarse than brown sugar, so you may want to avoid it if you have sensitive skin. Because this recipe mixes granulated sugar with brown sugar, the scrub is not as rough. Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. That process works to break down the “glue” that binds skin cells together. Why does that matter? Well, that helps to stimulate cell regeneration, which encourages the growth of new skin cells to make your skin appear younger. Glycolic acid may also benefit people with sun-damaged or aging skin. 

DIY Apple Cinnamon Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• 3/4 light brown sugar
• 3/4 granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup refined coconut oil
• 15 drops apple cider essential oil
• 10 drops cinnamon essential oil

Instructions:

• Make sure that your brown sugar is not clumpy. If it is then go ahead and crumble it with your hands to break it up. You can also put it through a mesh strainer to break it up.
• Add the sugars and ground cinnamon to a medium-sized mixing bowl and mix gently before adding the coconut oil and essential oils. Mix well until fully combined.
• Spoon the mixture into a pint-sized glass jar and screw on the lid. Use when you need to exfoliate and moisturize the skin.

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The great thing about homemade body butter is that you can select ingredients and formulations that cater to your skin’s needs. Not only can you experiment with texture, but you can also tweak the moisture content. Although some people enjoy having body butters that are specific to different times of the year, there is something special about having a body butter you can use no matter the season. 

This mango body butter contains four ingredients: mango butter, avocado oil, vitamin E oil, and arrowroot powder. The first three ingredients work nourish the skin, while arrowroot powder enables the body butter to have a more appealing, lightweight texture. Additionally, arrowroot powder helps you avoid a greasy finish to the skin after application. You just have to mix in the arrowroot powder after you melt, mix, and then chill the butters and oils that you’re using. It will truly give your body butter a luxurious texture. 

Mango Butter

Although scientific studies on mango butter are minimal, mango butter may be an under-the-radar anti-aging ingredient. Researchers have pointed out the many potential skin-nourishing benefits of mango butter, especially in regards to anti-aging, because of the compounds it contains. A high percentage of tocopherols (vitamin E) may help environmental stressors like visible light, UV rays, and pollution. Because it has a butter-like texture, mango butter is a powerful emollient for dry skin. Dermatologists agree that it forms a naturally occlusive barrier on the skin that not only protects it, but also hydrates it. Additionally, mango butter may support collagen health because of the large amount of vitamin C. 

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E, in addition to a few other minerals like potassium. These nutrients work to moisturize the skin, specifically the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. The antioxidants in avocado oil may help alleviate dry or irritated skin. Although it is not an eczema or psoriasis remedy, people with those skin conditions may help relieve symptoms via topical application of avocado oil. Lastly, some studies found that consuming avocado oil may help the skin retain its elasticity. More research is necessary, but initial research is promising. 

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is known for two key features: antioxidant properties and moisturizing properties. As a common ingredient in many moisturizers, vitamin E oil may help prevent dry, flaking skin. A 2013 animal study found that, when given vitamin E supplements, mice were less likely to develop skin cancer, even when exposed to lots of UV light. Studies on humans, however, have not found any skin cancer prevention associated with vitamin E use. For those who experience dry or itchy skin from eczema, vitamin E oil may help provide relief. One study found that topical vitamin E use was able to reduce psoriasis symptoms. 

DIY Mango Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 5.6 ounces mango butter
• 2.2 ounces avocado oil
• 0.1 ounce vitamin E oil
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder

Instructions:

• Melt the mango butter in a double boiler over medium-low heat. You can melt it in the microwave, but you have better control with the double boiler method. 
• Once melted, remove the double boiler from the heat and stir in the avocado oil and vitamin E oil. Mix well, pour into a heat-safe bowl, and then place in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. 
• Remove the bowl from the fridge and then whip the mixture using a hand mixer. Whip for about five to seven minutes, or until light and fluffy. 
• Transfer the body butter to your favorite container and then keep it in a cool place, using as needed.

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

Why Should You Use A Body Butter?

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

Cocoa Butter

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

Beeswax

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

Sweet Almond Oil

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

Coconut Oil

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

Citrus Body Butter

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

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