As you get ready to settle in for winter and the holidays, you may wonder how to take advantage of essential oils. Perhaps you want to use a diffuser that you received as a gift, or maybe you want to make your own beauty products. Whatever the case, you can use many essential oils that evoke the essence of the holidays. It could be a smell that you remember from your childhood, or an aroma that inspires productivity. Maybe you just want to create a warm, welcoming vibe in your home! We have you covered with winter’s top essential oils in this article. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Could you enjoy the holidays without the aroma or flavor of peppermint? It is an unmistakable, fresh and minty smell that is perfect for short winter days because it inspires productivity and energy. Peppermint essential oil can also help to ease headaches and stomach troubles, both of which are common during the holidays. Some studies indicate that inhaling peppermint essential oil aroma may boost respiratory health. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

As the story goes, baby Jesus received frankincense and myrrh essential oils. Frankincense oil has been a symbolic gift throughout history, being offered to deities. Used topically, it may help protect and nourish skin cells and reduce arthritic joint pain. The aroma may help stimulate the immune system, reduce anxiety, and promote grounding. 

Pine Essential Oil

Pine essential oil has a woody, herbaceous aroma that instantly reminds you of the holidays. It smells just like a Christmas tree! Inhaling the aroma may help clear the airways, invigorate your spirit, and soothe sore muscles (when applied topically with a carrier oil). You can also blend pine essential oil with other woodsy oils, such as cedarwood essential oil, to create some beautiful holiday scents. 

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Do you buy those cinnamon-scented pine cones that are available in so many stores during the holidays? No need to buy those if you have cinnamon essential oil in the house! It is a warming spice that is a known immune booster and inflammation reducer. Just be careful if you decide to apply it topically, as it can be a dermal irritant in large amounts. Proper dilution is key with this oil, and most other essential oils. It also blends easily with a lot of the essential oils in this article. 

Black Spruce Essential Oil

There is nothing stopping you from making your home smell like a woody, piney, and somewhat balsamic holiday oasis. It is a great essential oil for promoting respiratory wellness, balance, and total relaxation, all of which are essential during winter months. 

Christmas Spirit Essential Oil

Is this the definitive scent of the holidays? We’ll leave that for you to decide. It is a holiday essential oil blend of orange, cinnamon, and spruce essential oil. It warms the soul and is perfect for diffusers. It’s a timeless blend that exemplifies the holidays, so much so that you will fa la la love it. 

Clove Essential Oil

Offering a rich, spicy fragrance, clove essential oil is synonymous with holiday baking and warm beverages. The scent can evoke feelings of togetherness and nostalgia, making it a great essential oil for the holiday season. Combine clove essential oil with cinnamon or orange to create a delightful holiday blend of your own. Studies show that clove essential oil may promote stability and enhance immune function.

Myrrh Essential Oil

Find emotional balance and relaxation when you inhale the soothing scent of myrrh essential oil. It has been known to exhibit calming effects and has the potential to enhance meditation. Myrrh essential oil pairs beautifully with frankincense essential oil, and that combination may enhance your holiday reflection or mindfulness.

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If you want to maintain a healthy immune system and promote overall wellness, proper lymphatic function is a key factor. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body’s immune response and helps remove harmful substances from the body. Unfortunately, the lymphatic system does not have a natural pump; rather, you have to move in order to move lymphatic fluid. Failure to move frequently can result in lymphatic blockages, which can lead to swelling, lymphedema, or impaired immune function. 

What’s interesting is that many essential oils have proven to be effective at enhancing lymphatic drainage. Adding specific essential oils to lymphatic drainage massages or using them in other ways, such as aromatherapy, may improve the efficacy of the lymphatic system. This process aids the removal of cellular waste, helps to improve blood flow, and reduces pain and swelling. Continue reading to learn about the best essential oils that support lymphatic drainage.

Grapefruit Essential Oil

This essential oil has natural properties that work to increase blood flow and improve the movement of lymph, an essential process for detoxification. Stimulating lymphatic flow ultimately reduces congestion in the lymphatic system, which may prevent fluid buildup. Grapefruit essential oil also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce inflammation, which allows for better lymphatic flow. 

Ginger Essential Oil

Known for its warming and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger essential oil is an excellent choice for stimulating lymphatic drainage. It may help promote circulation and stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluid. The improved flow can help clear blockages, reduce lymphatic congestion, and assist with the removal of toxins and waste. Ginger essential oil’s warming properties may stimulate sweating, which further supports the removal of waste products, thereby enhancing lymphatic health. 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties are anything but recent news. It is commonly used in aromatherapy or massage to help reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic function. Adding a few drops to your bath or massage oil may further support detoxification. Tea tree oil is also versatile, making it easy to incorporate into a variety of therapies. 

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum essential oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a valuable essential oil for lymphatic drainage. The potent anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce swelling and inflammation in lymph nodes or surrounding tissues. That process ultimately allows for smoother lymphatic flow, preventing blockages. Helichrysum essential oil has also demonstrated detoxifying effects, which may enhance the body’s removal of harmful substances. Lastly, this essential oil may improve blood flow and help maintain lymphatic flow. The regenerative properties also support tissue repair and recovery. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Used for thousands of years for its health benefits, frankincense essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing inflammation works to ease lymphatic flow and helps prevent blockages. The reduction of inflammation may make the lymphatic system more effective at eliminating waste. Various compounds in frankincense essential oil, such as boswellic acids, may boost immune function. If the immune system is functioning optimally, the lymphatic system has more support to filter and remove waste. 

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is naturally rich in limonene, a compound that helps promote the body’s natural detoxification processes. It also works to stimulate lymphatic flow and promote the removal of toxins and waste. The natural diuretic properties encourage the release of excess fluids. By reducing water retention and swelling, lemon essential oil helps support the lymphatic system by enhancing overall drainage. 

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil may help reduce hair loss, but it can also stimulate blood circulation, which may help move lymph through the body more effectively. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties may soothe inflamed tissues and reduce swelling, making rosemary essential oil a great choice for supporting the lymphatic system. 

If you experiment with these essential oils or want to enhance lymphatic cleansing, consider the Blood & Lymphatic formula, which works to naturally cleanse the blood and support lymphatic function. You can also consider our Circulation Aid, which encourages optimal blood flow.

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If you are someone who loves a room with a scent, chances are that friends or family will give you candles this holiday season. Candles are an easy gift to give, and they are even easier to regift if you don’t like the scent. Unfortunately, a lot of candles and air fresheners or wall plug-ins contain harsh chemicals that affect the endocrine system. They can even be harmful for respiratory systems, especially if you have little ones in the house. 

Scientific research indicates that there is a lack of oversight in the United States when it comes to the fragrance industry. You may not know it, but you are surrounded by fragrances in shampoos, detergents, makeup, creams, toners, lotions, and so much more. All of these products contain unnamed artificial fragrance blends. There are over 4,000 fragrance ingredients disclosed on the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) transparency list. Many of them are linked to serious health problems, including cancer, hormonal imbalances, and respiratory issues. 

Due to copyright laws, though, manufacturers do not have to disclose the ingredients in their fragrance blends. Even fragrance-free products can contain some problematic ingredients on the IFRA transparency list. The unfortunate reality is that many of these ingredients are in a lot of products that you probably use right now. That’s why we encourage you to boycott air fresheners and candles and make the room sprays in this article instead.

DIY Holiday Room Sprays

These holiday room sprays are quick and easy to make, and they make your home smell amazing. What’s even better is that they are free of toxic chemicals and make for excellent gifts, which is great if you are trying to save some money this holiday season. Additionally, you can spray them on your bed to freshen up your linens. A quick note before we provide the recipes is that you should use dark glass bottles for these sprays. The reason for that is because essential oils contain potent compounds that can break down and react when they come in contact with plastic. Essential oils also go bad if exposed to UV radiation. 

How To Make Holiday Room Sprays

You will need your dark glass bottles, distilled water (if possible), and high quality essential oils. Make sure that your essential oils are pure because fake essential oils are just as bad as synthetic candles and air fresheners. Finally, you will need witch hazel, which helps combine water and essential oils, allowing the scent to linger in the room for a long time. 

Holiday Cheer Spray

Ingredients:

• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• 15 drops orange essential oil
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Christmas Tree

Ingredients:

• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 10 drops balsam fir essential oil
• 5 drops nutmeg essential oil
• 10 drops cypress essential oil
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions: 

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Winter Wonderland

Ingredients:

• 10 drops each: wintergreen, cedarwood, and cinnamon essential oils
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Deck The Halls

Ingredients:

• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Candy Cane

• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops spearmint essential oil
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

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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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The dry heat of summer can take a toll on the skin, especially if you spend the majority of your days outside. Salty beach air and sand or the chlorine in a pool can wreak havoc on the skin. While the good times may have ensued, your skin pays the price, feeling itchy and dry at the end of the day. How do you restore hydration, especially to your face, without using harmful products? 

This homemade cooling mist helps to rejuvenate the face, neck, and chest, giving your skin the hydration it needs to look the best. Should you incorporate it into your daytime routine while you’re outside, it may help to moisturize the skin. Protection is key if you don’t want your skin to dry out. You can also use it as an after-sun spray if you got a little more sun that you wanted to. Just keep a bottle with you at all times and you can treat yourself to a cooling mist whenever you want!

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has several cosmetic benefits. It may help to stimulate blood flow near hair follicles to produce hair growth and help treat dark spots. Tea tree oil also has a moisturizing effect on the skin, helping to fight the drying effects of the sun. If you experience itching or dryness after a long summer day, tea tree oil may work to reduce irritation and itching. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Since ancient times, people have used frankincense essential oil for its many health benefits and beautifying properties. Dermatologists agree that frankincense oil tends to be safe for all skin types, especially mature complexions. It is a luxurious oil that may boost the skin’s radiance, especially after using a cleanser and moisturizer. After a long day, applying or misting frankincense oil onto the skin with the rest of the ingredients in this spray may restore your skin’s texture. 

Aloe Vera

Skin experts say that aloe vera has a few primary benefits for soothing the skin. It works to soothe itchiness or irritation, calming inflamed or irritated skin that may result from extended sun exposure. When you are in the sun for a long time, it’s possible for the skin to lose moisture via transepidermal water loss. This happens when the skin gets dehydrated and inflamed. The phytosterols in aloe vera may prevent transepidermal water loss, which is especially important for sunburnt skin. Finally, aloe vera works to hydrate the skin and provide a cooling effect. Plus, the polysaccharides in aloe are known for their hydrating benefits. 

Witch Hazel

Indigenous to North America, witch hazel is a tree-like plant, from which extract is derived either from the bark or leaves. The bark and leaves are distilled to bring out the plant’s active compounds. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties provide a tightening effect on the skin. This is great for soothing puffiness, redness, general irritation, and skin tone. It may also sop up excess oil via the antioxidant-rich tannins. This is why witch hazel is a common ingredient in toners. 

Homemade Cooling Summer Face Mist

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or fractionated coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 4-ounce glass spray bottle with mist sprayer 

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into the glass spray bottle. Use a funnel if you need to, or use a glass measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Melt the coconut oil and pour it into the bottle. You can also use fractionated coconut oil so that it remains liquified. 
• Add the witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and essential oils to the glass bottle. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. 
• Use the face mist as needed, but make sure to shake the bottle before each use.

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A lot of people welcome the warm weather of spring, while others dread the pollen that also arrives. From one morning to the next, people wake up sneezing, develop runny noses, and have itchy eyes. To avoid these miserable allergy symptoms, many people reach for the allergy medication bottle. There is nothing wrong with allergy medication, but some people may prefer to experiment with natural remedies that don’t cause the same unwanted side effects that accompany certain medications. 

If the immune system reacts to something, which may not bother other people, that indicates an allergic reaction. The most common culprits of allergic reactions include:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Insect stings
• Food
• Medications
• Pet dander
• Mold spores

Although everyone many not experience the same allergy symptoms, the most common ones are:

• Sneezing
• Itching
• Rashes
• Swelling
• Asthma
• Runny nose
• Dry eyes

Natural Remedies For Allergies

The best natural remedy for allergies, well, is to avoid allergens at all costs, but this isn’t always possible. Allergens, especially pollen, are difficult to avoid during the spring. If your symptoms to certain allergens are relatively mild, you may be able to fight them off with natural remedies. Experiment with the following remedies to see if they help your spring allergies. 

Clear The Air

Dust, dander, and pollen particles can trigger allergy symptoms, and filtering indoor air may help eliminate them from your home. Your best bet is to look for a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter because it can remove 99.97% of problematic airborne particles. Putting a HEPA filter in your bedroom can make a huge difference, especially if you have allergy attacks at night or early morning. Air conditioning may also help because it removes moisture from indoor air, which eliminates mildew growth. 

Saline Nasal Rinse

According to a 2012 review of studies, saline nasal irrigation benefitted both children and adults with allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Flushing the sinuses out with a neti pot or squeeze bottle can help wash away pollen, or other allergens, that may cause allergy symptoms. Studies show that a good saline nasal rinse can provide relief from both allergy symptoms and symptoms of the common cold. 

Vitamins And Supplements

A healthy diet helps encourage optimal immune response, but some people require supplementation to meet daily nutritional requirements. That is where dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs, come into play. These supplements may help limit inflammation that accompanies allergic reactions. According to health experts, the following supplements may encourage better immune function:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Quercetin
• Stinging nettle (a natural antihistamine)
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Acupuncture

Are you surprised to see acupuncture on this list? Don’t be! Historically, the practice of ancient needling boosted immune function and combatted hay fever. Additionally, a fair amount of research indicates the efficacy of acupuncture for treating symptoms of allergies and sinus disorders. In fact, a 2015 review of studies concluded that acupuncture demonstrated positive results for people with seasonal allergies. 

Use Essential Oils

If you have sinus issues, adding essential oils to a diffuser may help you breathe better, or at least limit the intensity of allergy symptoms. Many people benefit from using eucalyptus oil because it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Others find frankincense essential oil to provide protection against some allergy symptoms. One study found that frankincense essential oil helped fight against perennial allergic rhinitis. A 1998 study found that inhaling the aroma of peppermint essential oil had enough anti-inflammatory effects to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.

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Changing weather, washing dishes, gel manicures and excessive nail polish use can wreak havoc on your fingernails. You may experience dry, brittle, or weak nails that easily split. Fortunately, you do not have to live with these nail issues. Take matters into your own hands and use the homemade strengthening nail serum in this article to help repair nails. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this serum!

What Causes Nails To Become Weak?

The nails are made up of keratin, which is a protein that is also found in skin and hair. As you get older, the body starts to produce keratin at a slower rate, which can cause nails to appear dry, dull, or even brittle. As mentioned previously, though, a number of factors influence nail health. Extreme weather, excessive hand washing, or contact with chemicals can leave nails dry and vulnerable. 

Signs Of Damaged Nails

Although the signs may vary, you may want to take better care of your nails if you experience the following signs:

• Changes in nail thickness
• Peeling nails
• Nail discoloration (yellow nails, or nails with white or dark spots)
• Changes in nail shape (ridges or curled nails)

You can strengthen your nails with various natural remedies, such as moisturizing daily or ditching nail polish removers that contain acetone. The following ingredients in this strengthening nail serum help encourage healthier nails. 

Vitamin E Oil

Anyone with brittle, ridged, or yellow nails will find that vitamin E oil is highly beneficial. Vitamin E oil helps to hydrate and protect nails, fighting off bacteria and viruses. It also works to widen blood vessels, which means that it helps make your nails stronger and healthier with less ridges. Vitamin E oil also works to repair damage done by harsh nail polish removers. You can apply vitamin E oil to your nails and cuticle beds for maximum benefits. Plus, it helps to increase moisture to the nail bed and skin around the nails. 

Jojoba Oil

Regular application of jojoba oil can help boost the moisture content of your nail plates, making your nails less prone to flakiness. You may sometimes notice a whitish or yellowish accumulation under the nail if you have psoriasis. Jojoba oil may help thicken the nails, which works to restore your nails to a healthier state. If the keratin in your nail beds break down, you can experience splitting or breakage. Jojoba oil can help strengthen the nails, helping them become less brittle when they are exposed to harsh products or extreme conditions. 

Essential Oils

There are many essential oils that can help strengthen weak or brittle nails. Naturally, the serum in this article does not contain all of those essential oils, but it does contain lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils. Lemon essential oil hydrates and strengthens the nail, helping to improve their natural shine. Lavender essential oil is excellent for cuticle care and boosts the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Frankincense essential oil has anti-fungal properties that help fight fungi, which can slow nail growth, and also adds moisture to nail beds and cuticles. Finally, myrrh essential oil is one of the best oils for keeping nails healthy and strong. It works to protect your nail beds from becoming brittle and thin. 

DIY Strengthening Nail Serum

Ingredients:

• 1.25 teaspoons jojoba oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5 drops each: lemon, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a 10-milliliter glass bottle with a rollerball top. Screw on the top and shake well to combine. 
• This is a 10% dilution of essential oils, which may be greater than you are used to, so feel free to reduce the amount of essential oil drops you use if you have more sensitive skin or nails. 
• Apply two to three times per week, shaking before each use.

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Making your own lotion seems like a daunting task, but it’s a lot easier than you think. It also requires a lot less ingredients than what you see on the ingredient lists for store bought lotions. Some DIY enthusiasts prefer lotion bars, body butters, or other similar creations, but this one is just as effective and useful. It uses unrefined coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and shea butter to help nourish the skin.

Most store bought lotions contain emulsifying wax to blend the carrier oils with distilled water. This can be a little difficult to do at home and it requires preservatives to keep from going bad. The DIY lotion in this article skips that step entirely by eliminating the water. What you are left with is a combination of nourishing ingredients that easily penetrate the skin. You can extend the shelf life by using vitamin E oil, as it is an antioxidant that helps other oils not go rancid as quickly. 

The recipe is a water-free, incredibly moisturizing lotion that will last for years without preservatives. This one is oil-based, so it feels more like a body butter. That makes it great for anyone with dry skin. Read on to learn more about it. 

Choosing A Carrier Oil

Sweet almond oil is an excellent, middle-of-the-road carrier oil because it is suitable for every skin type. It isn’t as heavy as coconut oil and more moisturizing than grapeseed oil. You can replace it with another carrier oil of your choosing, should you be allergic or averse to using sweet almond oil. Jojoba oil, avocado oil, or olive oil are excellent options. 

Because this DIY lotion is oil-based (not water based), you don’t need to use as much. Because there is no water in this recipe, it tends to have a longer shelf life than other homemade lotion recipes. The ingredients are shelf-stable and there is no water to dilute them. 

Essential Oil Safety

How many drops of essential oil should you add to your homemade lotion? That entirely depends on the essential oil and your preference. If you add the optional shea butter, 45 drops of essential oil will be a 1% dilution. Generally speaking, a 2% dilution is considered safe for skin care products like lotion. If you prefer a stronger scent, you can double the amount to yield a 2% dilution. If you want a lighter scent and have more sensitive skin, cut the amount in half. You can even use less than that! You can omit essential oils if you plan to use this on little ones, especially babies. 

Certain essential oils are harsher, so you can use smaller amounts. Wintergreen, cinnamon, and lemongrass essential oils are a bit harsh, while grapefruit and lime essential oils are phototoxic. If you don’t want to worry about anything, these are skin-friendly essential oils to use:

• Sweet orange essential oil
• Geranium essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Frankincense essential oil 
• Tea tree oil
• Patchouli essential oil

DIY Lotion

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
• 1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 2 tablespoons shea butter (optional)
• 45 drops essential oils of choice (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Add the sweet almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and optional shea butter to the top of a double boiler. Alternatively, place a heat-safe glass bowl on top of a saucepan with simmering water over medium-low heat.
• Stir the ingredients occasionally until completely melted. Remove from heat and add the essential oils, vanilla extract, and vitamin E oil, if using. Stir to combine. 
• Pour the mixture into a glass jar or tin for storage and allow it to cool at room temperature. Small mason jars are great for this. Store in a cool, dark place for one to two years. 
• A little goes a long way, so don’t go crazy when you apply this to the skin.

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It’s very easy to spend lots of money on skin care products. That is especially true when products say that they can turn back the hands of time and make your skin look 20 years younger. These products state that your skin will glow like never before! Unfortunately, people get lured in by these buzzwords, use the products, and don’t experience the advertised benefits. 

What if we told you that you could save some money and make y4our own face serum that has anti-aging properties. When you make your own serum, you know exactly what goes into it. There are no problematic fragrances or added ingredients that detract from the primary ingredients. When you make your own serum, you have the freedom to customize ingredients based on your skin type. For example, if the carrier oil in this recipe doesn’t work for you, swap it out for one that does. The same can be said for the essential oils. 

As a quick note, customizing your blend is very doable, but we recommend that you keep the same ratios for a two-ounce bottle. You can increase the amount of essential oils by a few drops or so, but be mindful with your use of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation, so do a small patch test on your arm or something to ensure that you don’t have a negative reaction.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is primarily known for nourishing dry, dull skin, but it may benefit people with acne-prone skin as well. Dermatologists consider argan oil to be non-comedogenic, so it will not leave the skin feeling greasy. It is safe and beneficial for all skin types. The rich antioxidant content helps protect the skin from environmental damage. Argan oil contains vitamin E and polyphenols, which help soften the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

Argan oil contains fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Not only does that help soothe irritated skin, but it also works to reduce the appearance of blemishes. Another reason why argan oil is great for all skin types is because of the moisturizing properties. People with oily skin will find that it is lightweight, while those with dry skin will find that it makes skin feel soft, supple, and highly moisturized. 

Rosehip Oil

Is rosehip oil the universal skin savior? Some say it is, but we’ll let you be the judge of that. Rosehip oil contains a lot of omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids, all of which are necessary for skin repair and regeneration. Rosehip oil may help reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars and may work to brighten overall skin tone. Similar to argan oil, rosehip oil is beneficial for all skin types, even the most sensitive. 

If dryness is your concern, rosehip oil may do the trick! Various creams may provide hydration, but rosehip oil goes above and beyond by adding moisture and sealing it in too. The fatty acids in rosehip oil help the skin retain water for longer, which helps to keep it soft and supple. Finally, rosehip oil has been described as a gentle alternative to retinol. Rosehip oil contains a small amount of vitamin A, which gives it the regenerative properties. Working with the other antioxidants, rosehip oil may help reduce sagging skin and fine lines. 

DIY Face Serum

Ingredients:

• 2-ounce amber glass bottle with dropper
• 20 drops frankincense essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree oil
• 5 drops rose essential oil 
• Argan oil
• Rosehip oil

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to the glass bottle and fill the bottle two-thirds of the way with argan oil.
• Fill the rest of the bottle with rosehip oil, screw on the lid, and shake well to combine. 
• It is best to apply this serum at night before bed. Add a dime-size amount to your palms and gently apply all over your face, but be careful to avoid the eye area.

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Are you a perfume junkie? Do you enjoy spritzing body sprays and walking through them to bask in their scent? There is nothing wrong with wanting to smell pleasant or amazing. After all, it is better to smell good than to smell like dirty socks. The problem is that all of these perfumes and body sprays contain synthetic fragrances. 

Synthetic fragrances are very common in perfumes or body sprays. Because of the U.S. Fair Packaging and Label Act, manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients in those fragrances. Most of these fragrances do not contain natural products. Pyridine, methyl eugenol, benzophenone, and styrene are a few of the toxic chemicals in perfumes and synthetic fragrances. According to research, these toxins have been known to disrupt endocrine function, cause fertility and reproductive issues, and increase neurological degeneration. 

Those are just some of the chemicals. There is no way of knowing the exact ingredients in store bought perfumes and body sprays. That is why homemade body sprays are much safer and better for your health and the environment. The spray in this article, for example, is toxin-free and filled with beneficial essential oils. Do you want to know the best part? DIY body sprays are very easy to make!

DIY Body Spray Ingredients

Free of synthetic chemicals, the DIY body spray only requires a handful of ingredients. It doesn’t call for a double boiler, long infusion process, or anything of that nature. The only thing we emphasize is that you use amber glass bottles. The reason to use amber glass instead of regular glass is because they prioritize the longevity of essential oils. Amber glass essentially shields the essential oils from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UV rays can cause essential oils to break down and lose potency over time. 

Distilled Water

Why should you use distilled water in place of tap water for your body spray? The minerals in tap water can clog your spray nozzle and leave residue on the surface. Since water is the base for this body spray, opt for distilled water. 

Essential Oils

These give your homemade body spray its lovely scent. You will need a few different essential oils to get the blend that you want. The recipe calls for 20-30 drops of essential oils. If you want a floral aroma, use 10 drops of bergamot essential oil, 10 drops of geranium essential oil, and five drops of ylang ylang essential oil. Prefer a citrus scent? Use 10 drops each of tangerine, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils. Finally, 10 drops of patchouli essential oil, five drops of frankincense essential oil, and five drops of cedarwood essential oil will give an earthy scent. 

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin aids the combination of essential oils and water. It is an optional ingredient, but it does help the scent last a lot longer. Just keep this in mind when you make the body spray. 

Witch Hazel

Similar to vegetable glycerin, witch hazel helps combine essential oils and water. If you want your scent to linger for a lot longer, this is a necessary ingredient. 

DIY Body Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon unscented witch hazel
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
• 10 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Pour the witch hazel, vegetable glycerin (optional), and the essential oils into the amber glass spray bottle. 
• Fill the rest of the spray bottle with distilled water, attach the nozzle, shake well, and spray when ready.

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