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

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

How To Use A Leave-In Conditioner

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

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

Why Should You Use This Leave-In Conditioner?

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

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

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

DIY Leave-in Conditioner

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

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

What Is Sea Salt Spray?

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

What Does Sea Salt Spray Do? 

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

Enhances Natural Curl Pattern Of Hair

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

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

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

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

DIY Sea Salt Spray

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

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Essential oils have numerous health benefits and can be incredibly relaxing. Used in both aromatherapy and skin care, essential oils can help you create spa-like experiences in your very own home. Treat your feet right with an invigorating peppermint foot cream and slough away dead skin cells with a DIY sugar scrub. You can even use whipped body butter to establish a smooth skin tone. 

Although the aromatherapy shower mist recipe in this article doesn’t turn back the hands of time, it can transform your shower into a full-on steam room. Spray the mist in your steamy shower and the aromas will transport you to a relaxing oasis. The best part is that you don’t even have to leave your bathroom!

Typically, spa scents are made with a custom blend of essential oils. Because you are making this aromatherapy blend, you can also customize to your liking. If you prefer more eucalyptus essential oil than peppermint essential oil, alter the recipe. You can also use essential oils that help contribute to more alertness and energy to help you get your day started. A relaxing blend of essential oils, including lavender essential oil, may be beneficial for winding down before bed. 

What Is A Shower Mist?

A shower mist is basically a spray that you spritz into the water or steam of the shower, which transforms it into a spa-like experience. The steam from the hot water creates a natural diffuser, spreading the aromas of the essential oils in the shower air. While showering, you’re surrounded by the shower steam and an amazing fragrance. 

A shower mist is about more than a pleasant aroma, though. The essential oils in the shower mist have therapeutic properties, which you benefit from during your steamy shower. A few spritzes in your shower may help relax the body, calm the mind, wake you up, lift your spirits, regulate emotions, and rejuvenate your senses. 

Shower Mist Vs. Shower Steamer

You may have heard of a shower steamer. In fact, you can click here for our DIY recipe! They are scented discs that you place on the shower floor. As hot water flows onto them, they release their aroma into the shower air. A shower steamer is very similar to a shower mist, as both release the aromas from essential oils that you choose. Shower steamers are not for everyone, though, especially if you use oils or butters to make them. They can cause the shower floor to become a bit slippery, which is dangerous if your balance is not 100%. 

A shower mist is also a lot easier to make. All you have to do is pour the ingredients in a bottle, screw on the cap, shake the bottle up, and you are good to go. A shower mist also does not depend on humidity, so you can use the same recipe whether the humidity level is 0% or 100%. Shower steamers are a lot harder to make if you live in a humid environment. Finally, there is no setting time for a shower mist. Use it as soon as you make it, unlike shower steamers, which occasionally take days to set. 

DIY Shower Mist

Ingredients:

• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops orange essential oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil
• 1/4 cup high-proof grade alcohol (such as Everclear)
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to an eight-ounce spray bottle and then pour in the high-proof grade alcohol. 
• Should you choose to use other essential oils, that is also fine. The general recommendation for this recipe is 30-40 drops of essential oils. You can keep the high-proof grade alcohol and distilled water measurements the same in that eight-ounce bottle.
• Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water (leaving a small amount of space at the top to prevent overflowing), screw on the cap, and shake well to combine. 
• Put your spray to use! Spritz the shower mist in your hot shower and reap the benefits.

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If you are a fan of hot styling tools, such as flat irons, blow dryers, and curling irons, it’s time you learn about heat protectants. Although those hair styling products can do wonders for your look, they can damage your hair and cause breakage. That is why we want to turn you on to heat protectants, which can help your hair look its absolute best. 

What Is A Heat Protectant?

A heat protectant is what we like to call a superhero hair product. It works to shield the hair from the heat of hair styling tools. It usually contains a formulation of ingredients, which create a barrier between your hair and the heat. That helps reduce the amount of damage that can result from higher temperatures. Plus, some heat protectants contain ingredients that also nourish the hair, helping to to lock in moisture, prevent dryness, and contribute to optimal shine.

Why Should You Use A Heat Protectant?

By using a heat protectant, you can help prevent damage to hair caused by high heat. Heat styling tools can reach temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which causes brittleness and dryness. Using a heat protectant can help reduce the amount of heat that the hair absorbs, which ultimately keeps it healthier. Heat protectants may also contribute to shinier hair. Protect your hair’s natural moisture and keep it lively with the following heat protectant recipes. 

DIY Heat Protectant Cream With Shea Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter (melted)
• 2 tablespoons refined avocado oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Combine the melted shea butter and avocado oil in a small mixing bowl. Allow it to cool completely. 
• Use an electric hand mixer to whip it until it is light and fluffy. Add the lavender essential oil and continue to mix for another 10 seconds or so. 
• Spoon the mixture into a dark glass jar to help preserve the properties of the essential oil. 
• Use this cream sparingly, as it is very rich. Store in a cool, dry place. 

DIY Heat Protectant Spray With Coconut Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 4 drops almond oil
• 1 tablespoon silicone conditioner

Instructions:

• Use a funnel to pour the water into a spray bottle. Pour the coconut oil into the same bottle, followed by the almond oil. 
• Screw on the lid and shake well. Carefully transfer the conditioner to the same bottle, screw on the lid, and shake well to combine. 
• The ingredients may separate, so just remember to shake well before each use. Work the spray through your hair with your fingers or a comb before styling your hair. 

DIY Heat Protectant Spray With Argan Oil

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup argan oil
• Oil mister spray bottle
• Funnel 

Instructions:

• This recipe is very simple, in that it only contains argan oil. We recommend that you get an oil mister spray bottle, as a normal spray bottle will get clogged. The oil mister is essential for even application. 
• Lightly spray the oil on the ends of your hair and apply a small amount to a brush or comb, which you will use to brush your hair from the roots to tips. 
• If your hair requires more oil, then repeat the process. Style as desired and then store the oil in a cool, dry place for up to six months. 

DIY Heat Protectant Spray With Aloe Vera

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 6-8 drops olive oil

Instructions:

• Use a funnel to pour the distilled water into a spray bottle. Add the aloe vera and olive oil, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Use the spray as a natural and inexpensive heat protectant. As a bonus, aloe vera can help repair dead skin cells on the scalp, which may reduce itchy scalp and dandruff.

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Wouldn’t it be great if you could use a body wash that actually helps the skin retain moisture? It can be difficult to select the right body wash because many varieties contain ingredients that dry out the skin, even though the soap promises to do the opposite. Instead of experimenting with different soaps and watching your money flow down the drain, invest in a few quality ingredients and make the honey lavender body wash in this article. 

Believe it or not, this homemade soap comes together in just five minutes flat! No need for a double boiler in order to melt some wax. All of the ingredients are in liquid form, so all you need to do is combine them in your soap bottle with a pump dispenser. Ideally, use fractionated coconut oil because that does not solidify if the temperature gets a little cold. The last thing you want is for your body wash to solidify when you want to get clean!

Liquid Castile Soap

Castile soap is a vegetable-based soup that does not contain animal products, chemicals, or synthetic ingredients. You can use it to wash your hair, clothes, skin, and more. Because it is hypoallergenic, castile soap is a great option for people with sensitive skin. Castile soap can help clean the skin while simultaneously replacing some of the skin’s lost sebum with vegetable oil. One review examined the chemical profiles of different antioxidant and antimicrobial vegetable oils. They found that some of the oils in castile soap may help get rid of acne. 

Raw Honey

Why use honey in homemade soaps? Well, honey is a natural humectant, which is a substance that attracts water. In personal care products, humectants work to hydrate the skin, hair, or nails. Honey also works to coat your skin in a dewy sheen, helping to rejuvenate every pore with each wash. For people with dry skin, honey works to hydrate the skin, drowning it in moisture. For those with oily skin, honey works with the ebbs and flows of your skin to help control oily production and contribute to a more balanced skin tone. Finally, people with sensitive skin will love honey in their body wash because it offers anti-inflammatory properties that help mitigate redness or irritation. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Both fractionated and regular coconut oil are beneficial for the skin, but fractionated coconut oil penetrates the skin more easily. It also does not leave a greasy film on the skin. Because it acts as an emollient, it works to soften and hydrate the skin. Researchers note that fractionated coconut oil exhibits antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which can further promote healthier skin. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil, which is derived from the lavender plant, can benefit the skin in many ways. Studies have shown that it has the ability to reduce acne, improve skin tone, and reduce early signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Lavender essential oil exhibits anti-fungal properties, which may help reduce inflammation and keep eczema at bay. It may also be used to reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms, as it helps to cleanse the skin and reduce redness and irritation. 

Homemade Honey Lavender Body Wash

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup fractionated coconut oil
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 30 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a bowl and stir to combine. 
• Using a funnel, pour the ingredients into an amber glass bottle with a soap dispenser. The reason that you use amber glass is to help preserve the essential oil’s properties. 
• Use when ready and make sure to shake well before each use.

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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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When you were a child, do you remember your mother slathering your legs with pink calamine lotion to relieve bug bites? Perhaps you played outside by a pond or lake, or just amongst nature and mosquitos got you good. Those bites were itchy, no doubt! After a soothing bath, it was time to later on that pink calamine lotion. 

What Is Calamine Lotion?

Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that is meant to soothe mild itchiness (pruritus). It has demonstrated an ability to soothe redness, discomfort, pain, and itchiness associated with chickenpox, bug bites, and poison ivy. You can also use calamine lotion to help dry out oozing skin irritations. Calamine lotion is only for topical use, so please do not swallow it, as it can be very dangerous. 

What Is Calamine Lotion Used For?

The primary benefit of calamine lotion is that it relieves itchiness. Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other poisonous plants can cause skin irritation and rash. Applying calamine lotion to relieve the itch from these poisonous plants, in addition to other discomforts, can soothe the skin and aid recovery. You can also calamine lotion to help relieve the following:

• Heat rash: A heat rash is an area of the skin that becomes irritated when sweat gets trapped in your pores and ducts under the skin. Calamine may help relieve the burning or itchiness. 
• Chickenpox: You may be able to relieve the itchiness and other symptoms of this infectious condition by applying calamine lotion. The lotion may also prevent you from developing additional skin conditions. 
• Swimmer’s itch: Calamine lotion may help get rid of rashes like swimmer’s itch, which you can develop if you swim in water that contains certain parasites. 
• Scabies: A small mite can cause scabies, which can cause a rash and intense itching. In order to ease the itching from scabies, try to apply calamine lotion to relieve symptoms. Unfortunately, it will not kill the mites. 
• Shingles: In addition to antiviral medications, you may be able to use calamine lotion to help relieve shingles. Apply the lotion directly to the skin in order to get some relief.
• Acne: Unfortunately, calamine lotion will not cure acne, but it may help dry out a pimple, making it a potential spot treatment. 
• Chigger bites: Chiggers are mites that feed on human skin and their bites cause intense irritation and scratching. Apply the calamine lotion to help relieve itching, but it will not kill the mites.

Homemade Calamine Lotion

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
• 1 tablespoon pink kaolin clay
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup water
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 1/2 teaspoon glycerin

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a glass bowl and whisk with a silicone whisk or wooden spoon. Don’t use anything metal or it will affect bentonite clay’s health properties. 
• Once you have thoroughly mixed the ingredients, transfer the mixture to a clean jar and screw on the lid. 
• Store in the refrigerator and use within two weeks. Apply liberally as needed for sunburns, poison ivy, or itchy bug bites. 

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In 2020, data from a National Health Interview Survey found that 14.5% of adults had trouble falling asleep most days. The number of adults who had a hard time falling asleep increased as family income and educational attainment decreased. Additionally, the percentage continued to increase as family income decreased and the place of residence became more rural.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends seven to eight hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Over 25% of adults do not meet this recommendation on a regular basis. If you have a hard time falling asleep, that decreases your ability to get a sufficient amount of sleep per night. Sometimes, it is difficult to relax, and that can be the result of an irregular circadian rhythm. Instead of resorting to sleeping pills, since they have a long list of side effects, you may want to consider experimenting with the bedtime balm in this article. 

Does Lavender Promote Sleep?

One study compared the effects of lavender and sleep hygiene versus sleep hygiene alone on sleep quantity and quality. The goal was to determine if participants experienced a sustained effect two weeks after the study. Study authors noted that the lavender and sleep hygiene group demonstrated better sleep quality at the two-week follow-up. Additionally, study authors noted that the lavender group woke up feeling more refreshed. 

Several studies indicate that inhaling lavender aroma may help reduce anxiety. Scientists have found similar results for lavender’s effectiveness in treating depression. Lavender essential oil is also popular in aromatherapy because of its ability to promote relaxation and sleep. Some studies found that the use of lavender oil for aromatherapy improved sleep quality not only in people without sleep or mental health disorders, but also in people with depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Inhaling lavender essential oil’s aroma may also increase the time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. 

Some research indicates that lavender may have a calming effect on the central nervous system. For this reason, lavender may benefit people who experience circadian rhythm disorders or occasionally sleeplessness. 

Where Do You Apply The Bedtime Balm?

Once you make the bedtime balm, apply a small amount to your wrists, collarbones, or temples when you get ready for bed. It is unclear how quickly the sleep balm works. It usually depends on how sensitive you are to the aromas in the balm. For the average person, it may start to calm you down and promote sleep in about 15-30 minutes. As with any natural remedy, though, it may take a few tries for it to be effective. Continue using it and experiment with different placements. Lastly, before we give you the recipe, make sure to do a small patch test on your arm and see if you have a reaction within 24 hours. 

DIY Bedtime Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces beeswax pellets
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops myrrh essential oil
• 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 6 drops vetiver essential oil
• 6 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Melt the beeswax and coconut oil in the top of a double boiler or in the microwave in a heat-safe bowl. 
• While those ingredients are melting, prepare your lip balm containers to be filled. 
• Once the beeswax and coconut oil are melted, pour in the sweet almond oil and stir to combine. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture. 
• Let the mixture cool for about a minute and then add the essential oils. Stir until fully incorporated. 
• Pour the mixture into the containers and allow it to cool and solidify at room temperature. When fully cooled, the balm is ready to use. 
• To use, apply a small amount to your temples, wrists, collar bones, or back of your neck. You can even place a small amount on your pillow to help you sleep.

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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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The post DIY Luxurious Lotion For Smoother Skin appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

As a child, your parents tell you to clean your room or take care of other household chores. When you graduate to adulthood, the cleaning doesn’t stop. The only difference is that you don’t have someone bribing you with an allowance to clean your space. If you decide to have kids of your own, you will likely find out that they aren’t so neat. The moral of the story: the cleaning cycle never ends. 

We don’t mean to sound like defeatists, but cleaning is a part of life. If you are a maker of messes, you have to know how to clean up properly. If you clean up after your kids, you may want to consider using natural cleaning products, as the harmful chemicals in commercial products may be dangerous to young ones. You can also reduce your own risk of chemical exposure by switching to all-natural cleaning products that you make yourself. 

Why Make Your Own Natural Cleaner?

First of all, it can be very difficult to create or find an all-purpose and all-natural cleaning spray. Maybe you experiment with a concoction of your own, only to find that it really doesn’t do much. The cleaning power of the all-purpose cleaner in this recipe uses essential oils, borax, vinegar, and castile soap to help remove grime, soap scum, and everyday dirt. 

Making your own cleaner takes less than a minute, and you can save money in the process. It is eco-friendly and free of the toxins found in many conventional household cleaning sprays. Plus, you can customize the surface cleaner by adding different essential oils that work for you. 

Borax

You can incorporate borax into an all-purpose cleaning spray and use it on countertops, appliances, and windows. Some people find that it is highly effective at removing tough stains, dust, and food residue. You can often combine borax with water, shake it up, and pour in a spray bottle for use. In the case of this all-purpose cleaner, you combine it with other ingredients for safe and effective cleaning. If you are weary about using borax, you can always omit it from the recipe. 

Essential Oils

First of all, not all essential oils are created equal. There are many essential oils out there, but a lot of them are not pure essential oils. That means that other ingredients are added, so you won’t get the maximum benefits. When making a cleaning product, make sure to add your essential oils last to the spray bottle. Oils and water don’t mix well, so make sure to give your bottle a good shake prior to use. 

Washing Soda

Washing soda is different from baking soda. Baking soda is usually used alongside detergent to help get rid of stains or foul odors. It is usually gentler than washing soda, so it is not as efficacious. Washing soda is like a more amped-up version of baking soda that does a better job of removing stains and brightening colors when doing laundry. If used in excessive amounts and too frequently, though, it can be harsh on certain materials, specifically fabrics. 

Natural All-Purpose Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon borax
• 1 teaspoon castile soap
• 1/2 teaspoon washing soda (not baking soda)
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops orange essential oil
• 2 cups distilled water

Instructions:

• Place the borax, castile soap, washing soda, and essential oils in an amber glass spray bottle.
• Pour in the distilled water until the glass is nearly full. Make sure to leave room for the sprayer to slide into the bottle. 
• Screw on the lid, shake well, and use as needed. It is great for bathrooms, kitchen, or even on toys.

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