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

What Is A Serum?

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

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

Vitamin E Oil

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

Carrier Oil

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

Essential Oils

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

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

DIY Face Serum

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

SHARE:

The post DIY Face Serum With Vitamin E appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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.

SHARE:

The post Homemade Cooling Summer Face Mist appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When that summer sun blazes down on you, it is very easy to get a sunburn, especially if you do not apply sunscreen. Maybe you apply sunscreen, but it isn’t good enough or not the right one for you. Sunscreens work to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and help prevent sunburn and premature aging. When you have a better understanding of sunscreen factors, including SPF, water resistance, and broad-spectrum protection, you can make a more educated choice about which product works best for your skin type. 

Is Lotion Better Than Spray?

A lot of people buy sunscreen sprays because they are easy to apply. The best type of sunscreen, be it a spray, gel, ointment, wax, lotion, or cream, is ultimately up to your personal preference. Just make sure that you choose an option that you will wear daily. Additionally, different formulas work better for different skin types. Some cream-based sunscreens may be better for dry skin, while a gel-based sunscreen caters to oily skin. A stick or wax may be easier to use on the face, while spray sunscreens can be great to apply on kids. Just try to avoid spray sunscreens that contain insect repellents, as insect repellents should be used sparingly. 

Look For Broad-Spectrum Protection

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you use broad-spectrum sunscreens because they provide protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays, or “aging rays,” can increase the risk of premature aging, wrinkles, and age spots. They can penetrate glass windows, so you can be at risk of sun damage even if you are inside. UVB rays, or “burning rays,” are the primary cause of sunburn. They can’t pass through glass windows, but you should still protect the skin from them. 

Choose SPF 30 Or Higher

Sun protection factor (SPF) is the number that represents how much UV radiation exposure the skin can take without burning. This number does not indicate the amount of time you can spend in the sun. Your skin type, how often you reapply, and the time of day can influence your risk of sunburn. Experts suggest that you reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you sweat a lot or go in the water. The AAD recommends using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. No sunscreen will block 100% of UVB rays, though. 

Are Mineral Sunscreens Better Than Chemical Sunscreens?

First and foremost, both are effective, but they contain different active ingredients. Mineral sunscreens typically contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both. They tend to leave a white residue on the skin, and dermatologists recommend them for people with sensitive skin, as they do not contain harsh chemicals. Chemical sunscreens do not contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide; rather, they have a lighter formula that doesn’t leave a white residue on the skin. That said, chemical sunscreens do contain ingredients that can irritate the skin or pose threats to marine life and coral reefs. No matter which ones you choose, make sure to read the list of active ingredients. 

What Chemicals To Look Out For

There are certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens that can cause side effects, especially if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or a health condition. Some factors to consider:

• Environmental impact: Some chemicals in sunscreens can be harmful to coral reefs and marine life. A 2022 report from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to dig deeper into the impact of sunscreens on marine ecosystems. 
• Potential allergens: Avobenzone and octocrylene, among other ingredients, can cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis. Fragrances, alcohols, and other preservatives can also cause reactions. Consider trying the sunscreen on a small patch of skin to see how your skin responds before lathering it all over your body. 
• Potential chemical absorption: Some sunscreen ingredients can actually linger in the bloodstream for extended periods. One study found that six ingredients, including oxybenzone, octocrylene, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, and octisalate, were absorbed in the bloodstream after one use. The study noted that they reached levels in the blood that surpassed the FDA’s threshold. 

Match It To Your Skin Type

Some sunscreens are made specifically for certain skin types. If you thoroughly read a product’s label, you can determine if it is the right fit for your skin. If you have dry skin, you may want a sunscreen that contains moisturizers. Non-comedogenic and oil-free sunscreens may benefit those with acne-prone or oily skin. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic sunscreens are excellent for sensitive skin.

SHARE:

The post How Do You Choose The Right Sunscreen? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If using a hair mask is not part of your hair care routine yet, what are you waiting for? A hair mask is like a spa treatment for your hair and scalp, working to hydrate, strengthen, smooth, and repair damaged hair and skin. Not only does it improve the appearance of your hair, but it also makes it feel healthy. 

What Is A Hair Mask?

Think of a hair mask like an intense treatment to hydrate, de-frizz, strengthen, and nourish the hair and scalp. It is also an effective way to restore vibrance to dry, damaged, or processed hair. You can also use a hair mask to help increase the bounce and shine in curly hair. A hair mask differs from conditioner in that it is a deeper hydration treatment that you use infrequently for restorative hair care. Conditioners, although they add moisture, are much lighter moisturizers that you can use every time you shampoo. 

A lot of people use a daily conditioner and an occasional hair mask to keep hair healthy and strong. There are also leave-in and rinse-out conditioners and hair masks. The primary difference is that conditioners (whether leave-in or rinse-out) are more surface level on the hair. A mask deeply conditions the hair shaft and provides the scalp with nutrients for beneficial hair growth and health. 

Shea Butter

Without moisture, your hair can appear dry, dull, or become prone to breakage. That is especially true for natural curls and waves. Shea butter helps define every curl and wave, restoring your hair to its former glory. It also provides nourishing fatty acids that not only improve the health of the hair, but also increase shine. The concentration of vitamins A and E in shea butter work to moisturize the hair and revive damaged hair. Shea butter may also soften the hair and repair split ends or breakage, due to the fact that it seals moisture into each strand. 

Aloe Vera

Used for centuries for its healing properties, aloe vera is a plant that has a thick gel-like substance within the leaves. The gel provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, which is why people apply it to burns, skin wounds, and sunburns. The best form of aloe vera to use on your hair is the raw gel of the plant, not the bottled stuff you find in stores. Aloe vera works to calm an itchy scalp by resolving inflammation that stems from seborrheic dermatitis. The fatty acids in aloe exhibit potent anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera also works to strengthen and repair hair strands. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, all of which contribute to cell turnover, promoting healthy hair growth. Finally, aloe vera contains vitamin B12 and folate, two nutrients that may help keep the hair from falling out. 

DIY Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Melt the shea butter in the top of a double boiler with a little water in the bottom over medium low heat. Stir occasionally and remove from the heat once the butter is fully melted. 
• Mix in the aloe vera gel and add the optional essential oil and olive oil. Stir to combine. You ideally want a smooth texture without clumps. Continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated. 
• Spoon into a jar and use when ready. Before applying the mask, make sure your hair is clean and slightly damp, as that will allow the mask to penetrate the hair shafts more effectively. 
• Use your fingers to scoop the mask and work it into your hair, starting from the roots and moving toward the tips. 
• Leave the mask on for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. A gentle shampoo helps remove residue from the mask. 

SHARE:

The post DIY Aloe Vera Hair Mask appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Cracked and chapped lips are not only painful, but also hard to conceal. You do your best effort to make it look like the skin isn’t flaking from your lips, but it may show through, despite your best efforts. Lip balm is a helpful product that can moisturize the skin on your lips, but it is even more beneficial when you have the right ingredients in the product. That is exactly the case for this peppermint elderberry lip balm. 

What Is Lip Balm Essential?

Lip balm is a soft, waxy substance that you can apply to the lips to ease the soreness or burning caused by chapped or cracked lips. The skin on the lips is very thin, so it is more prone to dryness than other areas of the skin. The waxy lip balm, then, essentially creates a protective shield on your lips. This helps keep the lips safe from air, wind, and colder temperatures. 

A lot of people will use lip balm to remedy chapped lips during the wintertime, but lip balm can be used year round. If your lip balm does a good job, then you will not need to apply regularly. The right ingredients promote long-lasting moisture, nourishment, and comfort.

Infusing The Oil With Elderberry 

In order to make this lip balm, you have to infuse the olive oil with dried elderberries and alkanet root powder. This is a powder that is effective for naturally tinting lips. Now, if you do not want this lip balm to tint your lips, you do not have to use it. You can simply use another teaspoon or two of dried elderberries. Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare professional before using products that contain alkanet powder. Traditionally, it is usually not advised. 

Although you can use sunflower oil or jojoba oil, we opted for olive oil, as it is highly nourishing. It is also a great oil for infusing, whether you want to make a lip balm or flavored oil for culinary use. The only thing to keep in mind is that the infusion process takes a couple weeks. Add the elderberries to the oil and keep in a sunny spot, such as the windowsill, for two weeks. 

After the infusion period, strain the dried elderberries and collect the oil in a container. If you store the oil properly, this will keep for about one year. Once you have your infused oil, you are ready to make the lip balm. 

DIY Peppermint Elderberry Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1/2 tablespoon castor oil
• 1 tablespoon infused olive oil
• 1 teaspoon pomegranate seed oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellet (plus 1 more teaspoon)
• 12 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients (except the essential oil) to a heat-safe glass measuring cup. Place that cup in a small saucepan containing a couple inches of water over medium-low heat. 
• Keep on the stove until all of the ingredients are melted. Stir well to combine and then remove from heat. Add the essential oils once removed from heat. 
• Pour the mixture into lip balm tubs or tins and allow to set at room temperature before putting the lids on. Use when ready.

SHARE:

The post DIY Peppermint Elderberry Lip Balm appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Beauty is a very personal thing. You most likely have a tried-and-true skin care regimen, with a selection of cosmetics that are beneficial to your skin. Is mango butter one of those products? What even is mango butter, and how can it benefit your skin? We cover all of that and more in this article. 

What Is The Deal With Mango Butter?

Made with the oil from mango seeds, mango butter is a topical cream that may help protect against sun damage and even out skin tone. It may also soften the skin and clear up stretch marks. Because it is generally non-comedogenic, it is free of compounds that are known to irritate the skin. If you experience acne, however, avoid using mango butter on the face. Mango butter is also skin-friendly, containing several vitamins known to benefit and moisturize dry skin. 

Helps With Skin Repair 

The nutrients in mango butter, which include vitamins C and E, can help encourage skin repair and protection. One study found that a foot cream made with mango butter was able to completely repair worn and cracked skin in human feet. Study authors noted that mango butter worked effectively as an emollient, providing optimal skin protection and moisture. Vitamin C is also necessary for collagen synthesis and vitamin E balances out vitamin C. One study found that vitamin E increased vitamin C’s efficacy eightfold! Additionally, vitamin C regenerates vitamin E after the latter scavenges for free radicals, a step that further reduces oxidative stress. 

Does Not Clog Pores

Working as an emollient to provide a protective barrier on the skin, mango butter does not, in fact, clog your pores. Researchers note that mango butter melts into a light oil that does not leave your skin feeling greasy. As we mentioned earlier, mango butter is considered non-comedogenic, so it is great for all skin types. It also has a mild, some might say undetected, smell, so people who are sensitive to aromas may prefer it to other scented butters. 

Moisturizes The Skin

Mango butter is naturally rich in essential fatty acids, which give it the occlusive and emollient properties. It is a common ingredient in thick body creams and moisturizers to help enhance the moisture content in the skin. On its own, mango butter has a semi-solid consistency, but it melts into a rich oil once you apply it on the skin. With a lighter texture than many other vegetable oils or seed butters, mango butter does not leave the skin feeling greasy. It can actually help hydrate both the skin and hair, providing a protective barrier to prevent environmental pollutants from entering the pores. 

Plumps Up The Skin

Because mango butter is rich in vitamin C, it may help the skin look tighter and plumper. Researchers note that mango butter promotes a firmer appearance on the skin, which is why it is featured in a lot of anti-aging skin care products. Vitamin A, another nutrient in mango butter, encourages a more glowing look, helping your skin look revitalized. Vitamin A also works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increasing the overall youthful look. 

Helps Eliminate Dry Or Itchy Skin

Mango butter can be helpful in preventing itchiness and inflammation caused by dry skin. It is a natural source of triglycerides (a form of glycerin), and these fatty acids work as emollients to soften and hydrate the skin. Additionally, mango butter produces salicylic acid when it comes in contact with oxygen. Salicylic acid is a great exfoliating agent that softens keratin, the skin’s most prevalent protein. That helps remove the top layer of the skin that has become dry, scaly, and itchy. Mango butter is commonly used to treat symptoms of eczema for that reason!

SHARE:

The post 5 Reasons To Add Mango Butter To Your Skin Care Routine appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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.

SHARE:

The post DIY Leave-In Conditioner With Oils appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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

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

Stress Management

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

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

Moisturizers

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

Phototherapy

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

EMDR Therapy

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

Cold Compress

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

Habit Reversal Techniques

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

SHARE:

The post Effective Tips To Stop An Eczema Itch Without Scratching appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of a clean face. You scrub away all the grime of the day and feel renewed, or you wash away the sleepies and prepare for the day ahead. If you are like most people, you probably use a cleanser, potentially a toner, moisturizer, and an under-eye cream. Now, that is a perfectly fine skin care routine, but sometimes you need to clean out your pores and moisturize simultaneously. That’s why we love the brown sugar oatmeal face scrub in this article. 

Although brown sugar face scrubs are generally safe, you should always do a small patch test before using it all over your face. Use a small amount on your inner forearm. Wait 24 hours to see if you experience any itchiness, redness, or swelling. If you experience any of those symptoms, you have an allergy to one or more ingredients in the product. If that is the case, do not use it. Should you not experience any of those symptoms, feel free to use the product.

Here’s Why You’ll Love This Scrub

First of all, you don’t have to worry about the addition of unnecessary chemicals that could potentially harm your skin. Natural ingredients help clear up your skin and contribute to a natural glow. In case you didn’t know, this is not a scrub that you use daily. Using this face scrub daily may irritate the skin, due to the mildly abrasive nature of brown sugar. Ideally, you use this scrub once a week and follow it up with a moisturizer once you finish. You’ll love it because it:

• Is very easy to make
• Hydrates the skin
• Removes grease, dirt, and makeup
• Helps unclog pores
• Removes dead skin cells
• Only requires four ingredients
• Helps improve skin tone
• Improves circulation to the skin 

Benefits Of This DIY Face Scrub

This face scrub consists of four ingredients, all of which benefit the skin in different ways. We’ve detailed a few benefits of the four ingredients below:

• Brown sugar: This is the exfoliator of the scrub! Brown sugar works to remove dead skin cells, which helps improve the complexion. Due to the glycolic acid, brown sugar also helps to lock in moisture, stimulate collagen production, and cleanse your pores. 
• Oats: Working to reduce oil production and free radicals on the skin, oats help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. If you have dry or irritated skin, use face scrubs that contain oats to help enhance the health of facial skin.
• Honey: Believe it or not, honey has mild exfoliation properties as well, but we love it because it acts as a natural humectant. That means that it helps to draw moisture into the skin, contributing to a higher moisture content. 
• Olive oil: Similar to coconut oil, olive oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-aging, and anti-fungal properties, all of which are beneficial to the skin. Using olive oil on the skin can help improve skin elasticity, reduce infections, and make the skin appear smoother. 

DIY Brown Sugar Oatmeal Face Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup oats, finely ground
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon raw honey

Instructions:

• Add the sugar, oats, olive oil, and honey to a clean bowl and mix well to combine. That’s it!
• When ready to use, apply a small amount of the scrub on your fingertips and massage it into your face in circular motions for one to two minutes. Leave the scrub on for a couple minutes so that the nutrients can penetrate your skin. 
• Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Use this scrub once per week.

SHARE:

The post DIY Brown Sugar Oatmeal Face Scrub appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If we know one thing about winter, it is that the weather is colder and skin can dry out easily. The constant changing of environments does not do the skin any favors. Being bundled up outside in the cold and then going inside to the warm, dry heat is a recipe for dry skin. Fortunately, you can pamper your skin and bring it back to life with the homemade body butter in this article. It is filled with natural ingredients that help to leave the skin feeling soft, radiant, and supple. 

What’s The Difference Between Body Butter And Lotion?

Both body lotions and body butters work to moisturize the skin below the neck. Each of these skin care products can help soften skin and minimize dryness, but they work differently. The primary difference between lotion and body butter is the texture. While lotion has a higher water content and more liquid consistency, body butter is thicker and creamier. Body butter also tends to have a higher concentration of heavy moisturizers, such as shea butter. Body lotion tends to be formulated with glycerin, or other lightweight hydrators. 

Generally speaking, body butter is ideal for dry or rough skin. The ingredients work to replenish the skin’s natural oils and protect them from stressors that increase irritation or dryness. Below, we’ll detail two ingredients that make this body butter highly nourishing for the skin.

Shea Butter

Shea butter comes from the kernels of shea trees, which are native to sub-Saharan Africa. To this day, most shea butter still comes from this region. Shea butter helps promote hydration because it contains several types of fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. These work to improve the skin barrier and protect the skin from damaging environmental pollutants. Shea butter also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for nourishing inflamed or upset skin. Additionally, shea butter is thought to offer mild protection from the sun, although it is not a replacement for standard sunscreen. 

Coconut Oil

Promoted for its ability to moisturize dry skin, coconut oil offers many compounds that help improve overall skin health. It exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties when applied topically. Studies have shown that it may help relieve symptoms of atopic dermatitis or eczema, which can cause itchy rash. The anti-inflammatory properties work to improve skin barrier function and prevent moisture loss. And while coconut oil may not be able to remove stretch marks, it is possible that topical application may help reduce their appearance. More research is necessary on that topic, though. 

Whipped Gingerbread Body Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw shea butter
• 1/2 cup coconut oil 
• 1/4 tsp  gingerbread spice
• 4 drops ginger essential oil
• 4 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 2 drops clove essential oil
• 2 drops vanilla essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter and coconut oil to a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup. Melt the two ingredients in the microwave for one minute. 
• Remove and stir well. If the shea butter and coconut oil are not fully melted, heat in the microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Remove and stir well again to combine.
• Transfer the melted mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. 
• Remove from the refrigerator and use the stand mixer to whip the mixture on high for five minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides every minute and continue blending until you have a light, fluffy cream. 
• Add the gingerbread spice and essential oils and mix on low to incorporate. Spoon the mixture into a jar, cover, and store in the fridge. Use as needed.

SHARE:

The post Whipped Gingerbread Body Butter appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.