The Homemade Solution for Parched Skin: DIY Moisturizer

(My contribution to the skincare blog: Kiseu.)

Now that winter is in full swing, it’s more important than ever to hydrate your skin properly. In the colder months, my skin is dry and easily irritated - so most commercial moisturizers (which are often heavily perfumed and watery) don’t cut it. Whether you deal with sensitivity, dry skin, or just want a more natural skincare routine, making your own DIY face moisturizer could be the solution for your thirsty skin. 

Why Should You Make a DIY Skin Moisturizer? 

Let’s be honest here. If your skin isn’t getting the hydration it needs, none of the other skincare products you use are going to work properly. Hydrated skin is like the base of a strong skincare pyramid. (We’re getting very ‘Walk Like an Egyptian’ here, but you get the idea.) 

It’s Simpler

If you take a look at the ingredients in your skincare routine, you probably won’t recognize some chemicals in there. Not all these benefit your skin. Some help preserve the products, provide artificial scents or make sure the texture doesn’t change. 

A DIY moisturizer cuts out those chemicals, which is perfect if you’re seeking irritation-free hydration or wanting to lessen the amount of artificial products on your body. 

It’s Cheaper

A homemade moisturizer is probably going to be cheaper than the store-bought products you’re using. You can spend $30-$120 on your moisturizer, depending on the company. While the ingredients you use will vary, it’s very likely that you can save tons of money if you make your moisturizer at home.  

The beauty of DIY moisturizer is that a little goes a long way. You can make a cost-effective batch that lasts you months without expiring.

It Works Better

Seriously, science backs it up! Natural oils like jojoba and argan oil (among others) have been proven to heal, hydrate and nourish skin. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that will help restore your skin barrier. 

How Do You Introduce DIY Moisturizer to Your Skincare Routine?

When you moisturize, one rule to keep in mind is to apply hydration on clean skin. Facial oils and heavier creams act like a barrier against the outside world, and if you layer this barrier over dirty skin, you’ll trap grime into pores, leading to skin irritation. 

Your moisturizer is usually the last step in your routine. So cleanse, tone, and do whatever else you like - then add your moisturizer to keep your skin happy.

Homemade Moisturizer Recipes: (They’re Simpler Than You’d Think!)

Let me premise that most of these recipes involve using oils of all kinds. (Cue gasps from the readers with oily complexions.) Don’t worry, oil is your friend, I promise! Your skin uses oil to keep a strong moisture barrier. When you’re using products that strip the natural oils from the skin, you’ll want to rehydrate with beneficial oils.

You should experiment with which oils vibe best with your skin, as different oils target different skin needs. This blog is a great resource to break down the common uses for different oils. Below are a few simple recipes for homemade moisturizer so you can begin mixing on your own. Happy hydrating!  

DIY Facial Moisturizer for Dry Skin

I’ve loved jojoba oil for a long time, so adding in a few additional oils was an easy upgrade. You can find more details and customizations of this recipe here, but here’s the gist:

Step 1:Start with a base oil. This is usually jojoba oil or argan oil, but you have other options. It should be about ⅔ of your total recipe. 

Step 2:Add another nourishing oil. Tamanu oil, evening primrose oil, and sea buckthorn oil are popular choices. This is the last ⅓ of your oil.

Step 3:Add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil. When used sparingly, essential oils can be antibacterial and skin-soothing. Literally just mix it all together and you’re done!

No Coconut Oil Hydrating Lotion

This is a thicker lotion if you’re oil-adverse, and it also avoids coconut oil altogether. While some swear by coconut oil, others find that it can be pore-clogging.

Step 1:All you need is ½ cup of shea butter and 2 tablespoons of a nourishing oil, like jojoba or avocado oil. Heat the shea butter in a double-boiler, and add in the oil. 

Step 2:Let the mixture chill in the fridge until solid, and add in any essential oils when it becomes opaque. This recipe recommends 10 drops of lavender essential oil.. Store in a jar and enjoy!

Lavender and Coconut Oil Moisturizer

This moisturizer recipe is so simple and nourishing, you might find yourself gifting it to all your friends this holiday season. All you need is coconut oil, Vitamin E oil, and lavender oil.

Step 1:Melt ½ cup of coconut oil by putting the jar in a bowl of warm water. 

Step 2:Add in 1 teaspoon of Vitamin E oil, and 12 drops of lavender essential oil. Mix and let the moisturizer set. 

Don’t let flaky, irritated skin ruin the holiday season and all those cozy selfies you’re gonna be taking. A little DIY experimentation in the kitchen could result in your new favorite moisturizer that your face and your wallet love!

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