I don’t know about all of you, but during the winter months I feel like my hands are always dry and my skin needs a little extra attention. It might be from the cold wind, the dry air inside, or because of frequent hand washing, but my skin feels more damaged and dry than usual. Therefore, what better time to start using a skin balm or body balm like this homemade soothing balm for dry skin!
Using a homemade skin moisturizer not only gets rid of nasty chemicals from the process (which many store-bought options contain), but it can also be fantastic for anyone with sensitive skin. You can create a product directly to your needs and skin type whether this is fragrance-free, or a moisturizer specifically for dry skin, oily skin, etc. You can also save yourself a lot of money by using ingredients that you know won’t cause an allergic reaction to your skin. Obviously, this may require a little bit of experimentation still if it’s something you’ve never tried before – but I’ve found it a fun process, and skin care has never seemed more interesting to me. For example, this DIY skin moisturizer uses a blend of lemon, peppermint, and lavender essential oil for their various properties but also the smell. However, these can easily be omitted for anyone sensitive to essential oils.
What is this skin balm good for?
This particular skin balm DIY looks a little (or a lot, let’s be honest) like lemon curd – but is a godsend for keeping hands supple and soft with all the extra hand washing. I now use it every evening too with a pair of cotton gloves, for a deep moisturizing overnight. Yes, I’m one of ‘those’ people now and happy to admit it. Moisturizing isn’t all that this wonder skin balm is suitable for either. With a combination of soothing essential oils and skin-softening oils, and optional Vitamin E and/or honey – this balm works to soothe cuts and bites, moisturize skin, is perfect for post-shave skin, and for cold winter days where our poor hands can easily fall victim to the wind outside.
What is in the balm?
Essential oils
I use a combination of three potent essential oils. However, you can omit some or all of these, as wanted. Lavender – Has substantial aromatherapy benefits including stress-relief and to help you sleep, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also cooling, soothing and antiseptic. Peppermint – Not only does peppermint soothe irritated skin, but it can also be used to boost energy and studies show that inhaling peppermint can reduce headaches and aid digestion. Lemon – Is not only uplifting but also containing antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also inhaled as a natural antidepressant and energy booster.
Carrier Oil
Whenever using essential oils for your skin, then you’ll need a carrier oil. These oils dilute the essential oils and ‘carry’ them to your skin. Without this dilution, essential oils can cause skin irritation if applied directly to the skin. I’ve used: Coconut oil – A wonderfully nourishing, skin softener. Plus, it’s both antibacterial and anti-fungal. Olive oil – has a smooth texture and is wonderful for moisturizing dry skin. It also is full of antioxidants that can have an anti-ageing effect on skin. Other oils you can use include vitamin-rich almond oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, rosehip oil etc.
Beeswax Beeswax is used to create the ‘balm’-like texture. The more you add, the harder your balm will be at room temperature and likewise, the less you add, the looser the final product. However, beeswax is also antibacterial, non-toxic and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also forms a protective barrier to the skin without clogging pores – attracting moisture to the skin while still allowing it to breathe. If you want to make a vegan version of this balm, then you could try soy wax. However, this will yield a thinner final product.
Optional Additions
Honey – Not only does honey have antibacterial, antiseptic and antioxidant properties, it also speeds up your skins cells’ healing process and is incredibly soothing and moisturizing on our skin. Vitamin E – Not only does this work as a natural preservative for the balm, but Vitamin E also soothes and moisturizes skin. It is also a powerful antioxidant, with anti-ageing effects on the skin.
How to Make the Homemade Skin Balm
Begin by sterilizing all the tools you’re going to be using – a large bowl, mixing spoon or spatula, and the container you plan to store your balm in. Make sure to dry them completely, too. To begin making the balm, add the olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax and almond oil into the bowl over a double boiler.
This will allow the beeswax and coconut oil to melt. Stir well to combine the oils thoroughly and then remove the bowl from the heat and leave to cool slightly. This step is necessary, as the essential oils shouldn’t be added to a hot mixture as their chemical structures are altered.
Add the drops of essential oil – lavender, lemon and peppermint.
Then, optionally add either (or both) the honey and vitamin E.
Stir the mixture well and quickly pour into your container of choice (as it will start to thicken/harden). The shelf life of this balm is around six months.
Other skincare and ‘beauty’ DIYs you may like
I’ll be the first to admit; I don’t have the most extensive collection of non-food related DIYs on this blog. However, it’s something I’ve become more interested in within the past few years, so there are a few things that you may like. If you have any questions, then feel free to ask them in the comments below. You can also tag me in your recreations on Insta @Alphafoodie.
