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While over-the-counter moisturizing products will help hydrate your skin, many people opt to use a DIY natural moisturizer due to its natural compounds, affordability, and versatility. Learn DIY face moisturizer: 7 homemade moisturizers to keep skin hydrated.
A homemade moisturizer may not have trendy packaging or stickers, yet it has the best natural oils easily absorbed by the skin. You can use many of the ingredients you’d find in a store-bought skin moisturizer, from tea tree oil, grapeseed oil, beeswax, or lavender oil, among others.
Although the initial stocking of the supplies may be costly, it’s cheaper in the long run since the supplies are very versatile and can be used across many other DIY projects like lip balm and body moisturizer.
Besides, a homemade face moisturizer offers you an opportunity to customize it according to your preference.
The article will list some of the best DIY face moisturizer recipes you can try out immediately with most of the ingredients already available in your kitchen.
Causes of Skin Dehydration
Understanding the causes of dry skin is key to figuring out the diagnosis. Most dry skin conditions are a result of increased humidity and temperature levels.
Below are more factors that contribute to dry skin:
- Decrease in natural skin oils as you age
- Bathing habits (hot showers and using a dry towel to scrub yourself)
- Winter weather
- Harsh detergents and soap
- Underlying skin conditions
- Heat (space heater, central heating, wood-burning stoves)
DIY Face Moisturizer Recipes
Below is a list of DIY face moisturizer recipes. Read through to determine what may work for your particle skin condition.
1. Sugar Scrub and Olive Oil
Supplies
- Sugar
- Olive oil
- Essential oil(optional)
Instructions
- Take half a cup of sugar and mix well with olive oil.
- For a natural fragrance and enhanced skin relaxation, consider adding a few drops of essential oil.
- Rub the scrub gently on your skin and wash it off after that.
- You can use a soothing moisturizer on your exfoliated skin for added benefits.
2. Oatmeal Soak
Supplies
- Oatmeal
- Water
Instructions
- Use a warm bath to mix a cup of oatmeal and apply it to your skin for the dehydrating effects.
Note that the oat product is soother in itself, so when mixed with warm water, it awakens the skin moisture nourishing your dry skin.
3. Avocado-rich, Creamy DIY Mask
Supplies
- Avocado
- Olive oil
- Honey (optional)
Instructions
- Cut avocado into half and puree with one teaspoon of olive oil
- Add a tablespoon of honey if the skin is too dry
- Apply the resultant cream to your face and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash with the warm bath water
- You may apply your usual moisturizer for a doubled skin moisturizing feel.
4. Oatmeal Honey Mask
Supplies
- Two tablespoons of oatmeal
- One tablespoon of honey
- Water
Instructions
- Mix everything and warm-up
- You may use it immediately to exfoliate by rubbing in your skin
- You may rub on the skin and wash off after that or leave to stay for 15 to 20 minutes for an enhanced soothing feel.
Note that oatmeal is generally good for exfoliation.
5. Add The Natural Oil to Your Bath
Add your favorite DIY natural oil to your bath water to recreate the stripped and damaged skin. For example, try out olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oils. You may also try out irritant-free oils such as argan and jojoba.
6. Aloe Vera
Many people use aloe Vera to protect themselves from sunburn. However, its uses stretch beyond as it also doubles as a moisturizer for dry and irritated skin. Apply it on your skin to reduce redness caused by dry skin and reduce aging marks. It also treats acneic skin.
However, you may need to perform a test first as some people are allergic to aloe.
7. Shea Butter
Shea butter has one of the best natural oils extracted from tree backs and used as a skin moisturizer. Thanks to its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids. The oil has both healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The oil will soothe, condition, and tone your skin when used as a moisturizer.
How to Make and Use Shea Butter On Your Face As a Moisturizer
You may purchase shea butter from a pharmacy or a health store and use it directly as a moisturizer on your face. You may apply the homemade face cream before bed and in the morning.
How To Make A Homemade Shea Butter Mask
Supplies
- One tablespoon of shea butter
- Three or four drops of essential oil (grapeseed)
- One tablespoon raw honey
Instructions
- Mix all the above products and spread them on your face
- Leave for 10 to 12 minutes, then wash with lukewarm water using a soft washcloth.
Note that you should first wash your face with warm water or cream cleaner.
Homemade Shea Butter Risks
Shea butter does not cause any severe allergic reaction like other products such as aloe vera. The reaction is extremely low, even to those who are allergic to tree nuts. Research shows that tree nuts have very few allergy-triggering proteins.
However, that does not mean that shea butter is free from risks or any side effects. Research further indicates that shea butter can block your skin pores hence causing too many blackheads and acne. The American Academy of Dermatology supports the argument.
The research is not conclusive, as some websites report that shea butter has very minimal comedogenic ratings.
Benefits of Using Shea Butter on Your Face
- It has healing and anti-inflammatory properties that will alleviate swelling and redness on your face.
- Anti-aging properties may include multiplying collagen or reducing its breakdown to lower the risks of premature aging. The mechanism is still under research.
- Emolument properties in shea butter natural oil help in soaking your skin, hence creating a soft and smooth barrier to seal in more moisture. The moisturizing effect will last for a few hours.
Tips For a Healthy Skin During Winter
Other than using DIY face moisturizer on your hydrated skin during winter, here are more preventive measures you can take to ensure your skin stays healthy all season round.
- Shower with lukewarm water and limit shower time to between five and ten minutes.
- Use gentle cleansers without fragrance.
- Lower your thermostat to between 68°F to 72°F as more heat also contributes to skin dryness.
- Moisturize your skin more often, especially the hands.
- Apply sunscreen. Yes, you heard it right. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, snow reflects the sun’s rays by up to 80%, exposing your exposure risk.
- Put on comfortable and non-irritating clothes.
- To avoid itchiness and irritation, change out of your wet clothes fast
- Eat right to stay hydrated
- Adjust your skincare routine according to the season
- Use a humidifier to enhance moisture levels in your room
Final Thoughts
DIY face moisturizer is good skincare for multiple reasons that include:
- All-natural properties
- Minor to no allergic reactions
- Cheap compared to beauty store moisturizers
- Versatile as it can be used on several parts of the body.
However, that does not mean that all homemade moisturizers are 100% safe. Always performs a test for allergic reactions before using these natural skin care products, such as Aloe Vera.