Week One: Replace Moisturizers

As part of my goals to a more natural, homemade life, I have decided to take on one small project a week and share it on this blog. This week's project involves replacing my store bought lotions. I live in a dry climate, so lotion is a must.

Ever read the ingredients label on your lotion bottle? Lotions are filled with so many fillers and chemicals. Food is a no brainer when it comes to removing toxic chemicals from your home, but what about the lotions you're putting on your skin, the largest organ of your body?

In search for a natural lotion, I have experimented with several different concoctions and recipes. I wanted to find a lotion alternative that wasn't too greasy or sticky and really worked. Coconut oil is one that is highly recommended on the internet. I found it was too greasy. After a little experimentation, I found a good combination that works with my skin and it's so simple and natural! I chose this recipe for the first thing to try because it is so simple and easy you don't have to spend a lot of time or money.

Simple Oil Moisturizer

You'll need:
1 empty bottle
2/3 part Almond oil
1/3 part Jojoba oil
Essential oil

I buy my oils from Butterfly Express, but any organic oils will work. Add the oils, then add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for fragrance. You can do less jojoba, since it is so expensive. But I have found any less than a 1/3 part jojoba and it's not as moisturizing, but it still works.

Depending on the type of essential oil you add, this is gentle and effective enough to use as face moisturizer.

If you are feeling ambitious, and you want a thicker, more lotion-y type of moisturizer here's the easiest recipe out there. It doesn't have any water in it, so it is a thicker, body butter type of moisturizer. Without water you don't need to worry about preservatives, so that's a good thing.

Natural Healing Butter

1/2 cup Grapeseed oil (you can also use olive oil or almond oil)

1/4 cup Coconut oil (to omit, just use a 1/4 c. more grapeseed oil)

1/4 cup Beeswax (use less if you want a thinner consistency)
Optional: 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter
Optional: Essential Oils

Melt all ingredients except vitamin E and essential oils in a double broiler. Heat until completely melted, stirring to incorporate all ingredients. Once all blended, remove from heat and add vitamin E and essential oils. Pour into glass jars (baby food jars are perfect) while still liquid. Makes enough to fill 3 baby food jars.

If you want a moisturizer specifically for your face, here is the formula I currently use:

Face Serum

1 part Jojoba oil
1 part Apricot oil (Sesame oil, Almond oil or Grapeseed oil also work)
Optional: Essential oils 1-5 drops (For my sensitive, acne prone, combination skin I use Lavender, Thyme, Tea Tree, Geranium and Carrot Seed)
Glass 1 oz. dropper bottle

• Essential oils for Normal skin: German Chamomile, Lemon, Geranium, Fennel, Lavender, Jasmine, Rose, Neroli, Frankincense, Carrot Seed
• Essential oils for Dry skin: German Chamomile, Lavender, Calendula, Sandalwood, Geranium, Patchouli, Rose, Rosemary, Neroli
• Essential oils for Oily skin: Cedarwood, Geranium, Clary, Lavender, Ylang-ylang, Lemon, Peppermint, Calendula, Frankincense, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Juniper, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Neroli
• Essential oils for Mature skin: Rose, Geranium, Myrrh, Patchouli, Lavender, Citrus, Frankincense, Neroli, Fennel, Clary, Rosewood, Sage, Cypress, Sandalwood, Carrot Seed, Sea Buckthorn Extract
• Essential oils for Acne: Thyme, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Grapefruit, Rosewood, Rose, Lavender, Clove (use sparingly), Jasmine, Sandalwood, Lemon, Patchouli, Chamomile

Don't go out and buy all these oils, just pick one or two oils that match your skin type. Add the oils to the bottle and shake. It's that easy!

Want more info? Here are some amazing resources about making your own serums:
How to Make Your Own Face Serum
What is a Facial Serum?
7 Natural Secrets That Cure Acne

Try it! And if you like it, leave a comment about your experience.