Homemade Moisturizer Recipe

Just for fun the other morning upon awakening, I decided to count how many products I used during my morning routine. I was convinced it would be about 8-10 because within the past 5-years or so I’ve significantly decreased the amount of products and cosmetics I use. 

I was totally wrong. 

By the time I walked out of the bathroom and was ready for my day I had used over 16 products from my toothpaste, hair products and makeup. Even though the products I purchase these days are higher quality...they’re still not 100% healthy! I am committing to making more of an effort with my everyday products with the same enthusiasm that I do with my food. Best part, it’s WAY cheaper!!

Funfact: within the past 3 months or so of doing this I’ve lost count at how many compliments I’ve gotten regarding my glowing skin!  

I stumbled across this recipe online, ordered some beeswax pellets and made some. I’m in love. My fiancé is in love (and I didn’t even ask him to try, he willingly tried on his own!). I still can’t get over how quickly it took to throw it together. You only need a small amount each application and it absorbs fairly quickly into the skin. The smell will fade after a few minutes. It lasts a long time in the bathroom, so it doesn’t need to be refrigerated! Amazing for dry hands and feet, or even chapped lips. Got a baby with a rash? It helps their bum, too. Did I mention how affordable this moisturizer is? Please let me know if you give it a try!

Ingredients
1/2 cup olive oil (or almond oil)
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup beeswax pellets (I bought mine on Amazon) 
10 drops of essential oil (optional, my favorite is lemongrass)
  
Directions
1. Combine the olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax into a heat proof jug or large jar.
2. Put the jug/jar in a saucepan and fill the pan with water until it comes 3/4 of the way up the jug/jar.
3. Put it on a low heat on the stove.  Heat and stir it until it has melted (about 5-10 minutes).
4. Now empty out the hot water from the pan and replace it with cold water to the same level.  Put the jug/jar back into the pan. This helps to cool the moisturizer down quickly, as you’ll notice.
5. Add your essential oil to the jug/jar now if you are using.
6. Now to finish this quickly, use an electric whisk to quickly whip the ingredients into a moisturizer.  OR if you don’t have a whisk you can use a fork and give it a good stir.  You may have to stir this every 5 minutes until the texture is thick and creamy if not using an electric whisk.
7. Spoon into a glass jar of your choice, something that will be accessible for you to stick your fingers in to grab some moisturizer during your bathroom routine. I bought a bunch of these jars - they work great, you can split up your moisturizer so that you have a few jars on hand, and they are super cute!

Recipe from GreenThickies.com

ABC’s for Skin Health

Lets face it, this winter was a tough one and unfortunately our skin is the one who takes the beating! Our skin dries out from the heat in our homes which causes dehydration. We tend to drink less in the cold weather than we do in the hot summer months which is even more dehydrating. Physical activity also tends to decline in bad weather and so circulation to the skin is compromised. Our skin is the largest organ of our body. We need to keep it as healthy as possible so that they rest of our body is working properly.

Paying close attention to the foods we eat can enhance the vitamins that nourish the skin. A good way to remember what to eat and ways to help nourish your skin is to say your ABC’s!

A is for avocado. They contain the best kind of fats that add emollients to the skin. They also help to block absorption of the "bad" cholesterol and aid in eyesight by their high lutein content. They are also unbelievably delicious!

B is for beets. They are rich in beta-carotene and high in phytonutrients that protect the skin.

C is for vitamin C, the vitamin that enhances the skin cells' ability to fight free radicals, the primary cause of skin damage.

D is for vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin. We all realize that we get less of the beneficial effects of sunlight during the winter months. However, with Springtime here there is no excuse for not getting outside for at least 15 minutes of (unprotected) sunshine each day!

E is for vitamin E. A rich source of antioxidants and rich in emollients for the skin. Eggs, nuts and seeds are rich in vitamin E.

G is for green tea. Green tea can reduce the risk of damage from ultraviolet light (such as the rays of the sun), and thus reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Skipping to O, omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds, walnuts, beans, olive oil and fish such as salmon and Coho contain the most omega fatty acids.

P is for plums. Plentiful plums are packed with antioxidants, which are healthy for the skin.

R is for rub. Rub your skin beautiful! While in a hot shower, take a washcloth with no soap and scrub your entire body until its uniformly rosy. As you scrub each day, your skin will release toxins trapped under it leaving you with soft, smooth skin within a few months! This improves your circulation, helps your digestion and allows your skin to glow.

S is for smile. A happy face is a healthy face. The act of smiling increases production of endorphins, the "feel good" hormones. When you smile, people smile back. Spread the wealth!

W is for water. Water, water everywhere! Hydration is key to moisturizing the skin. Water keeps the cells hydrated, while helping cells move nutrients in and toxins out which automatically leaves the skin looking better.

Z is for zzzzz's. Sleep, rest and refreshment are essential to healthy, radiant skin. This element is one that you cannot buy in a supplement or eat for dinner. Taking time to be conscious of your lifestyle and making the choice to rest and refresh yourself is your gift to yourself.