January 05, 2023
DIY Skincare Recipes for Dry Skin
The cold winter air is refreshing, but it can also take a toll on our skin, leaving it feeling itchy, dry, and sensitive. Rather than reach for lotions or creams that contain petroleum, artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals, consider making your skincare products at home using all-natural ingredients — like carrier and essential oils – to soothe dryness and prevent moisture loss. Read on to find out which oils are best for dry skin and how you can use them to make skincare DIYs.
Best Carrier and Essential Oils for Dry Skin
Jojoba oil
Deeply nourishing, jojoba oil has been used for centuries in ayurvedic medicine and can be applied directly to the skin to soothe dryness and prevent moisture loss.
Argan oil
Argan oil comes from the kernels that grow on argan trees, which are native to Morocco. Research also shows argan oil contains linoleic acid and oleic acid, two powerful antioxidants which can promote youthful-looking skin.
Marula oil
Marula oil is known for its moisturizing and hydrating capabilities, and it also contains amino acids, fatty acids, and antioxidants that may benefit skin health.
Tamanu oil
Derived from cold-pressing the seeds of the tamanu tree, tamanu oil is rich in fatty acids, which help to lubricate skin and keep it soft and supple.
Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil creates a barrier on the skin that can help it from losing moisture, which can lead to smoother skin. Some people may have allergic reactions to vitamin E oil, which can cause irritation if used improperly, so be sure to take caution when using it.
Geranium essential oil
A great essential oil for balancing out and calming dry skin, geranium essential oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of the geranium plant. It has a delicate, floral aroma and can be used daily when combined with a carrier oil to moisturize skin.
Lavender essential oil
Deeply calming for the mind and body, lavender essential oil comes from steam distilling the flowers of the lavender plant. It is gentle on skin and can help relieve irritation and itchiness.
Safety note: Before using any essential oils on your skin, be sure to combine them with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or argan oil, and to conduct a skin patch test before applying everywhere. We recommend reading this article to ensure you’re following safe essential oil skincare practices.
DIYs Recipes for Dry Skin
Combat dry, irritated skin with these most-loved recipes.
Natural Face Moisturizer
This recipe combines shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and essential oils to soothe dry skin. Plus, it’s safe for all skin types.
Ingredients
1/2 cup shea butter
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
5 drops geranium essential oil
5 drops sandalwood essential oil
5 drops yarrow pom
Instructions
Add shea butter, jojoba oil, and coconut oil to a glass bowl. Place the bowl over a pot of water to create a double boiler. Keep on heat until ingredients are melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add in essential oils, and stir together. Store mixture in an airtight container. Apply to your face daily to moisturize.
Moisturizing Body Oil
Soothe your whole body with this amazing body oil recipe from Tree Hugger. It leaves skin soft and silky thanks to almond and jojoba oil.
Ingredients1/2 cup almond oil
1/8 cup jojoba or rosehip oil
20 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops geranium essential oil
10 drops bergamot essential oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil
2 drops rose essential oil
Instructions
Combine these ingredients into a glass container and apply after taking a shower when your skin is slightly damp.
Calming Skin Salve
Have cracked and irritated skin? Try making this calming skin salve recipe from Mind Body Green. Grapeseed oil, coconut oil, and beeswax help to heal chapped hands, elbows, and more.Ingredients
½ cup grapeseed oil
½ cup fractionated coconut oil, or almond oil
2 tablespoons beeswax
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
10 drops frankincense essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil
1 small glass container
Instructions
Melt the beeswax in a double boiler. Once melted add the grapeseed, coconut, or almond oil and the vitamin E oil together and melt everything down. Once ingredients are combined, set aside for 4 to 5 minutes. Add essential oils and stir completely. Pour mixture into a glass container and let sit for 1 to 2 hours. Apply calming salve to dry and chapped skin.
Skin Soother Bath Soak
What better way to relax and calm dry skin than by taking a warm bath in the winter? This recipe, courtesy of Better Mind Body Soul, uses Epsom and Dead Sea salts that work double duty to soothe skin and sore muscles.Ingredients
2 cups Epsom salt
½ cup baking soda
¼ cup Dead Sea salt
30 drops of lavender essential oil
2 tablespoons of preferred carrier oil (jojoba, almond, coconut)
Instructions
In a large glass bowl mix your Epsom and Dead Sea salts. Add the baking soda and mix well. Next, drip the lavender oil over the mixture as you stir letting it coat every grain. Finally, add the carrier and mix one final time. Store remaining mixture in an airtight container out of the sunlight.
This winter, don’t let dry and cold weather get the better of your skin. Work to restore moisture and calm irritated skin by making these DIY recipes and using them regularly. To learn more about how you can incorporate essential oils into your skincare routine, take a look at this article: 7 Essential Oils You Have to Try Now for Healthy Glowing Skin.
