Natural Solutions for Common Concerns
Let's face it, we tend to grab products off the shelf that promise to fix our woes without a second thought. Unfortunately, many commercial products are filled with synthetic, and sometimes dangerous, ingredients. You don't have to be a slave to the product industry—you can make your own products with natural ingredients. Natural ingredients not only nourish and soothe but may also reduce the risk of adverse reactions. Imagine soothing itchy skin with a calming oil made from lavender and calendula, or nourishing dry skin with a moisturizing lotion blended with aloe vera and avocado oil. For those dealing with acne, a gentle, hydrating facial oil can balance and purify without harsh chemicals. And for the bearded gentlemen, homemade beard oils and balms condition and soften while providing a personal touch. Each recipe is a small step towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
I'm excited to share some of my favorite natural skin and hair care recipes with you. Whether you are dealing with itchy skin, dry skin, acne, or looking to keep your beard in top shape, I am here for you. These easy DIY solutions use simple, natural ingredients that you can find in your kitchen, garden, or local health store. Feel free to adjust them to suit your preferences and have fun experimenting! If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, I'd love to hear from you.
Caring for Itchy Skin
Anti-Itch Oil - This oil can be used on itchy skin and scalp. If using on the scalp, gently massage into the scalp and allow it to soak in for at least 30 minutes before washing your hair, although it is not necessary to wash your hair after applying.
8 oz amber glass bottle
5 oz jojoba oil (optional: infuse with lavender, chickweed, or plantain)
2 oz camellia oil (Camellia sinensis)
1 oz black seed oil (Nigella sativa)
8 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
8 drops frankincense (Boswellia spp.) essential oil
4 drops tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil
Anti-Itch Paste - Useful for bug bites, itchy skin, and sunburn. Simply cake on enough paste to cover the itchy area and allow it to stay in place until it has dried and the itch is gone.
2 Tbsp baking soda
~1 tsp water or lavender/German chamomile hydrosol
1 drop lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
Mix baking soda and water/hydrosol to form a paste, then blend in essential oil. Apply to the affected area; it may be messy as it dries, but it will relieve itch/sting.
Anti-Itch Spray - Cooling spray for itchy or irritated skin; omit essential oils if using on young kids. This is a 1% dilution, safe for as-needed use.
4 oz spray bottle
1 oz aloe vera gel
3 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
3 drops spearmint (Mentha spicata) essential oil
Fill the remainder of the spray bottle with witch hazel or a hydrosol of your choice, German chamomile and lavender are excellent choices.
Diaper Rash Balm - This balm can be used on diaper rash and more. This recipe does not include essential oils as baby skin is delicate and sensitive, but if you plan to use this on someone over the age of 10, lavender and tea tree essential oils can make a lovely addition.
3, 2 oz salve tins
4 oz avocado or sweet almond oil infused with calendula/chickweed
2 Tbsp beeswax
Melt beeswax and oil using a double boiler. Remove from heat, pour into salve tins, and label.
Beard Care
Beard Oil - With just a few drops spread through the beard, you will find that the beard hair is softer and more manageable. This is a 0.5% dilution, safe for daily use.
2 oz glass dropper bottle
25 ml jojoba oil or vanilla-infused jojoba oil
25 ml sunflower oil
10 ml camellia oil (Camellia sinensis)
3 drops cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) essential oil
1 drop rock rose (Cistus ladanifer) essential oil
1 drop lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
Beard Oil - With the addition of rosemary, this oil can promote hair growth while also opening the sinuses, a very useful bonus during allergy season. If you have epilepsy or high blood pressure, it is recommended to leave out the rosemary essential oil. This is a 0.5% dilution, safe for daily use.
2 oz glass dropper bottle
30 ml jojoba or meadowfoam oil infused with rosemary
30 ml argan oil
3 drops Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) essential oil
1 drop rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil
1 drop lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
Beard Balm - This balm can be used to soften the beard hair while providing styling hold. This is about a 0.5% dilution, safe for daily use.
5-6, 2 oz salve tins
4 oz jojoba or argan oil (optional: infuse with pine resin)
2 Tbsp cocoa or mango butter
1 Tbsp beeswax
5 drops frankincense (Boswellia spp.) essential oil
3 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
Melt beeswax and butter using a double boiler, add oil, and mix. Remove from heat, cool slightly, add essential oils, mix well, and pour into salve tins. Label.
Nourishing Your Dry Skin
Moisturizing Body Lotion - Aloe vera gel provides soothing hydration, but because it is a water-based ingredient, it is best to make a fresh batch every 1-2 months. If you would like it to be a little thicker, store this lotion in the refrigerator. This is a little under a 1% dilution, safe for daily use.
2 oz PET plastic bottle with flip-top lid
1 oz avocado or jojoba oil
1/2 oz coconut or babassu oil, melted
1-2 tsp emulsifying wax or beeswax (more wax = thicker consistency)
1 tsp aloe vera gel
1-2 tsp arrowroot or tapioca powder/flour (for a silky smooth texture)
3 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
2 drops frankincense (Boswellia spp.) or patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) essential oil
Moisturizing Hand Soap - The addition of a carrier oil brings much-needed moisture and nourishment to dry skin. Not all soap dispensers or Castile soaps are created equal, you may find it necessary to add some distilled water to the recipe for the best soap dispensing experience.
8 oz glass foaming soap dispenser
6 oz liquid Castile soap
1 oz avocado or jojoba oil
15 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
5 drops myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) essential oil (omit if pregnant or breastfeeding)
Moisturizing Body Balm - Infusing skin-nourishing herbs into the carrier oil takes this recipe to the next level. This is about a 0.5% dilution, safe for daily use.
5, 2 oz salve tins
8 oz avocado or jojoba oil infused with lavender and licorice root
1-2 oz beeswax (1 oz for soft consistency, 2 oz for thick consistency)
15 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
5 drops rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Melt beeswax using a double boiler, add herb-infused oil, stir until beeswax remelts, then remove from heat. Cool slightly, add essential oils, blend well, pour into salve tins, and allow to harden before putting on lids. Label.
Caring for Acne-Prone Skin
Acne Prone Facial Oil - Moisturize with nourishing oil to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. This is a 0.25% dilution, safe for daily use.
4 oz jojoba or argan oil (can be herbally infused with lavender/lemon balm for added benefit)
3 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or thyme ct linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct linalool) essential oil
3 drops frankincense (Boswellia spp.) or patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) essential oil
Hydrosol Toner - Simple toner spray to use after washing or anytime the face needs gentle freshening. For children under 10, blend with 1 oz aloe vera gel.
2 fl oz (60 ml) spray bottle
2/3 fl oz (20 ml) rose geranium hydrosol (Pelargonium spp.) or yarrow hydrosol (Achillea millefolium)
2/3 fl oz (20 ml) calendula hydrosol (Calendula officinalis)
2/3 fl oz (20 ml) lavender hydrosol (Lavandula angustifolia)
Acne Facial Cleanser/Wash - 0.5% dilution, safe for daily use for those 10 years and up. Shake gently before use, and rinse with lukewarm water.
2 oz PET plastic bottle with flip-top lid
1 oz liquid Castile soap
1/2 oz (15 ml) raw honey
1/2 oz (15 ml) German chamomile hydrosol (Matricaria recutita)
2 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or thyme ct linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct linalool) essential oil
1 drop tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil
1 drop frankincense (Boswellia spp.) or patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) essential oil
Note: It is always recommended to do a small patch test to ensure no skin sensitivity for any new skincare product.
Conclusion
I hope you find these recipes as helpful and enjoyable as I do! Taking care of your skin and hair with natural ingredients is not only beneficial but also a wonderful way to care for yourself and connect with nature. Remember, it's all about finding what works best for you and your unique needs. If you have any questions or want to share your experiences with these recipes, I'd love to hear from you. Happy DIYing, and here's to healthy, happy skin and hair!
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