What to use for dry winter skin?

For years, I applied a drug store brand lotion to soothe my dry, chapped skin, but I always hated applying a petroleum-based product on my skin several times each day.  Once, I started learning more about toxic-free living, my lotion had to GO, but I still needed an effective all-over body lotion.  I started researching essential oils and carrier oils with moisturizing properties and made a blend that I've been using for a few years now, and can I just say that I LOVE it because it's non-greasy, absorbs quickly and hydrates my skin.  Throughout this post, I'll be sharing some affiliate links and I earn a small commission for purchases made through these links. 

This post is unique in that it offers 2 recipe options to help you improve the appearance of dry, chapped skin.  These 2 options are for:

~ the DIY’er who needs the easiest option possible ~
~ the DIY’er who needs a toxic-free option ~

DIY’er Who Needs the Easiest Option Possible

This is my go-to. 

This recipe is super easy to make and works so well to hydrate dry skin.  For this recipe, you’ll need an unscented lotion base.  There are two brands I've used for this recipe that I recommend:  Everyone Lotion Unscented 32oz Pump and -my preferred lotion- Alba Botanica 32 oz Pump Unscented. There are many other options, but these two brands are usually easy to find, are not greasy, mix well with essential oils, and quickly absorb into the skin.  The Alba Botanica is currently available at a fantastically low price at the time of this post! Check it out here: https://amzn.to/36Turzl

Please note, that both are not completely toxic-free but score low enough on the Think Dirty and EWG apps that I personally pass as acceptable.

First, you'll need your unscented Lotion Base

Next, you'll need Essential oils with moisturizing properties:

I add the following oils to my unscented lotion base

- Tangerine

-Ylang Ylang

-Frankincense

-Cedarwood

-Lavender

If you don’t have these oils, you can substitute for these other moisturizing oils: Patchouli, Myrrh, Geranium, Melrose, Sandalwood, Roman Chamomile

Directions: Add 10 drops of each oil per every 10 ounces of lotion. (ylang-ylang is the only oil I reduce to 5 drops per 10 ounces lotion base). 

I add these oils directly into the pump bottle and give it a good stir (using the pump straw).  This offers easy convenience for applying the lotion daily- I keep it in the bathroom to apply to damp skin after showering.   I also put some of this mixture into 4oz Glass Pump Bottles to take with me on the go! 

DIY'er who needs a toxic-free option

Recipe

1/2 cup Shea Butter  - I use this one: Shea Moisture 100% Pure Raw Shea
1/4 cup Coconut Oil - This is a good price on Organic Coconut Oil
1 Vitamin E capsule or Vitamin E Serum
35 total drops of Essential Oils

Choose 5 oils for this recipe and add 7 drops of each:

Suggested OIls: Lavender, Myrrh, Geranium, Patchouli, Frankincense, Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang, Roman Chamomile, Tangerine

Melt Shea Butter and Coconut oil in a double boiler. Remove from heat and allow to partially cool, stir in Vitamin E capsule and essential oils.  Store mixture in an airtight jar. 

 I personally like using  4oz Glass Salve jars because they are beautiful and work nicely for this recipe.  This recipe makes approx. 6oz of lotion, so you will need (2) 4oz jars.   

Please enjoy this FREE Printable Label. 

Simply right-click to print.  Remember to adjust your printer settings so it prints to your size specifications.  

 For More DIY Recipes, check out Young Living's Blog page- like this recipe for DIY Lotion Bars!  https://www.youngliving.com/blog/diy-lotion-bar-recipe/

You'll need a silicone mold for this recipe. 

Check out this beautiful Silicone Flower Mold