The skin is the largest organ of the human body and because different areas of the skin are exposed to different elements throughout they day it requires different types of moisturizers to keep it healthy. There is a wide variety of body moisturizes on the market and some claim to be made with all natural ingredients. One way to be certain the body moisturizers you use are all natural is to make them yourself. These can be made with a few ingredients that are purchased from health or herbal stores or ordered online.
A good body moisturizer for dry skin is made with beeswax, distilled water, coca butter, sesame, coconut, and olive oils. The combination of these ingredients works to preserve and protect the skin by sealing in the body’s natural moisture. Coconut oil is a wonderful skin softener which is high in vitamins, minerals, and saturated fats. Sesame oil is a natural oil that contains sun-screening properties. Calendula and peach leaves are also good for dry skin.
Adding almond or apricot oil, rose water, galbanum and rose essential oils to beeswax and distilled water is an excellent way to create a body moisturizer for normal to oily skin. Galbanum is a sap from the Ferula plant, which is native to parts of Europe, African and Asia. When it is applied to the skin, it alleviates irritations and helps regenerate the skin. Rose oil helps fights wrinkles and broken capillaries, and is especially good for chapped hands. Other natural ingredients that can be used for oily skin are chamomile, pine needles, and aloe.
A cooling moisturizer made with witch hazel is good for normal to dry skin. Mix witch hazel, wheat germ oil, and essential lemon oil to beeswax and distilled water. Witch hazel has cooling and cleansing properties which makes it a popular ingredient in after shave lotions and skin toners. Wheat germ oil is an antioxidant filled with vitamin E. Lemon oil adds a cool aromatic scent to the mixture. This is an excellent moisturizer to use in the summer months.
Two tablespoons of grated beeswax is the amount used in the body moisturizers above. Use no more than two teaspoons of distilled water. These are usually melted together in a sauce pan over a low heat. The oil ingredients vary in measurements and are added to the melted mixture before it cools to room temperature. Essential oils are added by drops as these are very potent and can possibly burn the skin.
It is best to not use oils made from animal fat or one that are petroleum-based as these oils can not be absorbed and tend to clog pores. Home made body moisturizes can be kept from three to five months.
Body moisturizers should be applied to the skin right after bathing or showering while the skin is still warm and moist. Applying the moisturizer in a circular motion helps promote circulation which adds a healthy looking glow to the skin. Use a heavier moisturizer on the drier areas of your skin, such as feet, knees, and elbows.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said “The idea of beauty is simplicity and tranquility.” There is nothing more simple than moisturizing our skin to promote beauty.
Source: Herbal Cosmetics by Jim Long
