DIY Moisturizer

Just about all of us go to the store and pick up face moisturizers and body lotions and it's no big deal, right? Not really. Our skin is our largest organ just because you're not ingesting these creams doesn't mean they're not making their way into our bodies.

Above is just a glimpse of some of the ingredients that are in our favorite body lotions and moisturizers. Most of the ingredients are things we can't pronounce and have no idea what we are putting on our bodies. Some of the things these store bought lotions contain are Parabens, Fragrance, toluene, and more. Parabens have been associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Fragrance is a mixture of a bunch of chemicals used to produce the desired scent. Toluene is especially scary because it can be masked as a few different names. It can effect your respiratory system and can cause developmental issues for babies. 

All of these are extremely unsettling to me hence the reason I figured out how to make my own lotion!

What You'll Need:

- Organic Shea Butter

-Vitamin E Oil

-Jojoba oil

- Essential oils 

To avoid the moisturizer going bad I mix it as I need it. I take about a tablespoon of shea butter, I do equal parts jojoba and vitamin E oil until the shea butter has a creamier consistency (typically 2-3 drops of each.) I then add a drop or two of essential oils. I go for the happiness blend which smells like citrus. 

Not only is this moisturizer better because you know what's actually in it but because the ingredients have properties that are amazing for our skin. 

Shea Butter- Is responsible for moisturizing.

Vitamin E Oil- Protects against free radicals which is responsible for it's anti-aging properties. 

Jojoba Oil- Most accurately mimics the oil our skin naturally produces. While it is an oil it is also effective in curing oily skin. It moisturizes and protects against the elements. 

Since it is all natural, it is not the same as those store bought lotions. With this lotion less is definitely more, especially when you first start using it. It is a bit oily at first which is why I recommend starting with this lotion before bed, that way it has all night to absorb. The more often you use it the more your skin will get used to it and the less greasy it will be. Your skin will thank you! 

- Giuliana