Today, we live in a world with an abundance of skincare products that promise to resolve all of our skin troubles.
In the search for healthy and youthful skin, people have started looking into the ingredients found in their favorite creams and lotions.
Unfortunately, most of the store-bought options are a blend of synthetic chemicals that may cause more harm than good.
This is where DIY skincare could help.
Thankfully, nature is full of nourishing and beneficial ingredients that, in combination with a bit of knowledge and effort, can help us make our own skincare products that will nourish our skin and provide long-term beauty and silky skin.
Store-Bought Lotion: Is It Bad for You?
The attractive packaging, big promises, and beautiful fragrances often make skincare products irresistible.
But, beneath that cover lies a truth that’s not very bright; a lot of these store-bought lotions contain potentially harmful ingredients that can cause damage to your skin, but also affect the environment negatively.
Here are some of the most common worrisome ingredients in your store-bought skincare products:
- Phthalates
Phthalates are added to lotions to better their texture and fragrance.
However, they’ve been linked to developmental and reproductive issues. Unfortunately, not every brand outlines them clearly on the label and covers them under terms like “parfum” or “fragrance”.
- Parabens
As synthetic preservatives, parabens are added to prolong the shelf life of lotions.
You can find them under various names like propylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, etc.
Unfortunately, they’ve been linked with endocrine system disruptions. This is because the body may mistake them for estrogen, resulting in hormonal imbalances.
- Synthetic fragrances
The fragrance term may actually be a cover for hundreds of chemicals.
Synthetic fragrances are known to release VOCs that have been linked with indoor air pollution.
They’re also associated with allergies and skin sensitivities.
- Sulfates
Some lotions often contain sulfates.
Unfortunately, these compounds may strip the skin of its natural oils, resulting in irritation and dryness, particularly in people with sensitive skin.
- Mineral oil
Mineral oil is a derivative of petroleum.
It’s known to create a skin barrier that may collect impurities and result in breakouts. Its production and disposal are also affecting the environment negatively.
- Formaldehyde releasers
Some store-bought lotions contain preservatives that release formaldehyde like DMDM hydantoin and urea.
Formaldehyde is known to have carcinogenic properties and has been associated with skin irritations.
DIY Lotion to Fight Aging Skin, Cellulite, and Stretch Marks
One such potent natural DIY solution for your skin is this lotion.
It gives you control over what you apply to your skin and makes sure every ingredient serves the well-being of your skin.
It uses the power of age-old remedies and modern science to create a solution for some of the most common skin issues.
Let’s learn more about the recipe for this potent all-natural DIY lotion below!
DIY Frankincense & Myrrh Lotion
You need:
12 drops of Frankincense essential oil
12 drops of Myrrh Essential Oil
¼ cup of olive oil
¼ cup of coconut oil
¼ cup of beeswax
¼ cup of shea butter
2 tbsps of vitamin E
A BPA-free lotion dispenser bottle
Preparation:
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Put the bowl in a saucepan with water.
Bring the pan to medium heat and blend the ingredients together. When they’re blended, put them in the fridge for an hour to solidify.
When you take it out of the fridge, whip it with a mixer and add vitamin E and essential oils.
Transfer the content into the lotion oil and keep it in a dark and cool area.
What Are the Health Benefits of the Ingredients of this Lotion?
Myrrh essential oil possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, and anti-infectious properties and helps alleviate pain and inflammation.
Frankincense essential oil is a potent oil known for the potent regeneration of the cells and the skin. It’s used for reducing skin dryness, reversing aging signs, and lowering stretch marks and scars.
Sources:
