Dry skin is a condition that most of us struggle with more often than you might think even if it is only for a little while as the seasons change. It might be a condition that only lasts for a short period, but can also be persistent and uncomfortable, leaving your skin feeling tight, itchy, and sometimes even painful. Countless moisturizers are available on the market, but creating your own, natural home remedy to soothe your dry skin is much more rewarding.
Making your own perfect moisturizer gives you more control over the ingredients and allows you to adjust the formula to your skin’s unique needs. You will learn about 7 powerful ingredients you can mix to create your unique, natural moisturizer to treat your dry skin. This moisturizer can be used on your whole body, minimizing the need for different moisturizers for your face, body, and feet.
7 Powerful Ingredients to Create Your Own Natural Moisturizer for Dry Skin
You might wonder why these 7, keep reading and I’ll explain the benefits of each of these ingredients and the benefits they have to moisturize your dry skin. Don’t worry the Step-by-Step recipe will be given, but it is important to understand why you are mixing the ingredients that I’ll discuss into your homemade moisturizer for dry skin.
1. Aqueous Cream: The Perfect Base
Aqueous Cream is an excellent foundation for your homemade moisturizer as it is a light, non-greasy cream commonly used to treat dry skin conditions. It works by forming a protective layer on the skin, which helps to lock in moisture and prevent water loss. Using aqueous cream as your base, you are starting with a product that is designed to hydrate and protect your dry skin.
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How to Choose the Right Aqueous Cream for your Homemade Moisturizer
Typically, aqueous cream contains a mixture of emulsifying ointment, purified water, and sometimes phenoxyethanol as a preservative. Its simplicity makes it an ideal canvas for adding other nourishing ingredients.
It is important to look at the label before purchasing the first aqueous cream you see in-store or online. The less ingredients an aqueous cream contain, the better as it minimize the risk of irritation. Let’s look at the ingredients more closely:
Key Ingredients:
- Water (Aqua) – provides hydration
- Glycerin – draws in moisture
- Emollients (eg. Paraffinum Liquidum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, or Squalane) – soften and smooths skin
- Humectants (eg. Propylene Glycol, Sodium PCA, or Hyaluronic Acid) – prevents moisture loss
- Non-irritating Emulsifiers (eg. Ceteareth-20, Polysorbates) – help mix oil and water components
- Anti-inflammatory Agents (e.g., Aloe Vera, Panthenol, Niacinamide) – help to calm and soothe skin
This is not to say that the aqueous cream needs to have all of these 6 ingredients, it simply means that these are good ingredients to moisturize your dry skin and that it is ok to buy this aqueous cream.
Now, lets look at the ingredients you should avoid in an aqueous cream.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – harsh detergent that strips moisture
- Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Propylparaben) – potential health concern
- Lanolin – moisture, but can trigger irritation
- Propylene Glycol (if in high amounts) – can irritate although a common humectant
- Artificial Colors – unnecessary, can cause irritation
- Fragrance (Synthetic) – can cause irritation
- Mineral Oil (Mineral oil is a petroleum-based product, while essential oil is a plant-based product)
Texture
The texture of the aqueous cream is also important. Look for a non-greasy cream that is lightweight so that it can absorb easily. Also, look for a pH balance (around 5.5) to match your skin’s natural acidity.
Benefits of Using Aqueous Cream as Your Home Remedy for Dry Skin
Aqueous cream provides several benefits for dry skin:
- Hydration: The cream’s emollient properties help to soften and smooth the skin, reducing dryness and flakiness.
- Barrier protection: By forming a protective layer on the skin, aqueous cream helps to prevent moisture loss and protect against environmental irritants.
- Soothing effect: Many people find aqueous cream to be gentle and soothing, making it suitable for sensitive or irritated skin.
- Versatility: As a base, aqueous cream can be easily combined with other ingredients to create a customized moisturizer.
The ingredients of the aqueous cream also depend on your type of skin. We are focused on normal-dry skin, but if you have more sensitive skin, it is best to choose an aqueous cream with SLS-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free formulations. Look for “dermatologically tested” on brands that are designed for dry to sensitive skin.
2. Red Bush Tea: The Antioxidant Boost
Red bush tea, also known as rooibos, offers many benefits for dry skin when applied topically. This South African herb is packed with antioxidants, particularly aspalathin and nothofagin, which help protect the skin from free radical damage and premature aging.
The gentle nature of red bush tea, makes it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Benefits of Using Red Bush Tea in Your Home Remedy
Red bush tea provides several benefits for dry skin:
- Antioxidant protection: The high levels of antioxidants in rooibos help to neutralize free radicals, which can damage skin cells and speed up aging.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Rooibos can help to reduce redness and inflammation, making it useful for sensitive or irritated skin.
- Zinc content: Rooibos contains zinc, which is essential for skin healing and can help to reduce the appearance of blemishes.
- Alpha hydroxy acids: These naturally occurring acids in rooibos can help to gently exfoliate the skin, promoting cell turnover and a smoother complexion.
- Hydration: The tea can help to improve skin hydration when used in combination with other moisturizing ingredients.
Incorporating rooibos into your homemade moisturizer can help soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and improve overall skin health.
You can also experiment with using cooled rooibos tea as a toner before applying your homemade moisturizer for an extra boost of antioxidants.
3. Vitamin E Oil: The Nourishing Elixir
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that’s essential for healthy skin. When added to your homemade moisturizer, it can work wonders for dry, damaged skin. Vitamin E oil helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier function, which is crucial for retaining moisture and protecting against environmental stressors.
This powerful ingredient also aids in the production of collagen, a protein that keeps skin firm and elastic. By incorporating vitamin E oil into your moisturizer, you’re addressing dryness and promoting skin healing and reducing the appearance of scars and fine lines.
Benefits of Using Vitamin E Oil in Your Moisturizer
Vitamin E oil offers several benefits for dry skin:
- Moisturization: Vitamin E is an excellent emollient, helping to soften and smooth dry, rough skin.
- Antioxidant protection: As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E helps to protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors.
- Skin barrier support: Vitamin E helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, reducing moisture loss and improving overall skin health.
- Wound healing: The nutrient can help to speed up the healing process of minor skin injuries and reduce the appearance of scars.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Vitamin E can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
How to Choose the Right Vitamin E Oil for Your Home Remedy
When choosing a vitamin E oil for your moisturizer, look for products that contain d-alpha-tocopherol, which is the natural form of vitamin E. Synthetic versions (dl-alpha-tocopherol) are less effective. Feel free to use Vitamin E capsules as well.
4. Glycerine: The Moisture Magnet
Glycerine is a humectant, meaning it attracts water to the skin. This makes it an invaluable ingredient in any moisturizer, especially for those battling dry skin. When applied to the skin, glycerine forms a protective layer that prevents moisture loss while drawing water from the deeper layers of the skin to the surface.
Adding glycerine to your homemade moisturizer can significantly boost its hydrating properties. It’s particularly effective when used in combination with occlusive ingredients that lock in the moisture it attracts.
Glycerine is also known for its ability to improve skin elasticity and promote a smoother, more supple complexion.
Opt for vegetable-derived glycerine if a vegan lifestyle is important to you or organic glycerine to ensure the highest quality.
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Benefits of Using Glycerine in Your Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Glycerine provides several benefits for dry skin:
- Intense hydration: As a humectant, glycerine draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and plump.
- Skin barrier support: Glycerine helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, reducing moisture loss and protecting against environmental stressors.
- Improved skin texture: Regular use of glycerine can help to smooth and soften the skin, reducing roughness and flakiness.
- Non-comedogenic: Glycerine is unlikely to clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.
- Soothing properties: Glycerine can help to calm irritated skin and reduce itching associated with dryness.
Remember that while glycerine is excellent for hydration, using too much can make your skin feel sticky, so finding the right balance is key.
5. Rose Oil: The Luxurious Touch
Rose oil contains a wealth of skin benefits, especially for dry and sensitive skin. This precious oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin. Rose oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it excellent for calming irritated, dry skin.
When added to your moisturizer, rose oil can help balance the skin’s pH levels and control excess oil production without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Its emollient properties also make it effective in softening and smoothing the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Remember to choose pure, high-quality rose oil for the best results.
How to Choose the Right Rose Oil
When choosing rose oil for your moisturizer, look for pure, cold-pressed rose oil. This confirms that the oil keeps all of its useful properties.
Rose otto (steam-distilled rose oil) is considered the highest quality, but it’s also the most expensive.
Rose absolute is a more affordable alternative that still offers many benefits.
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Benefits of Using Rose Oil in Your Dry Skin Moisturizer
Rose oil offers several benefits for dry skin:
- Deep hydration: Rose oil is rich in essential fatty acids that help to nourish and moisturize dry skin.
- Antioxidant protection: The oil contains high levels of vitamin C and other antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental damage.
- Anti-aging properties: Rose oil can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful complexion.
- Soothing effect: The natural anti-inflammatory properties of rose oil can help to calm irritated or sensitive skin.
- Improved skin tone: Regular use of rose oil can help to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of redness or discoloration.
Rose oil’s fragrance can also help to improve your mood and relaxation, an added benefit. Take a moment to smell the rose oil before mixing it into your moisturizer.
6. Lavender Oil: The Calming Agent
Lavender oil is renowned for its soothing properties, both for the mind and the skin. When incorporated into your homemade moisturizer, it can help calm irritated, dry skin and reduce redness. Lavender oil has natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from environmental damage and promote healing.
This versatile oil is also known for its ability to balance sebum production, making it suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skn. The gentle, relaxing scent of lavender can turn your moisturizing routine into a calming, spa-like experience.
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How to Choose the Right Lavender Oil
When selecting lavender oil for your moisturizer, choose a high-quality, pure essential oil. Look for oils that are steam-distilled and sourced from reputable suppliers.
Organic lavender oil is an excellent choice if you’re concerned about pesticide residues.
Benefits of Using Lavender Oil in Your Homemade Moisturizer
Lavender oil provides several benefits for dry skin:
- Soothing effect: Lavender oil has natural calming properties that can help to reduce skin irritation and inflammation.
- Antimicrobial action: The oil’s antimicrobial properties can help to prevent infections in dry, cracked skin.
- Antioxidant protection: Lavender oil contains antioxidants that help to protect the skin from free radical damage.
- Improved circulation: The oil can help to stimulate blood flow to the skin, promoting better nutrient delivery and overall skin health.
- Stress reduction: The calming scent of lavender can help to reduce stress, which can have a positive impact on skin health.
7. Tea Tree Oil: The Skin Defender
Tea tree oil can be useful for dry skin when used in the right concentration. Tea tree oil has powerful antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infections that dry, cracked skin might be susceptible to.
Tea tree oil can help soothe itchy, flaky skin and promote overall skin health.
Its ability to regulate oil production can also help balance dry skin without over-drying.
How to Choose the Right Tea Tree Oil
When choosing tea tree oil for your moisturizer, look for 100% pure, therapeutic-grade oil. Australian tea tree oil is often considered the highest quality due to strict regulations in its production.
Always dilute tea tree oil properly, as it can be irritating if used at too high a concentration.
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Benefits of Tea Tree Oil in Your Homemade Remedy for Dry Skin
Tea tree oil offers several benefits for dry skin:
- Antimicrobial action: Tea tree oil’s powerful antimicrobial properties can help to prevent infections in dry, cracked skin.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: The oil can help to reduce inflammation and redness associated with dry skin conditions.
- Soothing properties: Tea tree oil can help to relieve itching and irritation often experienced with dry skin.
- Oil regulation: While it may seem counterintuitive, tea tree oil can help to balance oil production in the skin, which can be useful for some types of dry skin.
- Wound healing: The oil’s healing properties can help to speed up the recovery of minor skin injuries that may occur with severely dry skin.
If you find that your skin is sensitive to tea tree oil, you can increase the lavender oil and leave out the tea tree oil from your moisturizer.
Creating Your Perfect Moisturizer: Step-by-Step
Now that we’ve explored these seven powerful ingredients, it’s time to put them together to create your perfect moisturizer. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 500 g aqueous cream
- 100 ml fully cooled rooibos tea
- 50 ml Vitamin E oil
- 50 ml glycerine
- 10 drops rose oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
- 5 drops tea tree oil
Instructions:
It is best to brew your strong red bush tea/rooibos a few hours before you want to start mixing your ingredients. Time allows the tea to steep better. When adding red bush tea to your moisturizer, start with a small amount and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired consistency. Remember that adding too much liquid can affect the texture of your moisturizer, so it’s important to find the right balance.
Step 1: Add 1-2 tablespoons of loose leave rooibos (or two to three teabags) in a measuring cup that can hold 500 ml and add 250 ml of boiling water. Rooibos tea bags usually result in a lighter tea, therefore I am suggesting between two to three bags.
Step 2: Cover the measuring cup and allow it to steep until it is cooled down. Sieve out the loose rooibos leaves with a fine sieve or just remove the tea bags leaving a dark brown liquid.
Step 3: In a clean bowl that can hold about 750 ml to 1 liters, mix the aqueous cream and cooled rooibos until well combined.
Step 4: Add the Vitamin E oil and glycerine, stirring thoroughly.
Step 5: Add the essential oils (rose, lavender, and tea tree) and mix well.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight container. Remember the mixture will be slightly more than the aqueous cream you started with so it is best to have a smaller container available if everything doesn’t fit back into the cream container.
This recipe creates a basic moisturizer that you can customize based on your skin’s needs. Feel free to adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your preferences. Remember to always perform a patch test before applying any new product to your face.
Enhancing the Ingredients of Your Homemade Moisturizer
Adding 7 powerful ingredients to your moisturizer to harness the best qualities to treat your dry skin is the start to healthy skin. If you are looking to enhance the benefits, add 6 enhancing ingredients that work well with the 7 for optimal results.
Tips for Using Your Homemade Moisturizer
- Apply your moisturizer to slightly damp skin to lock in extra hydration.
- Use gentle, upward motions when applying the moisturizer to promote circulation and absorption.
- Don’t forget often-neglected areas like your neck, décolletage, and the backs of your hands.
- For extra dry areas, apply a thicker layer of moisturizer before bed.
- Store your homemade moisturizer in a cool, dark place to preserve its efficacy.
- Use within 1-2 months, as homemade products lack commercial preservatives.
- Remember to apply sunscreen if you use your moisturizer during day time.
Customizing Your Moisturizer
Your skin’s needs may change with the seasons or as you age. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find what works best for you.
Here are some ideas for customization:
- For extra dry skin: Increase the amount of glycerine or add a few drops of jojoba oil.
- For sensitive skin: Reduce or omit the tea tree oil and increase the amount of lavender oil.
- For mature skin: Add a few drops of rosehip seed oil, which is rich in vitamin A and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines.
- For dull skin: Include a small amount of vitamin C powder to brighten your complexion.
Creating your own moisturizer is a process of trial and error. Keep a journal of the combinations you try and how your skin responds to help you refine your perfect formula.
When to Seek Professional Help
While creating your own natural moisturizer can be an effective solution for many people with dry skin, it’s important to recognize when professional help might be needed. If you experience persistent dryness, redness, itching, or other skin issues despite consistent use of your homemade moisturizer, it may be time to consult a dermatologist.
A skin professional can help identify any underlying conditions that might be contributing to your dry skin, such as eczema or psoriasis, and recommend appropriate treatments. They can also provide guidance on ingredients that might be particularly useful for your specific skin type and concerns.
Conclusion
Creating your own natural moisturizer for dry skin is an empowering process that allows you to tailor your skincare to your specific needs. By combining these powerful ingredients – aqueous cream, red bush tea, vitamin E oil, glycerine, rose oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oil – you can craft a moisturizer that hydrates and nourishes and protects and heals your skin.
Remember to start with small batches and perform a patch test before applying your homemade moisturizer to your entire face or body. With consistent use, you’ll likely notice improvements in your skin’s texture, hydration levels, and overall health.
Embrace the process of creating your perfect moisturizer and enjoy the benefits of naturally nourished, hydrated skin. Your skin – and your wallet – will thank you for this personalized approach to skincare.
People Also Asked
What are the best natural ingredients for dry skin?
Natural ingredients that are particularly useful for dry skin include aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients provide deep hydration and help to lock in moisture.
Can I use essential oils on dry skin?
Yes, certain essential oils can be useful for dry skin when used properly. Lavender, chamomile, and geranium oils are known for their soothing properties. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Or mix into aqueous cream to dilute.
How often should I moisturize dry skin?
For dry skin, it’s generally recommended to moisturize at least twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed. However, you may need to moisturize more often if your skin feels particularly dry or tight.
Is glycerin good for dry skin?
Yes, glycerin is excellent for dry skin. As a humectant, it attracts moisture to the skin and helps to keep it hydrated. It’s a common ingredient in many moisturizers designed for dry skin.
Can tea tree oil help with dry skin?
While tea tree oil is more commonly associated with oily and acne-prone skin, it can be useful for dry skin when used in small amounts. It has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infections in dry, cracked skin.
What is aqueous cream used for?
Aqueous cream is primarily used as a moisturizer for dry skin conditions. It forms a protective layer on the skin, helping to prevent moisture loss and soothe irritation.
Is rooibos tea good for the skin?
Yes, rooibos tea (red bush tea) is useful for the skin when applied topically. It’s rich in antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage and reduce inflammation.
How can I make my own face moisturizer at home?
You can make a simple face moisturizer at home by combining ingredients like aloe vera gel, a carrier oil (such as jojoba or rosehip), and a few drops of essential oil. Always start with small batches and perform a patch test before using.
What is the best way to apply moisturizer?
The best way to apply moisturizer is to gently pat or press it into slightly damp skin using upward motions. This helps to lock in hydration and promotes better absorption of the product.
Can vitamin E oil be applied directly to the skin?
While vitamin E oil can be applied directly to the skin, it’s often best to dilute it in a carrier oil or moisturizer, especially if you have sensitive skin. This helps to prevent potential irritation and confirms even distribution.
Key Takeaways
- Creating your own natural moisturizer allows you to customize ingredients for your specific skin needs.
- Aqueous cream serves as an excellent base for homemade moisturizers due to its hydrating and protective properties.
- Red bush tea, rich in antioxidants, can help soothe inflammation and improve overall skin health when incorporated into a moisturizer.
- Vitamin E oil is a powerful ingredient that nourishes dry skin and aids in collagen production.
- Glycerine acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin and improving hydration levels.
- Essential oils has unique properties to calm, protect and to soothe skin.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links, including those from Amazon, at no extra cost to you.