by Francine Holmes

Changes in weather can wreak havoc on your skin no matter the type, that is why a moisturizer is so desperately needed.

Moisturizers serve many purposes, they  soothe, soften and mostly create a barrier that protects skin and prevents loss of moisture.

 Here’s an easy and generic D.I.Y recipe, it is made with very simple ingredients that can be purchased at any local supermarket or health food store.  Here’s a quick tip, a good moisturizer should always have the following ingredients: an emollient, an emulsifier, a humectant, an absorbent agent and finally the active ingredient. For our recipe we will need:

• Shea Butter, Coconut oil and jojoba oil (Emollients)
• Beeswax (Emulsifiers)
• Glycerin or Honey ( Humectants)
• Essential oils or infusion* (absorbent agent)
• Vitamin E (active ingredient)

*infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time (a process often called steeping) wikipedia.org

Directions:

Melt your solid ingredients ( Shea butter, Coconut oil and beeswax ) – If using an herbal or floral infusion, warm it to approximately the same temperature as your melted solid ingredient mixture. If not, add a few drops of  your favorite essential oil scent, mine is lavender, it is so calming and soothing.

Gradually add your infusion to the your melted solid mixture while whisking consistently with your hand mixer. Once thoroughly mixed, leave it to cool; add your humectant glycerin or honey and then your active ingredient Vitamin E.

It is easy, fun to make and most of all you’re in control of your ingredients. Enjoy