#DIY Aloe Vera Face Cream

My face takes a beating during the winter months as I’m constantly out in the wind and frigid temps doing chores and taking care of animals. I’m so excited to try this aloe vera face cream recipe that Noelle from Coconuts and Kettle Bells is sharing today. Enjoy!

The reality is, our skin is our largest detoxification organ, and what we put on our skin is absorbed into our body, and affects our skin’s health and integrity. This is why it’s incredibly useful to have moisturizers on hand that use natural and nourishing ingredients, like this DIY Aloe Vera Facial Moisturizer.

And bonus! It’s also super affordable, leaving extra funds for other important things – like food, water, and cute shoes.

You’ll Need:

• 1 cup aloe vera gel
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 1.5 tablespoons beeswax pastilles (Can also use 3/4th of a 1 oz bar of beeswax, diced finely or grated)
• 5-8 drops essential oil like lavender or geranium (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil, beeswax, and jojoba oil in a modified double boiler, stirring occasionally to make sure contents combine.
2. Once liquid, pour mixture into glass blender and allow mixture to completely cool (about 1 – 1.5 hours.) Once the mixture has cooled, take a spatula and scrap down the sides of the blender to loosen the contents.
3. Turn blender on low and slowly pour aloe vera gel into the mixture, stopping occasionally to allow contents to combine.
4. If contents get “stuck” in the blender, continue to scrap down the sides of the blender and whip mixture by hand until light, fluffy texture forms.
5. Once aloe vera has been mixed in, blend 5-8 drops essential oil into lotion.
6. SPECIAL REMINDER! It’s incredibly important to allow mixture to completely cool in blender before adding aloe vera gel. Also, you’ll get the best results using a natural aloe vera gel. Aloe vera juice or homemade gel will not work the same.

NOTES:

• This DIY Aloe Vera Facial Moisturizer is good for all skin types. However, before using it, it’s best to test it on a small area of your skin for at least 3-4 days in a row prior to regular use.
• YES! Coconut oil is fantastic moisturizer for your face and body. Studies show coconut oil significant improves dryness, and does so better in comparison to other oils because of its antibacterial and emollient effects.[1][2] It’s also been found to improve skin hydration and lipid barrier function, and reduce skin infections.[3] Preliminary research also suggests coconut oil may improve collagen cross-linking and increase antioxidant enzyme activity, and may be an effective treatment for certain types of acne, including Propionibacterium acnes.[4][5][6] Check out Coconuts Oil for Skin Care: Everything You Need to Know for more information and instruction about how to incorporate coconut oil into your skin care routine.
• There is no such thing as one size fits all skin care. While coconut oil is completely safe, and has no reported reactions or allergenic effects, it’s best to test coconut oil on a small area of your skin prior to using any new coconut oil skin care protocols.
• This is an incredibly powerful and effective moisturizer because is combines the emollient effects of coconut oil, and the occlusive effects of jojoba oil with aloe vera, which is a humectant. Humectants draw water from the air to your skin, while emollients and occlusive agents smooth the skin’s surface, and prevent water loss through the skin.
• You’ll want to store a small amount of this moisturizer in a jar in your bathroom, and keeping the rest of it in the fridge so that it will have a longer storage life. You can expect to get about 3-4 months storage life from this recipe.