DIY Skincare Ingredients: Make your 4 safe natural products!

There are countless Do It Yourself (DIY) cosmetic products that you can easily make at home. But be careful, not all DIY methods are safe for your skin. In this blog, you will discover safer selection ingredients for DIY skincare. We discuss the most reliable options and show you how to make them at home. We also share the pros and cons of using DIY skincare, so you can make informed choices.

Safe and effective DIY skincare ingredients:

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing and hydrating properties, making it a commonly used ingredient in skin care products. The juice of the aloe vera plant contains natural compounds that can help soothe the skin, reduce irritation, and promote hydration.

The gel-like consistency of aloe vera makes it easy to apply and quickly absorbed by the skin. It can help reduce redness, inflammation, and itching, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Moreover, aloe vera gel can moisturize and soften the skin, making it a great option for dry or dehydrated skin types.

There are several ways you can integrate aloe vera gel into your skincare routine. You can use it pure as a calming and hydrating face mask by applying a thin layer and leaving it on for 15-20 minutes before washing it off. Additionally, you can mix aloe vera gel with other ingredients to create your own DIY skincare products, such as a moisturizing toner or a cooling aftersun lotion.

More about Aloe vera

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is indeed a popular choice as a natural moisturizer for the skin. It has a rich texture that easily melts on the skin, making it an excellent option to hydrate and soften the skin. The oil molecules in coconut oil can help to retain the moisture in the skin, making it an effective moisturizer, especially for people with dry skin.

In addition to its hydrating effect, coconut oil also has antibacterial properties. It contains lauric acid, known for its antimicrobial properties. This can help fight bacteria on the skin and prevent infections, especially in people with acne-prone skin.

It is important to note that while coconut oil offers many benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. People with oily skin may find that coconut oil is too heavy and can clog pores, which can lead to acne outbreaks. It can also be comedogenic, which means it can promote the formation of blackheads.

If you want to use coconut oil as a moisturizer, it’s best to use it sparingly and test it on a small patch of your skin to check for any irritation or unwanted reactions.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is not just a delicious breakfast choice, but also a fantastic ingredient to pamper your skin. It possesses both exfoliating and calming properties, making it a valuable addition to your skincare routine.

As a mild exfoliant, oatmeal helps in removing dead skin cells and impurities, making your skin look fresher and more radiant. The fine texture of ground oatmeal allows it to gently rub over the skin, removing excess cells without causing irritation. This makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

In addition to its exfoliating aspect, oatmeal also has calming properties. It contains natural substances such as Avena Sativa, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and itch-reducing effects. This makes oatmeal ideal for soothing irritated, red, or itchy skin, such as with eczema or sunburn.

More about oatmeal and the active ingredient Avena Sativa

Do you want to enjoy the calming effects of an oatmeal bath for your entire body, especially for skin issues such as itchy skin or irritations?

Then follow these simple steps:

1. Use approximately 1 cup (81 grams) of oatmeal for a standard bath.
2. Fill the bath with lukewarm water.
3. Add the oatmeal to the bathwater.
4. Stir the water so that the oatmeal is evenly distributed.
5. Take about 15 minutes to enjoy the calming effect of the oatmeal.
6. After the bath, gently pat your skin dry.
7. Apply a moisturizing cream immediately after the bath to keep your skin hydrated.

The oatmeal bath ensures that the bath water gets a milky appearance and leaves a protective layer on the skin, which can help soothe the skin and reduce itching. It’s important to note that this amount and time are only guidelines and can be adjusted to personal preferences. If you have severe skin problems or doubts, it’s always advisable to seek advice from a dermatologist or medical professional.

Sharpening

It is not just a sweet treat, but also a valuable ingredient for your skincare routine. It offers various benefits thanks to its hydrating and antibacterial properties.

The hydrating properties of honey help to retain moisture in the skin, making it an excellent natural moisturizer. It forms a protective layer on the skin, maintaining the moisture level and keeping the skin hydrated and supple. This makes honey particularly useful for people with dry skin.

In addition to hydration, honey is also known for its antibacterial properties. It contains enzymes and natural acids that can fight bacteria and inhibit their growth. This makes honey effective in treating acne and other skin problems caused by bacterial infections. Furthermore, honey can also help reduce inflammation and redness, thereby soothing and softening the skin.

You can incorporate honey into your skincare routine in various ways. A simple way is to apply a thin layer of pure honey on your face and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. This will hydrate and nourish your skin, while the antibacterial properties help fight off impurities.

It is important to note that when using honey for skincare, it is advisable to opt for raw, unprocessed honey of good quality.

Skin Oils

DIY skin oils can be a great addition to your skincare routine. Some popular base oils that are often used include jojoba oil, almond oil and argan oil. Here is some more information about each of these oils:
Jojoba oil: has a unique composition that strongly resembles the natural sebum of our skin. It penetrates deeply into the skin and regulates the moisture balance, making the skin smooth and supple. It can also help tighten connective tissue and prevent wrinkles.

Almond oil: is a mild and nourishing oil that is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is known for its moisturizing properties and can help in soothing and calming the skin. Almond oil can also assist in reducing inflammation and improving the complexion and texture of the skin.

Argan Oil: is known for its nourishing and moisturizing properties. It contains essential fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants that can nourish, protect and restore the skin. Argan oil can help reduce dryness, improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Learn more about different skin oils, and discover how they can nourish and hydrate the skin.

How to make your own DIY skincare products:

Making natural skincare products can be fun and satisfying. Here are some step-by-step instructions to get you started on making your own DIY skincare products:

1. Facial mask with aloe vera gel and honey:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of raw honey.
• Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent, if desired.
• Apply the mask evenly on a cleansed face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water and gently pat dry.

2. Coconut oil moisturizer:

• Melt 3 tablespoons of organic coconut oil in a bowl using a bain-marie.
• Add 5-7 drops of your favorite essential oil for a pleasant scent.
• Let the coconut oil cool down and solidify.
• Apply a small amount of coconut oil to a cleansed face and gently massage into the skin.

3. Oatmeal scrub:

• Grind 2 tablespoons of oatmeal into a fine powder in a blender or coffee grinder.
• Mix the ground oatmeal powder with 1 tablespoon of yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey.
• Apply the mixture gently to a damp face and massage softly in circular motions.
• Rinse with warm water and pat the skin dry.

4. Skin Oil Mix:

• Choose different skin oils such as jojoba oil, almond oil, or argan oil. Ratio 1:1 and start first with 2 different oils.
• Fill a small bottle or dropper bottle with the chosen oils.
• Apply a few drops of the oil to a cleansed face and gently massage into the skin.
• Let the oil absorb and use it as a daily moisturizer. Keep track of which oil mix works best for you. More about skin oil

It is important to prepare and store skin care products in a clean and hygienic manner. Use clean tools and store the products in a cool and dark place to prevent spoilage. Always test a small amount of the homemade product on a small patch of skin to prevent any allergic reactions. Also, note that essential oils are highly concentrated, which increases the chance of skin irritation. Moreover, essential oils can cause skin allergies. It is advisable to first try a small amount on the skin to test for any reactions.

By making your own DIY skincare products, you can enjoy the benefits of natural ingredients and tailor them to your specific needs. Experiment with different ingredients and proportions to find the perfect formula that works best for your skin type.

Pros and cons of DIY skincare:

It has a number of many advantages that come with using DIY skincare products. Making your own products allows you to customize formulas to your specific needs. You have control over the ingredients you use and can choose natural and organic options that are good for both your skin and the environment.

However, when making DIY skincare products, it’s important to also be aware of potential downsides. Working hygienically is essential to keep the products free from bacteria and fungi. Make sure you use clean materials and tools and store the products in the right way to prevent spoilage.

Although there are many DIY cosmetic products that are safe and effective, there are also some that can be harmful to the skin. Here are three examples of such products:

1. Lemon juice as skin bleach: The use of pure lemon juice on the skin to lighten it is a common DIY method. However, lemon juice contains a high level of citric acid, which can disrupt the pH value of the skin and cause irritation. In addition, it makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to burns and pigmentation spots. Therefore, it is not recommended to apply pure lemon juice directly to the skin.
2. Baking soda as a scrub: Baking soda, or purification salt, is often used as a natural scrub to remove dead skin cells. Although it has some exfoliating properties, baking soda can disrupt the skin’s pH balance. This can lead to a disrupted skin barrier, dehydration, and irritation. It is recommended to use gentler and pH-balanced exfoliants that are specifically designed for the skin.
3. Toothpaste as spot treatment: Some people use toothpaste as a quick fix for pimples. Although toothpaste contains ingredients that can kill bacteria and dry out the skin, it can also contain irritating substances such as menthol and fluoride. These substances can sensitize the skin, cause dehydration, and aggravate irritation. It is better to use specific acne treatments that are formulated to effectively handle pimples without harmful side effects.

It’s important to remember that not all DIY methods are suitable for the skin.

Another important aspect is the absence of professional advice. Although DIY products offer many advantages, it is important to realize that you do not have the expertise of a professional skincare specialist. It is advisable to inform yourself well and do research on the correct ingredients and ratios before you get started.

In other words

Do-it-yourself skincare offers a great opportunity to take care of your skin in a natural and safe way. Using safe and effective ingredients such as aloe vera gel, coconut oil, oatmeal, honey, and skin oils, you can make your own natural skincare products.

Did you know?

Why would you still experiment with DIY products when Iconic Elements has everything you need for a radiant skin? Our products offer numerous benefits:

• Zero Plastic Inside: We take pride in our commitment to keep microplastics out of our products, because we take the health of your skin and the planet seriously.
• Vegan: All our products are completely vegan, which means they are animal-friendly and not tested on animals.
• BPA Free: Iconic Elements has strict standards for ingredients and packaging. We are pleased to say that all our packaging is BPA-free.
• Tailored to your skin: We understand that every skin type is unique. That’s why our products are specially designed to work in harmony with your skin’s natural pH.
• Winner of the ‘Best Holistic Skincare Award’ in the Netherlands in 2022: You can trust our expertise. Iconic Elements is recognized for providing top-quality holistic skincare.

Why would you still mess around yourself when Iconic Elements offers everything for a brighter skin? Discover our products now!