DIY Body Oils

During the winter months, your skin can become extra dry, flaky, or ashy from hot showers, skin-chapping winds, and moisture-sucking indoor heaters. The use of body oils can soften your skin and keep it supple. Body oils should be massaged well into the skin. It's best to apply them right after a shower so that the oil can seep into the upper layers of the epidermis and hydrate the skin. When skin is a little damp, it's like a sponge, soaking up all the oil's goodness. When skin is completely dry, the dead outer skin cells (called the stratum corneum--these are the dry cells that are responsible for the look of scaly skin or ashy skin) do their job of shielding the epidermis from any intruders (even if the "intruder" is some well-needed moisture). Remember, when it comes to body oils, a little goes a long way, so using a few drops on certain areas should be sufficient. I love the way my skin feels after application--extremely moisturized, but not greasy. A great benefit of creating your own homemade oils is that they are free of chemicals and preservatives. Here are three homemade body oil recipes we love.

Coconut Body Oil

• Clean airtight storage container
• 1/8 cup jojoba oil
• 1/8 cup coconut oil
• 1/8 cup grape seed oil
• Four to five drops of essential oil (optional)

Blend all of the oils together in an airtight storage container and store in a dark, dry area. Be sure to gently shake the container before each use so the oils mix.

Rose Body Oil

• Clean airtight storage container
• 1 cup rose petals
• 1 cup sweet almond or olive oil

Place the roses in your container and press the petals down into the container so they release their natural oil. Pour your almond or olive in the container on top of the petals, then shake gently to mix everything together. Let your rose oil sit in a dark, dry area for three to five days. When it's ready to use, strain out the rose petals and enjoy the heavenly scent!

Lavender Body Oil

• Clean airtight storage container
• Dried lavender flowers
• Almond, jojoba, sesame, or safflower oil

Place the lavender in your container and press the flower down into the container so it releases its natural oil. Pour your carrier oil in the container on top of the lavender, then shake gently to mix everything together. Let your lavender oil sit in a dark, dry area for three to five days. When it's ready to use, strain out the lavender.

By Victoria Stanell