Treat Your Skin With These 5 Homemade Skincare Recipes

Last month, we talked about some of our favorite essentials oils. They offer heaps of health benefits, so today, we're going to show you some ways that you can use them in your own skincare routine!

Haven't read about the benefits of essential oils yet? Check out our 7 favorite floral essential oils here.

We love going homemade with skincare products where possible because it gives you the ability to see (and control) exactly what ingredients you put on your skin, as they are often absorbed into your bloodstream. When you're trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding, you're probably putting more thought than normal into keeping your products clean, and that's a good thing! That's why we think you'll love these natural skincare solutions as they're free of chemicals or harsh ingredients, and you can customize them to what works best for you.

If you're mindful of cost and consumption, switching some of the products in your typical skincare routine out for homemade options is one small way to cut down on waste. A lot of these ingredients are probably already lying around in your kitchen, so it's also a good way to save a little money (and we know how pricey clean skincare can be!)

Before we go any further, there are a few important things to consider:

Please, be safe!

Without a doubt, the first rule of homemade skincare products is hygiene and the topic of shorter shelf life. You don't have to worry about this as much with store-bought beauty products: they seem to last forever, thanks to those chemicals and preservatives. But that's what we're trying to avoid! However, without those preservatives, natural products are more likely to grow bacteria... and not the kind that you want on your skin.

To keep your products sanitary, use clean hands, utensils, and containers when making them (we recommend using sterilized mason jars because of their air-tight seal!). Between uses, store products in the fridge, and dispose of them after 3-5 days or at the first signs of changes in smell or consistency. Also, when using your DIY skincare, avoid sticking your fingers directly into the jar; instead, use a clean spoon, cotton ball, or swab.

Want to extend the shelf-life of your products?

If you want to give your products a bit more longevity, you can add natural preservatives. These aren't the same kind of chemical preservatives you'd find in most store-bought skin care, as they're technically antioxidants. You know antioxidants to be the 'good guys', and they're great for your skin and good at keeping your products safe to use--it's a win-win.

Try adding a couple drops of rosemary oil extract--it smells amazing and will increase your skincare's shelf life. Another popular choice is Vitamin E extract, a powerful antioxidant that's lauded for its anti-aging and free-radical fighting abilities!

Note: If you are pregnant (or trying to get pregnant), you may want to avoid adding these products to your skincare. Both are likely safe for pregnant women, but some small studies have indicated they may not be safe to use during pregnancy. As there's not enough information to provide clear guidance, we recommend omitting these preservatives to stay on the safe side, and instead, make your products in smaller batches.

Now, on to the recipes!

1. Exfoliating Leave-On Mask

Mix the following ingredients in a clean, small mason jar:

• 1/4 cup ground raw oats

• 1 TBSP lemon juice

• 2 TBSP brown sugar

• 1 TBSP raw honey

How to use: 

1. Apply to a clean, dry face and let sit for 10 minutes

2. Rinse off with warm water, rubbing the mask into your skin in gentle circles to properly exfoliate

3. Let your skin air dry if possible

2. Rejuvenating Toner

Add the following ingredients to a sanitized bottle and shake well to blend:

• 1 cup boiled water, cooled to room temperature

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

• 5-7 drops of your favorite essential oil

• 1 fresh rosemary sprig (optional)

How to use: 

1. Cleanse face prior to using

2. Pour a bit of toner onto a clean cotton pad and apply to face and neck in upward strokes

3. Let air dry and then apply moisturizer

3. Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser

Add the following ingredients to a sanitized mason jar and mix well:

• 1/3 cup raw honey

• 1/3 cup Castile soap

• 1/4 cup boiled water, cooled to room temperature

• 1 tsp avocado oil

How to use: 

1. Scoop out a dime-sized amount of cleanser with a clean spoon and apply to face using a little bit of warm water

2. Massage into your face in gentle circles, making sure to do your hairline and jawline as well

3. Rinse off with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel

4. Nourishing Body Butter

Add the following ingredients to a sanitized, wide-mouth mason jar and stir to combine:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil

• 1/4 cup shea butter

• 1/4 cup aloe vera

• 2 TBSP almond oil (can substitute for jojoba oil)

• 5-8 drops of your favorite essential oil

How to use: 

1. Apply to your body in circular motions, making sure to pay attention to especially rough, dry areas (such as knees, elbows, and feet). 

2. This moisturizer is not intended for use on the face or neck.

5. Soothing Avocado Mask

Mix the following ingredients in a clean, small mason jar until it forms a paste:

• 1/2 ripe avocado

• 1 TBSP plain yogurt

• 1/2 TBSP raw honey

How to use: 

1. Apply to a clean, dry face and let sit for 10-20 minutes

2. Rinse off thoroughly with warm water, and once the mask has been fully removed, give your face a final wash with cool water

3. Pat dry with a clean cloth

For more health and beauty recommendations suited to your stage, be sure to download the Baby2Body app, and follow us on Instagram at @baby2bodyofficial!