Aloe vera gel is one of the most popular cosmetic products

Aloe vera gel is a moisturizing product that is suitable for all skin types and ages. I would not use aloe vera on infant’s skin, but it is suitable for 3-year-old and older children.

Aloe vera moisturizes and soothes the skin. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to dry skin. You will immediately get relief from dryness and tightness of the skin. Aloe vera gel should not be used as a toner under makeup. It can cause makeup to roll.

Aloe vera gel treats irritated skin. It is the most famous after-sun product. The active ingredients of aloe vera have been known for their healing effects for thousands of years.

Aloe vera gel is also recommended for some skin problems such as acne and rosacea. Aloe vera gel can sometimes be suitable for eczema skin. It is important to remember that atopic eczema is not the same as dry skin. Atopy is an allergy-based disease. In this case, each product must be tested separately. Aloe vera contains many different plant chemicals. Atopic skin may react very violently to some of them or…not. It is worth testing aloe vera on a limited, unseen area of ​​the skin first.

Why is it worth making your own aloe vera gel?

Aloe vera gel is very easy and inexpensive to make yourself. It is one of the simplest cosmetic products.

Aloe vera gel is available in many different qualities. Most aloe vera gels are made from synthetic ingredients. They use strong preservatives, synthetic colours, and fragrances, and even plastic. Usually, there is not much aloe vera in the product itself, sometimes none.

When making your own aloe vera gel, you can only use ingredients of which you have reliable safety information. Leave out unnecessary chemicals, dyes and fragrances. Make a product that is right for your own skin, containing plenty of real aloe vera.

You need only a few ingredients

You don’t necessarily need many ingredients for aloe vera gel. Of course, you can increase the number of ingredients yourself if you want. My version only has the most essential ingredients.

Aloe Vera gel is a completely water-based product. It does not contain any fats or oils. Therefore, you cannot use essential oils or other oil-based ingredients in this product. If you want to scent the product, replace some of the water or aloe vera juice with hydrolate.

Aloe vera juice

The most important ingredient in aloe vera gel is aloe vera juice. Aloe vera juice can be purchased at health food stores. It is quite expensive and is sold in one litre bottles. If you have no other use for aloe vera juice, buying juice is not the best option.

Dried aloe vera powder is convenient to use. It is freeze-dried aloe vera juice. Just add water to the powder and you have aloe vera juice. To get 100 grams of aloe vera juice, you need 1 gram of aloe vera powder and 99 grams of filtered/distilled water. You can replace some of the water with hydrolate to give the product a pleasant scent. Aloe vera powder will be preserved for a long time, so you can always get fresh aloe vera gel. I made my own gel from the powder.

Aloe vera juice can also be made from the plant. If you have your own aloe vera plant, you can use the gelatinous part inside the leaf to make the juice. First, cut off all the green parts of the leaf, rinse the inside and grind it finely. Then filter the remaining pulp so that all the cell walls are removed. What remains is a clear, viscous liquid. The liquid is very viscous. I recommend diluting it with aloe vera juice.

Clear xanthan gum

This product specifically requires clear xanthan gum. Unfortunately, regular xanthan gum is not suitable for making a gel. Regular xanthan gum becomes a cloudy gel with clear clumps. Clear xanthan gum forms a smooth, clear gel that is pleasant to apply to the skin. So, take a little effort and look for clear xanthan gum.

Glycerol

Glycerol is a sugar alcohol. It is found in all oils and fats along with fatty acids.

Glycerol is first and foremost a moisturizing ingredient. It moisturizes the skin effectively, but not too effectively like hyaluronic acid. Glycerol is also included in this product because it makes it easier to use xanthan gum. Mix the xanthan gum first with glycerol and then with aloe juice so that it does not clump.

Glycerol is very well tolerated. Most glycerol in cosmetics is plant-based glycerol.

Preservative

This product is completely water-based. That is why it needs a proper preservative to preserve it.

Many online stores selling cosmetic raw materials offer preservatives that contain phenoxyethanol. It is not a preservative that meets the requirements of natural cosmetics and therefore I do not recommend it either.

I recommend everyone to use Geogard 221 (Dehydroacetic Acid (and) Benzyl Alcohol) preservative or a product with a similar INCI. Geogard 221 is quite suitable for this product, as it is water-soluble.

Making aloe vera gel

I made 100 grams of aloe vera gel. You can easily double the dose if you want. When making a product for the very first time, start with a small amount.

• 1 gr Xanthan gum, must be the clear version
• 3 gr vegetable glycerol

Mix these ingredients together thoroughly and set aside to wait

• 95 grams of aloe vera juice (buy ready-made or make it yourself from powder). If you are making aloe vera juice from powder, mix 100 gr of distilled water and 1 gr of aloe vera powder.

Then mix the xanthan gum-glycerol mixture into the aloe vera juice and mix thoroughly. Xanthan gum forms a gel. It takes about 15 minutes to form a gel. Therefore, mix the mixture calmly for about 15 minutes to get a smooth mixture.

Now add the preservative to the mixture and mix thoroughly again for a while.

Cover the mixture with plastic wrap or aluminium foil and leave it to set for about two hours. The mixture should now be clear and smooth.

Pack the aloe vera gel in a pump bottle or jar and label it. Aloe vera gel will be preserved for about 3–4 months at room temperature. I personally store the gel in the refrigerator. When cold, the gel soothes the skin effectively.

How to use aloe vera gel?

Aloe vera gel is applied directly to cleansed skin. The gel is very moist and takes a while to be fully absorbed. You can use the gel on your face and entire body. It is suitable for all skin types to moisturize and soothe the skin.

After the aloe vera gel has dried on the skin, apply a moisturizer. If your skin is naturally oily, you may not even need any lotions. Aloe vera gel is enough to keep your skin pleasantly soft.

Store aloe vera gel either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Keep aloe vera gel out of direct sunlight and close the package carefully after each use. It is best to dispense aloe vera gel from a pump bottle. If you have packaged the gel in a jar, always use a spatula or clean spoon to dispense.

Artikkeli How to Make Homemade Aloe Vera Gel julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

The clay effectively absorbs impurities but also moisture from the skin. Most cosmetic clays are too drying for the skin. Only kaolin is suitable for everyone. You avoid this problem by using very little clay in the clay mask. People with sensitive skin should always mix clay with masks containing oils. Only 2% clay has been used in this recipe. It’s the suitable amount to make a gentle clay mask. In addition, the recipe contains plenty of skin-moisturizing ingredients to combat dryness caused by cosmetic clay.

Why are facial masks used?

Masks are quite popular these days. With Korean and Japanese cosmetics, the popularity of disposable fabric masks grew to its peak. Face masks have a very important role in skin care. With the help of a face mask, effective treatment substances can be brought to the skin. You can’t put so much active ingredients in serums and face creams because they stay on the skin all day. Face masks can also include ingredients that cannot be used in face creams at all. Such ingredients include, for example, cosmetic clays, minerals and other herbal powders.

The mask can also include nourishing, active ingredients that require time to be absorbed into the skin. That’s why face masks are kept on the skin from 10 minutes up to 20 minutes. Some face masks are recommended to work for up to 30 minutes. The effect time depends entirely on the ingredients used in the face mask.

Gentle facial mask

This clay facial mask is great for sensitive skin, dry skin and aging skin. Many facial masks are too effective for sensitive skin. Even for aged skin and dry skin, most facial masks may cause problems. Especially many fresh masks contain acidic ingredients that sting the skin. The pH of clay masks is always higher because clay is naturally alkaline. A clay facial mask made from only clay and water is therefore too strong for most skin types. In this facial mask made of green clay, the facial mask base consists of a simple emulsion cream. When we only use a very small amount of clay in the emulsion, the pH of the product does not rise too high.

Moisturizing facial mask

Most facial clay masks dry out the skin. The reason is the excessive amount of clay I mentioned above. Clay facial masks also often lack moisturizing ingredients. I have added moisturizing ingredients to this clay facial mask to bring more care. There are many moisturizing ingredients in cosmetics. I personally prefer more natural alternatives such as moisturizing herbs, seaweed and silk protein. Silk protein is not a vegan product. If you don’t want to use silk protein, you can replace it with seaweed extract. Natural ingredients are better for homemade cosmetics than industrial compounds. They are easy to use and you don’t have to be so careful when dosing them.

Ingredients of Clay Facial Mask

I have tried to keep the ingredient list very minimalistic. Only the necessary ingredients are included. For example, I didn’t want to add essential oils to this rinse-off product. The product gets its scent only from hydrolats. By varying different hydrolats, you can create your own pleasant scents to the clay mask.

Green clay

Although the name of this mask is green clay, in reality there is only 2% green clay in the product. However, it is a sufficient amount to bring the positive effects of the clay to the mask.

There are at least two different types of green clay. Illite clay is green in colour. It was found in the USA, Illinois, and that’s where its name comes from. Not all Illite clay is green. There are also yellowish illite clay grades.

French Green Clay

French green clay was discovered for the first time in France, but it is also currently mined in the USA and China. In addition to this, there are mixtures that include kaolin and some green clay. In this product, I used French green clay, which originates from France.

French green clay is highly valued in cosmetics. Its beautiful, light green colour comes from iron oxide and decomposing plant matter. French green clay effectively absorbs oil and impurities from the skin. It also has a brightening and firming effect on the skin. I myself have noticed it clearly when using French green clay.

Clays are minerals that are very sensitive to the environment

Always store clay in plastic containers or glass jars. Clay should also always be handled with a plastic spoon, not a metal spoon. During the preparation phase, the glass rod is the best tool for handle clay cosmetics. The ability of clay to absorb impurities is due to its electromagnetic charge. If the clay comes into contact with the metal, the charge changes.

You should be very careful when purchasing clay. Clays consist of different minerals. They can differ greatly in composition, even if the colour of the clay is almost the same. When you finally find good quality clay, don’t hesitate to stock it up. Cosmetic clays will last forever if you store them in a plastic box with a lid, protected from moisture and light.

Seaweed extract

Seaweed extract is full of all your skin’s favourite vitamins and minerals. Seaweed extract helps the skin to calm down. It softens the skin and reduces its sensitivity. Because seaweed cells are surprisingly similar to skin cells, it protects and maintains your skin’s natural balance and protects it against irritation. Seaweed accelerates the skin’s natural regeneration ability. And most importantly, seaweed is a super skin moisturizer. You can read more about the skin care effects of seaweed in my article.

Seaweed extract contains many nutrients including fucoidan, cysteine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine, proline, methionine, tryptophan, arginine and ornithine. Seaweed extract makes the skin look radiant and rosy. Seaweed has an antioxidant effect, it fights free radical attacks and thus prevents signs of aging. I have purchased seaweed extract for this product. Seaweed extract is also available in gel and powder form.

Silk protein

Silk protein is made from cocoons made by silkworm larvae. Silk protein is not a vegan product, but it is not made from animals either. You can replace the silk protein extract with seaweed extract if you wish.

Silk protein exists as a liquid extract and as a powder. You can make silk protein extract from silk protein powder when you mix it with water (1:9). Liquid extract definitely needs a preservative.

Since silk is a protein fibre, it is chemically very similar to human skin. This makes silk protein an ideal ingredient to use in skin care. Silk protein is a very moisturizing ingredient. In skin and hair care, silk protein has many other good properties.

Glycerol

I included glycerol to add moisture to the product. It works well with other moisturizing ingredients. You can read more about glycerol on my blog.

Marshmallow root

Marshmallow root is my favourite of moisturizing herbs. The herbal marshmallow root has very good moisturizing properties. In addition, it soothes the skin and prevents inflammation. The root of the herbal marshmallow is so gentle that it can even be used on eczema skin.

There aren’t many moisturizing herbs. That’s why, as a person with dry skin, I always keep dried marshmallow root at home. It is sold as pre-dried, small, light-coloured cubes. You can buy it, for example, a stock for two years use. It does not spoil or age easily. It can also be used in stomach-soothing drinks.

Make a decoction of the herbal marshmallow root for cosmetics

Measure 5 decilitres of water and 2 tablespoons of dried marshmallow root into the pot. Heat the decoction up to boiling temperature and let it boil slowly for about 10 minutes. Strain, cool and use for cosmetics. This makes quite a large amount of liquid. It is difficult to prepare a smaller portion. You can use the rest of the decoction as a hair conditioner.

Oils

I chose rice bran oil and argan oil for this product. If you want, you can change these oils to what you happen to have in your closet or which oils suit your skin best.

Rice Bran Oil

I have previously written an article about rice bran oil on my blog. I have used it in many recipes. Rice bran oil is a mild and balanced oil that is suitable for many skin types. It does not clog pores and does not irritate sensitive skin. Rice bran oil can withstand heating, which is important when we prepare emulsions.

Argan oil

Argan oil is an ecological and ethical oil, about which I have also written a comprehensive article on the blog. Argan oil contains more than 200 different active ingredients. It is a very therapeutic oil with great antioxidant properties. Argan oil is a rich oil that feels quite greasy on the skin. Therefore, it should not be used in large quantities. High-quality argan oil is also quite expensive. Argan oil is one of those oils that is widely counterfeited. That’s why I recommend spending some time when purchasing argan oil.

Argan oil is only added to the emulsion during the cooling phase. This way you ensure that all the valuable active ingredients of the oil remain unchanged.

Emulsifier Olivem 1000

Olivem 1000 is a familiar emulsifier that is easy to obtain. Olivem 1000 emulsifier is also one of the most stable and easiest emulsifiers. It suits well for a beginner. In this product we use a little more emulsifier than usual due to the clay. Remember that Olivem 1000 emulsifier continues to emulsify for about 24 hours. The next day, the product is clearly thicker than immediately after completion. That’s why I recommend that you put the clay mask jar in the fridge overnight to set.

Why here Is there no preservative in the recipe?

Clay products are really challenging in terms of preservation. Conventional natural cosmetics preservatives cannot reliably keep microbes away from clay products. There is also another shelf-life problem with my recipe. As the name suggests, silk protein is a protein, so it is easily perishable. That’s why you need an effective preservative if you want to keep the face mask without any worries at room temperature for a longer period of time.

In my case, I solved the problem very simply. I only made a very small batch of green clay facial mask that I only keep in the fridge for about a week. I also took care of hygiene very carefully during the preparation phase. I sterilized the jar and all the preparation tools very carefully.

However, if you want to use a preservative in the product, you should choose one that is not a natural cosmetic grade. Do you really want to absorb, for example, phenoxyethanol into your skin? I leave this matter to you to decide.

Ingredients; Moisturizing facial mask containing green clay

This recipe makes 50 gr of facial clay mask

Oil phase

• 7.5 gr Rice bran oil
• 2.5 gr Olivem 1000

Aqueous phase

• 19 gr Herbal marshmallow root decoction
• 14.5 gr Chamomile hydrolate
• 1.5 gr Glycerol

Add after the cooling phase

• 3 gr argan oil
• 1 gr French green clay
• 1 gr Silk protein extract (not vegan) or Seaweed extract (vegan)

Prepare the Green Clay Facial Mask as follows:

• Measure the ingredients of the oil phase into a heat-resistant container
• Measure the ingredients of the water phase into a heat-resistant container
• Place both containers in a water bath and heat to over 70 (72-75C) degrees Celsius
• Pour the oil phase into the water phase gradually, stirring gently all the time
• Remove the emulsion from the water bath and continue mixing until the mixture has cooled down below 40 degrees Celsius
• Add the ingredients of the cooling phase one at a time. Mix carefully so that there are no lumps in the product. After mixing, let the mixture to cool down.
• Pack the face mask in a jar and label it. Put the jar in the fridge overnight to set.

How do I use the Green Clay Facial Mask?

This facial mask is intended for face and neck skin. Always apply the clay facial mask on cleansed skin. Use a reasonably generous layer of the clay mask. Spread it evenly over the entire face area and, if desired, also on the skin of the neck. Avoid the eye area.

Leave the facial mask on the skin for about 20 minutes. Wipe the mask off the skin with a tissue paper and rinse the skin with water to remove any remaining traces of the facial mask.

After this facial mask, you may not need any moisturizer at all. The skin on the face feels cared for and moisturized. The colour of the skin also brightens.

You can use Green Clay Facial Mask once or twice a week.

What did you think of the guide? Share your opinion in the comments!

Artikkeli Moisturizing and soothing green clay facial mask julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Baking Soda

In peeling creams, baking soda is a class of its own. Baking soda has the ability to remove dead tissues from the skin. Baking soda is good for removing acne-left sloughs from the skin. Calluses on the hands and elbows are easy to remove, when using baking soda to soften them first.

Green Tea

In this next recipe I have laced baking soda with green tea. Green tea is highly antioxidant and skin-brightening. It also cleans skin pores from sebum and dead skin cells. Green tea removes excessive redness from the skin and soothes the skin. It prevents very effective the signs of aging.

Epsom Salt

Epsom salt contains high levels of magnesium. Magnesium is able to penetrate through the skin to the muscles. Your muscles will be relaxed wonderfully during peeling. Blood circulation system can carry much more easier toxins away and bring the nutrients to the skin in relaxed muscles. Epsom Salt also has sulfur and oxygen. Sulfur is commonly used treatment of acne and eczema. Even if you do not have these problems on your skin are sulfur and oxygen still in many ways useful for your skin.

Olive Oil

For oil I chose olive oil, which is rich in antioxidants and is very suitable for body treatments. Olive oil is a favorite of many and therefore it happens to be in most people’s fridge.

I have written More about olive oil Here.

For brightening green tea baking soda scrub you need

• 40 gr Baking Soda
• 27 gr Epsom salt
• 10 gr green tea powder
• 25-30 gr Olive oil

How to do

• Grind the green tea into a fine powder or use pre-ground Japanese green tea powder.
• Mix epsom salt, baking soda and tea powder in a bowl
• Rub the powder very evenly so that all lumps disappear. If necessary, you can use mortar. However, the mortar generates a problem: Epsom salt no longer remains suitably coarse.
• Add the olive oil gradually, stirring constantly
• When the mixture is even, pack the scrub in a glass jar and label it
• Use only to exfoliate the body. This product is not suitable for your face.
• Use as massage cream on damp skin after showering. Massage the whole body or just the skin areas you want with circular movements.
• If you want, you can let the scrub work on the skin for a while before you wash it off. Use only mild detergent.
• Since the scrub containing baking soda and epsom salt is alkaline, remember to return your skin’s pH to acidic after the scrub, for example with an apple cider vinegar rinse.
• Measure 5 deciliters of lukewarm water and 0.5 deciliters of apple cider vinegar into a plastic bottle. Shake the mixture and then apply it on your skin. Leave it on for a while and quickly rinse off. This is how you help your skin recover

This scrub is an anhydrous product, so it does not need a preservative. Prepare only a small amount at a time, as the exfoliating agent intended for use in the shower is easily contaminated with water. As soon as there is a drop of water in the product, it starts growing microbes. I therefore recommend dosing the product only the necessary amount for use at one time. If the product is kept clean and water-free, it will keep well for about 3-4 months.

This peeling brightens the skin and removes dead tissues from it. If you have acne on your body you can gently rub our acne area and let the scrub to treat acne. If olive oil is unsuitable for your skin you can change the oil to say sunflower oil.

How to make bath bombs

The backing soda instructions cannot be shared without giving you the instructions of DIY bath bombs. It is perhaps the most common cosmetic product that is produced from backing soda. I’ve actually made a few times the bath bombs with different instructions. Unfortunately, I have not notified the original instructions I have been using in my bathroom. However, it is not possible to make bath bombs in many different ways. All the bath bomb instructions are confusingly similar.

Bath bombs are everyone’s luxury. They are also useful because you can use a bath bomb to give yourself an instant foot bathing. Backing soda will detach the soles of your feet and it will be easier to rasp them smooth. In the bath the bomb works in the same way and detaches the dead tissue from the whole body.

The secret of making the bathroom bombs is the moisturizing of the powders. The powder mixture begins immediately fizzing If you put too much water on it. So, use only the spray bottle from the beginning to moist the powder. Only very little water is needed.

I have used witch hazel water. Also, plain water can be used but witch hazel water keeps better the powder ingredients together.

Flower petals and food colouring are a luxury that can be left out. You can also use only flower petals. Remember that the petals of flowers bought from a flower shop should not be used because they contain high quantities of harmful chemicals.

There is no need to use any essential oil unless you want the bath bombs smell. If you use bath bombs in your baby’s bathtub, consider using essential oils carefully.

 For bath bombs you need

• 250 Gr Baking soda
• 125 Gr Citric acid powder
• 10-30ml Witch hazel water in a spray bottle
• 5-10 Drops of essential oils according to your preferences, optional
• Dry flower petals, a handful or two
• 2-3 drops of food color that fits the colour of the petals of the flowers, optional
• Vinyl gloves
• Mold of ice cubes or chocolate-confections, silicon is the best

How to do

• Put on vinyl gloves
• Mix with great care citric acid powder and baking soda
• Add if you want a few drops of essential oils and food coloring drops
• Stir the drops carefully into the mixture
• If you want to add food coloring drops: do it only at the end, “carelessly”, this way you get a very natural colour for the bath bombs
• Now follow the hardest part: start spraying gently Witch Hazel Water into the mixture
• The mixture starts fizzing immediately, but do not bother
• At the same time, mix very quickly dry and wet powder together, so that the fizzing would end as quickly as possible. I do the mixing by hand. This gives me the best touch of the mixture and I can work fast enough.
• Continue spraying and mixing until you can squeeze the powder and it stays together.
• Now add flower petals and Food coloring drops (if any)
• Stir and add the mass tightly into molds
• Let the molds dry for 24 hours and detach bath bombs from the molds.
• Now the bath bombs are completely dry and can be stored in a sealed glass container.

The bath bombs will be preserved well when protected from light in a dry place.

Use bath bombs in the bathtub or on foot baths. Self-manufactured bath bombs are a great gift idea and a souvenir.

Tip: You can also use the same recipe to prepare air fresheners for toilet. Use 20-40 drops of blue food coloring as well as 40 drops of essential oils for one dose. The best odors for toilet-fresh fruits are lemon, lime, eucalyptus and conifer scents. Witch hazel water is not needed so much. Store ready-made air fresheners in a glass container with a lid. Their odor is otherwise quickly lost.

Artikkeli Green tea salt scrub and bath bombs julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Conventional mosquito repellents are considered biocides

commercial mosquito repellents are usually chemicals containing suspicious ingredients. Conventional mosquito repellents are biocide products. Biocides do not mean any single chemical. They are a group of chemicals designed to protect humans from harmful organisms. Biocides are manufactured for many very different purposes, such as wood protection and disinfection.

Biocides cannot be used without permission. The European Union evaluates all biocides that are intended to sell in the EU. Only approved active substances may be used in biocides. All new active substances must be approved first at EU level and then at local Chemical Ministry, Tukes.

There is an own, national system in Finland for the use of biocides. We may not be able to use all the biocides that are available elsewhere in Europe. This is a really good thing. We have a good chance to influence the chemicals we use.

You can read more about biocides, for example, on Tukes website:

Active ingredients in conventional mosquito repellents

Conventional mosquito repellents contain chemicals such as DEET and IR3535 as active ingredients.

DEET

DEET, or Diethyltoluamide, is an environmental poison that is already found in Finnish waters. DEET ends up in water systems for instance from the surface of the skin during swimming. DEET is also harmful to humans. It interferes with the enzymatic activity of cells and affects the nervous system of mammals.

DEET is a very effective insect repellent. It is effective not only on mosquitoes but also on ticks, gadflies and blackflies. DEET acts on the skin some 2-8 hours. After that, it has to be added again. DEET causes skin irritation. It should not be used in children under 3 years of age.

IR3535

IR3535, or ethyl butyl acetylamino propionate, is a newer chemical in insect repellents. It works well on both mosquitoes and ticks. IR3535 does not irritate the skin in the same way as DEET. Therefore, it has become more popular active ingredient in mosquito repellents. It is a colourless and almost odourless oil that can also be used on animals.

Icaridin

Icariridin, aka picaridin is a substance isolated from pepper that acts as an insect repellent. For example a well-known insect repellent, Autan , contain icaridin. Autan is efficient not only on mosquitoes but also on ticks, gadflies and blackflies. Icaridin does not irritate the skin and has not been proven to have a harmful effect on the environment

In addition to active substances, there are many other substances in mosquito repellents. Additional substances act as diluents for the active substances and improve absorption and distribution. All ingredients in insect repellents can cause allergies. Insect repellents must be used in sufficient quantities to achieve the desired result. That is why allergies and sensitizations to insect repellents are so common.

Natural insect repellents are much safer to use

Natural insect repellents are based on fragrances meaning essential oils. Mosquitoes avoid certain odours. Fragrance-based mosquito repellents have been used for thousands of years with good results. The following essential oils disturb mosquitoes and protect you against mosquito bites.

• Lavender essential oil
• Geraniol  essential oil
• Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, Essential Oil
• Citronella essential oil
• Neem oil, extracted from the seeds of the plant Neem (Azadirachta indica).

All essential oils can cause allergic reactions. They are not suitable for pregnant women or children under 3 years of age. Pregnant women and young children can protect themselves from insect bites with clothing and by avoiding the worst mosquito sites.

Neem oil is safe to use on the skin

Of course, it too can cause allergies. Neem oil should not be used if you are pregnant. Neem oil is useful as a natural insect repellent to control unwanted insects in the garden, vegetable garden and homes. Neem oil fights mites, bedbugs, spiders and mosquitoes. Neem oil is also effective against many fungus and bacteria. Neem oil is not harmful to ladybugs or bees. That is why it is a particularly useful pesticide.

How do I use organic mosquito repellents?

No essential oils should ever be applied directly to the skin. Therefore, you should mix the essential oil you want with a suitable carrier oil. Any oil, such as olive oil, sunflower oil or coconut oil, is suitable as a carrier oil.

The best carrier oil for mosquito repellent is moringa oil. Moringa Oil’s special feature is its ability to hold scents. Fragrances added to moringa oil remain on the skin for a long period of time. This is a really good thing because natural essential oils evaporate really quickly from the skin. Therefore, you need to add them constantly to maintain the desired effect.

Essential oils can also be used in the diffuser. This gives the whole space you are a mosquito repellent scent.

You can use neem oil as a mosquito repellent just as it is. However, pure neem oil is quite a heavy oil. I myself dilute it with some ordinary oil. This allows me to apply the oil more evenly to the skin.

My own experiences with organic mosquito repellents.

Don’t think that natural mosquito repellents are as effective as conventional ones. Natural mosquito repellents are suitable for situations where there are not so many mosquitoes. You should also remember to add natural mosquito repellent often. It does not retain its scent for long.

Citronella essential oil

Citronella oil has been my favourite for years. It can be mixed with a preferred carrier oil or a hydrolate. For example, lavender hydrolate mixed with citronella oil is a really effective mosquito repellent.

Neem oil

Neem oil is a particularly long-lasting mosquito repellent. Its smell stay on the skin for a long time. It is also an effective insect repellent. The downside of neem oil is its really disgusting smell. I only use neem oil on forest trips. The best way to use neem oil as a mosquito repellent is to make an ointment from it. An ointment is easy to take along.

The smell of neem oil stays resiliently on the skin and clothes and it is difficult to wash away. Therefore, it is a good idea to treat a piece of cloth with neem oil and take it with you.

Although I do not recommend neem oil for pregnant women it can be used for children. However, I would not put neem oil on children under the age of one year. You can hang a fabric treated with neem oil on baby’s stroller as a mosquito repellent.

Protective Clothing

The last and perhaps most certain way to avoid mosquito bites is protective clothing. Suitably tight but light clothing also effectively protects the skin from the sun. For a trip to the forest, you should take a mosquito net headwear that protects you against mosquitoes and deer flies.

If you are going to the archipelago for yachting, then get an effective repellent against ticks from the store. Protective clothing is also especially important to avoid ticks. The diseases spread by ticks are really dangerous. The vaccine protects against tick-borne encephalitis but not against Lyme disease. Therefore, it is not worth taking a risk and trying to survive in tick areas only with natural mosquito repellents.

Do you know of any other effective and natural ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes?

Artikkeli Natural mosquito repellents julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

In homemade cosmetics, we can use Epsom salt as an ingredient in the bath salt if it will be used soon or latest within a few weeks. In general, products containing Epsom salt remain perfectly flawless when properly stored. Therefore, do not store bath salt in a humid bathroom.

Four different products from Epsom salt

For this story I have chosen four Epsom salt recipes. These products are intended to be used relatively quickly after preparing them. You can change the ingredients in the recipes as much as you want. So, these are just ideas of what can be done with Epsom salt.

1. Simple bath salt from Epsom salt

• 5 decilitres Epsom salts
• 2 ½ decilitres of sea salt
• 1 decilitre of baking soda

Mix all the ingredients in the bowl very carefully. Store bath salt in a container with lid in a dry place.

Use bath salt for about 5 decilitres in a bathtub of warm (not hot) water. 2 decilitres of bath salt is enough for foot baths. Enjoy baths for about 20-30 minutes.

2. Herbal bath of Epsom salt

Epsom salt can be used to make relaxing herbal baths. Now it is time to utilize the herbs you dried in the summer. Many people do not use the collected herbs, they are simply forgotten and thrown away later. No herbs should be thrown away. An herbal bath is a great way to use your stock.

If you have a traditional bathtub, please note that dried or fresh herbs should not be poured directly on the water. Herbs clog the drain very quickly. I have used gauze bags filled with herbs and bath salt. The salt dissolves in water and the herbs remain in the bag.

You need:

• 5 decilitres of ready-made bath salt mixture. See previous instructions.
• 1 ½ – 2 decilitres of dry herbs. You can use the following herbs or choose your own ones.
• Rose buds and petals; sophisticated scent and beautiful colour. Use only organic quality roses.
• Chamomile flowers; great smell, antimicrobial effect
• Marigolds; soothing and antimicrobial effect on the skin
• Green tea; a great way to use the diluted teas. Do not use regular tea as it will stain the skin. Antioxidants for the skin
• Lavender; soothing, relaxing effect
• Mint and lemon balm; fresh scent, antimicrobial effect
• Conifers such as thyme, spruce, juniper and pine, antimicrobial effect, woody scent
• Oats; oats are a traditional skin soothing and caring plant. Use oats in bath salt either as flakes or as colloidal oats

Chop the herbs used in the bath salt in a mortar or food processor. This will let the active ingredients in the herbs dissolve best in water. If you make herbal salt as a Christmas present, for example, you can only lightly crush a few rose buds, marigold and lavender. This will give the product colour and appeal.

Mix the chopped herbs with the herbal salt base mixture.

Pack the product in a glass jar with a lid. The reason why I always recommend glass jars is very practical. from the glass jar you can see at a glance what is in it. However, I recommend that you provide the glass jar with a label that indicates the date when prepared and the ingredients.

Use herbal bath salt in about 5 decilitres of bathtub of warm water. About 2 decilitres of herbal bath salt is enough for a foot bath. Pack the herbal bath salt in a gauze bag and sink in water.

If you wish, you can infuse the herbal bath salt in the gauze bag for about 10 minutes in hot water. Then pour the liquid into your bath water. This is how you get the most out of herbs.

Relax in an herbal bath for about 20-30 minutes.

3. Aromatic Epsom salt bath

The fragrant herbal salt bath is a favourite of many. If you use oils in the herbal bath salt, you can safely add essential oils to the product as well.

Never add essential oils to bath salt if you do not mix it with the carrier oil. Essential oils do not dissolve in water but remain floating on the surface of the water. This allows them to be absorbed into the skin undiluted. Undiluted essential oil should never be applied directly to the skin.

Use good quality natural oils such as sunflower oil, safflower oil or rice bran oil. Since bath salt products are used on the body, you can also try olive oil for this. Olive oil easily clogs the pores of the skin. Still, most people can use olive oil for bodycare products without any problems.

You need:

• 5 decilitres of ready-made bath salt mixture. See instruction No: 1
• 2 tablespoons of the oil of your choice
• 5-10 drops of essential oils of your choice. You can use 2 or 3 different oils. Oils such as rosemary, rose, lavender and some softwood scents are recommended.

First, mix the essential oils with the carrier oil thoroughly. Then gradually add the carrier oil to the bath salt mixture while stirring.

Pack the product in a covered, airtight glass jar and label it.

Use 2-3 decilitres in a bathtub of warm water. 1 decilitre of fragrant herbal salt bath is enough for a foot bath. Do not use very hot water as the essential oils evaporate quickly due to the heat.

Enjoy a bath for about 20-30 minutes. After the bath, take a light shower. If your skin feels too oily, wipe off any excess grease. Wet a terry hand towel in hot water and squeeze the excess water out. Wipe the skin thoroughly with a hot towel.

4. A caring salt bath

As winter comes, the skin dries out. Then the caring products are needed. Epsom salt moisturizes the skin, absorbing moisture. To get more caring product, add nourishing shea butter or other vegetable butter to the product.

This bath salt is clearly greasier than the previous one. I recommend removing excess oil from your skin with a shower and hot, damp towels.

You can also use this mixture for a foot bath. However, you get more joy from it when you use it on already soaked, greasy feet. This allows the product’s fine oils to be absorbed into the skin.

You can also add essential oils to this product if you wish.

You can also get a nice scent to the product by choosing fragrant vegetable butter. Many people like the addictive scent of cocoa butter. It is also great for body skin care.

You need:

• 5 decilitres of ready-made bath salt mixture
• 2 tablespoons mango butter, shea butter or cocoa butter
• 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil
• 5-10 drops of essential oils of your choice (optional)

Melt the vegetable butter and add the oil. Add essential oils if desired.

Mix the melted oil-vegetable butter mixture with the salt bath mixture and mix thoroughly. Allow the bath salt mixture to dry for a while on a baking tray.

Pack the mixture in a glass jar with lid and label.

Use the caring salt bath mixture of 2-3 decilitres in a bathtub of warm water. 1 decilitre of salt bath mixture is enough for a foot bath.

Enjoy a bath for about 20-30 minutes. Rinse the skin after a bath and, if necessary, wipe off excess oil from the skin with hot, damp towels.

Artikkeli Epsom salt recipes julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

The herbal bath salt is an effective product and really easy to prepare

Herbal bath salt is made up of a few simple ingredients. In its simplest form, bath salt is just mixed with herbs and salt as well as essential oils. The ingredients of bath salt do cause the caring agents of plants to dissolve into warm water. The scent of herbs and essential oils has a positive effect to our mind. Choose  carefully the salt to be used in the product. The healing salts and herbs together make this product magical and energy cleansing.

Epsom salt

I chose Epsom salt as my herbal bath salt. Epsom salt contains a huge amount of magnesium, which is a particularly relaxing mineral.

The spiritual mening of magnesium is deep peace. It promotes unconditional love. Magnesium is a mineral of change. It will also help you get what you want in life.

Epsom salt removes muscle tension and also calms the mind. Epsom salt works effectively especially in combination with healing herbs. The effect of plants is especially emphasized when combined with Epsom salt.

Baking soda

Baking soda suits well for foot baths. Baking soda has a disinfectant effect. As a mildly alkaline substance, baking soda also makes it easier to clean your feet. Baking soda effectively softens the stratum corneum of the skin. This is a good feature if you want to rasp your feet in a foot bath.

Colloidal oats

Oats contain a lot of skin-tender ingredients. Oat baths are recommended for children with atopic eczema. You can read more about the incredible effects of oats here.

Feel free to combine different herbs

Now you should be creative. Combine your favourite herbs with bath salt, as you wish. Now it’s time to make your own magic herbal mix. My own herbal mix is just an example of such a mix.

Rose

I use a lot of rose in my bath salt because of its magical effects. The rose is an ancient plant that has always been associated with love. It will give your life joy and love. That is why rose is an essential herb in this bath salt.

Lavender

Lavender is a very important plant in footcare. Lavender has always been used in spas because of its antibacterial effects. It is a herb with a powerful mind-cleansing effect. Lavender is also rich in soothing energy. It is ideal for evening use and relaxation.

Calendula

I use Calendula in this mixture solely because of its skin-healing effect. Calendula takes care of your skin and heals minor skin damages. Calendula is also an energizing herb that will help you cope with long weekdays. When you mix marigold with warm bath water, you will notice how its scent relaxes.

Basil

Basil is an herb that protects you from all evil. The odour of basil is really great. You can also use fresh basil if you wish. The fresh basil has a really great scent.

Yarrow

Common yarrow is an herb that increases courage. It drives away fear and opens up visions for a brighter future. Who would not need more courage? In addition to the magical effects, yarrow has a lot of medicinal and antibacterial effects. For all ailments and joint pains, it is worth trying the yarrow bath salt.

Sage

I also added some sage to my bath salt. Sage brings more happiness to life and that’s what we all need. I used a fresh sage I found in the garden. Sage can also be used dried as it does not lose its effectiveness when drying.

Cardamom

Cardamom is a particularly magical herb. It is suitable for relieving stress. The energy of cardamom is soothing and clarifying. It works well in the midst of hurry and stress. Cardamom also upgrades the state of mind and removes heavy energy as well as depressed mood. Cardamom encourages us to be present right now and opens up the “third eye”. That, too, is a calming experience.

You can also use cardamom as an essential oil in this recipe. Dried cardamom will also work if it is high-enough quality. Cardamom intended as a spice, is too mild and has lost its scent.

How do I make herbal bath salt and foot soak?

The recipe for herbal bath salt is very simple. Mix all ingredients together. I use 50/50 dried herbs and salt for bath salt myself. The number of herbs is completely up to you. If you want to avoid the mess and minimize the cleaning, use herbs more sparingly.

 If you use fresh herbs, correct ratio is ½ decilitres of dried herbs equals 1 ½ decilitres of fresh herbs.

• 1 dl of sea salt or rose salt
• 3 dl epsom salt
• 1 dl baking soda (optional)
• 1 dl colloidal oats
• 1 dl of rose petals dried
• ½ dl common yarrow petals dried
• ½ dl of dried lavender
• 1 dl calendula dried
• 1.5 dl of fresh sage
• 1.5 dl of fresh basil
• 5-10 drops of cardamom essential oil

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. Put bath salt in an airtight glass jar.

Tip

You can also pack the herbs separately in a gauze bag. This makes cleaning much easier. Pack ½ dec dried herbs in a gauze bag and immerse the bag in foot bath water. Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt and 1 tablespoon of sea salt or Himalayan salt.

How do I use herbal bath salt?

When I want to improve my energies and enjoy a relaxing bath, I arrange a peaceful moment for myself.  You can use an herbal salt bath for both foot soak or body bath.

A chair that is as comfortable as possible is quite a must when enjoying the foot soak. I often also turn on some nice, relaxing music. Then I just put some warm (not hot) water into the bowl. I mix 1-1 ½ dl of herbal bath salt with water and put my feet in the herbal soak. For bathtub use 2 to 3 dl herbal bath salt.

Then I just enjoy and relax for about 20-30 minutes.

After the soak, rinse your feet or body lightly and apply a nourishing cream to them.

Artikkeli Magical bath salt or soak for Halloween julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Why do my lips get chapped?

You have probably often wondered the cause of your lip problem. even if you add lip balm and try to protect your lips, the situation gets worse day by day. On windy, ugly days, many carry several lip balms with them. The lip balm business is doing well. Has anyone ever calculated how much money people spend on lip balm alone? Still, it feels like none of them helps. Why on earth are your lips then getting chapped?

The skin of the lips is particularly sensitive

The skin on the lips is considerably thinner than the rest of the body. The skin on the lips is as thin as the skin around the eyes. We have learned how to take special care of the skin around the eyes. The same should happen with the lips.

Thin skin dries quickly.

It loses moisture, hardens and cracks. Proper and sufficiently effective lip protection keeps the lips soft even in strong winds. Just adding some grease on your lips is usually not enough if you already suffer from chapped lips. Your lips need moisture and protection. You can’t get them from the same lipstick.

In addition to the wind, many other factors dry the lips

There is usually more than one reason for chapped lips. Wind alone is not the only thing that gets your lips in bad shape.

• Too dry inside air dries lips as effective as harsh weather
• Matte lipsticks are really drying. Most of all lipsticks have the same effect.
• Do not use toothpastes containing SLS if you have problems with dry lips. Most toothpastes contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate).
• Moisturizing and drying of the lips causes a drying reaction. Licking lips is a bad habit.
• Essential oils sometimes dry out the skin.  I do not recommend using essential oils to treat chapped lips.
• Never pick at any dried skin from your lips. It hurts your lips and may cause an open wound.

The lips should be moisturized well

If you apply waterless lip balm to already dry lips, the result is not commendable. Grease never moisturizes the skin. To get your skin moisturized, the skin needs fluids as well as moisturizing ingredients. By moisturizing ingredients, I mean products that absorb moisture. One of the most popular and at the same time most effective moisturizing ingredients is sugar. About sugar and its moisturizing effect, I have told here.

Moisturizing lips with sugar

Sugar can be used in lip care products in many different ways. The easiest way is to have a sugar scrub. Exfoliation removes the dried cell from the lips. This allows moisture to get absorbed deep into the skin. In this lip scrub, we use both honey and regular cane sugar.

Regular fine sugar is suitably coarse and acts as a mechanically peeling ingredient. Sugar also contains natural moisturizing ingredients.

Honey is nourishing and especially moisturizing. Honey binds sugar into a paste, so no other ingredients are needed for this recipe.

You need

• 2 teaspoons of Muscovado sugar or regular fine sugar
• 1 teaspoon of running honey

Do like this

• Mix the honey and sugar until paste. Apply the paste to the lips and also a little to the skin around the lips.
• Leave the paste on the lips for about 15 minutes
• Rub the lips for a while very gently in a circular motion
• Wash the paste off the lips with warm water

Apply a protective cream to the lips immediately after exfoliation and moisturizing

Lips need protection not only from wind and cold but also from dry indoor air. Therefore, you should also protect your lips in the evenings before going to bed. Next, I will introduce you to special protective greases

Shea butter

Shea butter is suitable for both night and day lips. The best quality for lips is the traditional shea butter, not  nilotica shea butter. Nilotica Shea does not stay on the lips as well as traditional, hard shea butter.

Beeswax

Beeswax is especially good for protecting lips. It is a wax that bees have made to protect their own larvae. Therefore, it is perhaps the best product to protect lips against cold and biting winds. Beeswax is also antimicrobial and contains small amounts of propolis, an antiseptic, antibacterial substance.

Macadamia oil

Macadamia oil is very rich in palmitic and palmitoleic acid. They are protective fatty acids that prevent lips from drying out.

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is a moisturizing oil that is rich in linoleic acid. Linoleic acid naturally treats and moisturizes the skin.

For lip balm you need

• 20 grams of shea butter or cocoa butter or a mix of them
• 20 grams of beeswax
• 40 grams of sunflower oil
• 5 grams of macadamia oil

Do like this:

• Put all the ingredients in a double boiler
• Heat the mixture until all the ingredients have melted
• Pour the hot mixture into clean, small jars
• Let it cool down and close the lid after the lip balm has cooled down completely

Always use lip balm when needed and especially when outdoors. It is good to add lip balm to the lips also in the evening before going to bed.

Artikkeli Chapped lips; two effective products for the lips julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Some time ago I wrote an article about artemisia on my blog. I also promised to come back to artemisia and present a few recipes to try. Artemisia is a plant that can be used in many products. However, you should be careful if you have allergies. Artemisia, or Mugwort, is one of the most common allergenic plants. If you are not allergic you have no reason to fear the use of Mugwort in cosmetics.

Artemisia is used around the world

Artemisias are a broad genus of plants. You can read more about them here. Now we use artemisia vulgaris, the mugwort. I also tried a variety of cultivated mugwort in Asia. They are used in many countries like vegetables. Indeed, Asian mugwort is much milder than the one we have here in Europe. I do not recommend using artemisia vulgaris as an edible vegetable.

Artemisias are antimicrobial and cleansing  

In home-made cosmetics, artemisias are popular because of their antimicrobial and cleansing effects. Artemisia can affect even blackheads deeper in pores. Because of this feature, artemisia is used in products designed for impure skin.

The cleansing effect on the skin will become visible if you use products containing artemisia for a longer period of time. in a few weeks your skin should be much cleaner. As the skin is cleansed, the enlarged pores on the skin also shrink. Enlarged pores are, of course, a skin type issue. However, they can be greatly influenced by taking special care of skin cleansing.

Artemisia soothes the skin

If your skin is irritated for any reason, products containing artemisia will clearly calm your skin. After Artemisia cleansing, the redness disappears and the skin is clear. This is, in my opinion, the clearest advantage of artemisia products. That’s why this time I want to share instructions how to make an effective cleansing oil containing artemisia. Cleansing oils are the products where we most likely meet artemisia.

However, there is one important thing to bear in mind when trying mugwort. Keep artemisia levels low if you are preparing products for daily use. Even small amounts of artemisia extract in the product do give the desired effect. Excessive concentrations of this powerful herb may unnecessarily sensitize your skin. And in any case, it’s good that you change the herbs in your products. The same herb should not be used for too long. For example, you can try artemisia in a product you will use for a couple of weeks, on daily basis.

The cleansing oil containing Mugwort is suitable for impure skin

This cleaning oil is mild. Artemisia is a powerful herb but I only used it moderately for this cleansing oil.

The light scent of artemisia fits my world of scents. However, if you want more freshness in your cleansing oil, you can try adding a couple of drops of citrus scent. Light citrus suits well as a partner for heavy, herb scented artemisia.

You need following ingredients to make Artemisia cleansing oil:

Artemisia oil extraction

Artemisia oil extract is an essential ingredient in this cleansing oil. Instructions for preparing the oil extract can be found here. I recommend the quick method and dried artemisia.

Base oil

You should choose a good base oil according to your skin type. Personally, I always prefer linoleic acid oils because they don’t clog pores:

• Sunflower oil (check linoleic acid content)
• Safflower (thistle) oil
• Hemp oil, cold pressed organic quality (make sure the freshness of the hemp oil)
• rice bran oil
• Soybean oil, organic quality is a must (best for aged skin)

Castor oil is an important ingredient in cleansing oil

Cleansing oils should always also contain some castor oil. Castor oil dries the skin, so the amount of it should be kept reasonable. I have written previously about castor oil here.

Jojoba oil is a transporter

Artemisia cleanses skin impurities by penetrating deep into the skin pores. This is the reason why I have chosen jojoba oil to my cleansing oil. The molecular size of jojoba oil is very small. It is able to penetrate very deep into the skin. Jojoba oil has even been used in medicated creams to transport drugs through the skin. In this cleansing oil, jojoba oil helps to transport artemisia deep into the skin pores.

Artemisia cleansing oil

• 40 ml of the base oil of your choice
• 20 ml of artemisia oil extract
• 10 ml of castor oil
• 10 ml of jojoba oil
• A couple drops of some citrus essential oil (optional)

Supplies

• 100 ml glass bottle
• Small funnel
• A set of measuring spoons to measure millilitres
• If necessary, alcohol to disinfect the bottle and cap (you can also disinfect the bottle by boiling or in the oven)

Do like this

• Clean the funnel, glass bottle and cap with alcohol
• Measure all ingredients in a glass bottle. Use a funnel.
• Mix by shaking the bottle.
• Do not overfill the bottle. Otherwise, you cannot mix the oil properly. If necessary, pour the remaining oil into another bottle.

How do I use Artemis cleansing oil?

I always use artemisia cleansing oil in the evening when performing the double cleaning. Sometimes I just do the oil cleansing only.

• Apply a teaspoon of oil to dry skin. You can also treat the neck and cleavage area. The skin must not be pre-cleansed because the oil also effectively removes mascara and lipstick among other make-ups.
• Let the oil act for a while and brush your teeth in the meantime.
• Place a muslin cloth or towel dipped in hot water on your face and steam your face. This opens the pores to allow the oil to penetrate deeper.
• When the cloth has cooled, wipe your face with it. Makeup should now come off lightly.
• Re-wet the cloth in hot water and place it to your face again. Allow the cloth to cool properly and wipe your face thoroughly again.
• If you want to make a double cleansing, you can still wash your face using salt soap. For example, activated carbon salt soap is deep cleanser. I own that soap myself and I have a really good experience with it.

I often do just the oil cleansing. Especially if I haven’t used any makeup, the oil gives good enough result.

Artemisia cleansing oil is one of my favourite products

I rarely make new recipes. This is because I want to test all the products myself before publishing the recipe. I have tested this cleaning oil in a couple of weeks now. Now is the time to take a little break from using Artemisia.

I think my skin has brightened considerably thanks to artemisia cleansing oil. Admittedly, I don’t have an acne problem or even impure skin. However, I enjoy that my skin colour is now more even and my skin looks clearer. Skin pores are also smaller now.

In the future, I will make more artemisia products and share recipes here for you to try. My next thought would be to develop some skin brightening toner.

Please share your own experience with this oil. It would also be nice to hear comments from people with impure skin. Did Artemis help cleanse the skin?

Artikkeli Cleansing oil containing Artemisia aka Mugwort julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Baking soda is not suitable for long-term use

Many recipes contain baking soda. Baking soda is suitable for everyone at first. It effectively neutralizes the smell of sweat and also soothes sweating a bit. However, almost everyone will face problems within few weeks. Regular use of baking soda is not good for the skin.

Baking soda combined with sweat turns into a very alkaline solution on the skin. The skin is easily irritated by constant alkalinity.

Baking soda neutralizes the smell of sweat. The phenomenon is based on the alkalinity of baking soda. The pH of the skin becomes alkaline. Bacteria living in an acidic environment do not thrive on alkaline skin. The problem is that both good and harmful bacteria are disappearing from the skin at the same time. The skin needs bacteria to thrive. Without a protective bacterial layer, the skin becomes inflamed and ill. Deodorants containing baking soda should therefore be washed particularly carefully off the skin.

Baking soda combined with coconut oil is especially difficult to cleanse from the skin

Coconut oil-based deodorant recipes are also popular. Coconut oil works well as a deodorant as such as it eliminates bacterial growth on the skin. Often, baking soda is also combined with coconut oil. The baking soda-coconut oil mixture is especially difficult to remove from the skin. Therefore, such a deodorant irritates the skin very easily. Baking soda-coconut oil deodorants are indeed effective. they prevent both the smell of sweat and also some sweating. However, special attention must be paid to the cleaning of the skin after use.

Coconut oil is effective as a deodorant as such

I’ve tested the coconut oil as a deodorant in the heat of the tropics. There it seems to work particularly well. Coconut is a cooling oil and is effective in curbing excessive bacterial growth. However, the disadvantage of coconut oil is its greasy content. I don’t like greasy deodorants because they are easily absorbed into the fibres of the clothes. It is quite impossible to get the grease cleaned away from the armpits of the blouse when it has been thoroughly absorbed. I had to throw away a few good blouses because of this very reason.

Coconut-free, soda-free homemade deodorant

I have used a homemade deodorant that does not contain any soda and oils for a long time now. This deodorant is made from only two ingredients.

• 20 ml of clear vodka
• 80 ml of white vinegar

The ingredients are mixed in a spray bottle and used as a deodorant.

This is the easiest deodorant to make and very effective. Even distilled vinegar acts as a deodorant but no-one wants to smell like vinegar. Even essential oils do not hide the smell of vinegar.

Even less anyone wants to smell like vodka. Vodka alone effectively destroys all harmful bacteria. It also does not irritate the skin unless sprayed on an area of ​​skin exposed to the sun. However, the vodka smells nasty.

The wonderful thing about this deodorant is that vodka combined with vinegar does not smell at all. Definitely worth testing.

The odourless distilled vinegar-vodka deodorant has been my favourite so far. Next, I will tell you about the new version of my deodorant. It also curbs sweating.

Meadowsweet deodorant contains salicylates

Vinegar-vodka deodorant kills the odour effectively but does not prevent sweating. That’s why I got excited to test the new version of the product.

Salicylates and sweating

It all started a couple of months ago when I got, as a gift, the Housekeepers Manual. It is a 4-edition series of books, printed in 1936. These books contain quite a lot of information about everything possible. I was surprised when I took a look of the beauty section. There were a few how-to make deodorant instructions. In them, the ingredients were pretty wild like ammonia. However, one recipe says that salicylates control sweating if used externally. I wanted to try to see if the claim is true.

Meadowsweet contain salicylates

To get natural salicylates, I extracted meadowsweet buds in 40% alcohol for 2 weeks. Such an extract is already quite strong and comparable to regular aspirin.

I prepared the deodorant from the extract according to the instructions above. I replaced the vodka with meadowsweet extract.

• 20 ml of meadowsweet extract
• 80 ml of white vinegar

Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and use as a deodorant.

An effective Meadowsweet deodorant spray also curbs sweating

Meadowsweet deodorant effectively curbs odour. The mild, herbal scent of Meadowsweet is absolutely wonderful in a deodorant. It’s not too strong and distracting at all. The fragrance is also particularly suitable for more masculine taste. After all, meadowsweet is not really a floral scent, even though it is a flower.

I got a test-user for this antiperspirant deodorant. According to his view, the deodorant curbed sweating, at least some of it. However, it is difficult to prove this without accurate scientific evidence. This is a thing a diy-cosmetics maker cannot ever get. However, I definitely recommend trying this deodorant as one option.

Meadowsweet is not for everyone

Meadowsweet deodorant is really simple to prepare. It effectively prevents sweat odour and to some extent also sweating. As a disadvantage of the Meadowsweet deodorant, it contains salicylate. Salicylate sensitivity is a fairly common ailment. Then it is not advisable to use Meadowsweet or willow in cosmetics or anywhere. They are particularly rich in natural salicylates, which can cause sensitization.

Read also:

Deodorant for feet

Powder Cosmetics and Powder Deodorant

Have you made deodorants yourself? Tell us about your experiences!

Mesiangervodeodorantti on äärettömän yksinkertainen valmistaa. Se estää tehokkaasti hienhajua ja jonkin verran myös hikoilua. Mesiangervodeodorantin miinuksena voin mainita sen sisältämän salisylaatin. salisylaattiherkkyys on melko yleinen vaiva. Silloin ei kannata käyttää mesiangervoa eikä pajua kosmetiikassa eikä muutenkaan. Ne sisältävät erityisen paljon luonnon salisylaatteja, jotka voivat aiheuttaa herkistymistä.

Lue myös

• Deodorantti jaloille
• Jauhekosmetiikkaa ja Jauhedeodorantti

Oletko valmistanut itse deodorantteja? Kerro kokemuksistai!

Artikkeli A deodorant spray from Meadowsweet julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Whipped body butter with Calendula

The soft whipped body lotion with calendula herbal oil is really wonderful for dry skin. This body butter is very mild. Therefore, it is suitable even for very small babies, especially without essential oils. You can change the oils to your own favourite oils. Solid fats can also be exchanged if desired. However, the ratio of fats to oils should be kept the same. If you do not want to use shea butter, you can exchange it for cocoa butter, for example.

Calendula

You can read about the skin care features of calendula on my blog. Calendula is one of the most popular herbs used in cosmetics. There are many reasons for its popularity. One of the main reasons is its mildness. Calendula does not contain strong plant chemicals that irritate the skin. Of course, a calendula can also be allergic.

Plant butters

You can read more about shea butter, mango butter and cocoa butter here. Cocoa butter feels really wonderful in creams as it turns liquid in on warm skin. I used fruity mango butter for this recipe.

Oat oil

I have written about oats and oat oil in the past here. Oats are especially gentle on the skin and are suitable for almost everyone. Oats also have many healing features.

• 1 decilitre Shea butter
• 1 decilitre mango butter
• 1 decilitre of oat oil
• 1 decilitre calendula herb oil

If you wish, you can also add essential oils. Chamomile essential oil, for example, suits well for this lotion.

No preservatives are needed as the lotion is waterless. Waterless creams and butters do not need any preservative. In spite of this fact, you can still make your body butter to last longer by adding vitamin E drops. You can add 15 drops of vitamin E in this amount of lotion.

Do like this

• Measure all oils (no essential oils or vitamin E) and fats in a double boiler or water bath.
• Heat until the fats are completely melted.
• Keep the mixture at 80 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes to improve shelf life.
• Cool the mixture so that it is slightly solid at the edges.
• Start whipping the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth and soft.
• Add essential oils and vitamin E if desired
• Continue whipping until the mixture is completely cold. You can speed up the cooling by lifting the bowl into the ice cube bath.
• Put the cream into glass jars and close them with a lid.
• The cream will solidify to its final texture the next day.

Calendula body butter is suitable for dry skin. It is a rich cream that you can use for skin care for the whole family.

Calendula foot soak

Foot soaks are really relaxing. In addition to relaxation, the idea of the foot soak is also to soothe the overactive bacteria in the feet. Bacteria make your feet smell nasty. This foot soak is easy to prepare. It will not be spoiled easily even if you make a bigger batch. So you can double or triple the ingredients if you wish.

Salt

I’ve told the salt earlier here. There are many different grades of salt for sale. The best one for foot bath is crude sea salt. In addition to sodium and potassium, it contains many great minerals.

Epsom Salt

Epsom salt, or bitter salt, is magnesium sulphate. The magnesium of the Epsom salt is able penetrate through the skin directly into the muscle. Epsom salt relaxes muscles and eliminates swelling caused by exercising.

Baking soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is now particularly popular for many uses. I have written about soda for cosmetic use here. Baking soda is suitable for foot baths because it removes odours and acts as an antibacterial agent. Baking soda is also used in natural cosmetics deodorants for the same purpose.

You need

• ¼ dl Sea salt
• 1 dl of Epsom salt
• ½ dl Baking soda
• 1 dl dried calendula

Do like this

• Mix all ingredients in a blender or mixer.
• Use 2 tablespoons at a time in a bowl of warm water.
• Enjoy a cleansing and relaxing foot bath for at least 30 minutes
• Salt softens induration. If you wish, you can rasp your feet at the end of the bath
• After bathing, rinse your feet lightly but do not use any detergent
• Dry your feet thoroughly, also between your toes

You can try these 2 recipes right away if you happen to have dried calendula. Otherwise, you should plant calendula in the garden or on the balcony and wait a couple of months. Enjoy!

Artikkeli Whipped body butter with calendula and calendula foot soak julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

One of my favourite raw material in homemade cosmetics is seeds. I have shared here a recipe in which dry powders are used.  This time we make ready-to-use pastes from seeds. I chose chia seeds and sunflower seeds.

The idea behind these pastes is using seeds containing niacin. Niacin is a very effective skin regenerator and anti-aging stuff. Niacin has a great deal to offer for skin care. You can read my article on niacin here.

Skin rejuvenating mask from chia seeds

This recipe is funny because you can even eat it for breakfast if you cannot use it all. Therefore, you do not have to worry about quantities. Just prepare enough paste. It is easier to deal with bigger quantity than too small.  You can also freeze the remaining paste for the next use.

Chia seeds

Chia is a sage (Salvia hispanica). Its home is both Mexico and Guatemala. Chia is a Mayan language and means powerful. Small chia seed contains a huge amount of minerals, vitamins, and vegetable oils. Chia also contains niacin, which is an important nutrient in this mask.

• Chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, caffeic acid and quercetin are all effective antioxidants. They all have specific skin healing effects.
• Niacin regenerates the stratum corneum of the skin and keeps the skin moisturized
• Folate (folic acid) acts as an antioxidant
• Particularly rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, copper, phosphorus, manganese
• Rich in linoleic acid (50%) and about 20% alpha-linolenic acid.

Chia produces a gel-like liquid when the seeds are soaked in water. Chia gel consists of polysaccharides that naturally moisturize the skin.

You will need the following ingredients for a moisturizing chia mask

• 1.5 decilitres of chin seeds
• 1.5-2 decilitres of cold water
• 2-5 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional, do not use essential oils if you plan to eat the rest of the mask)
• Just a drop of spirulina (optional)
• ½ teaspoon ground seaweed (optional)

Do like this:

• Grind chia seeds and seaweed in a coffee grinder.
• Pour the powder into a bowl and mix in the water and the other ingredients (if any)
• Stir well and refrigerate overnight
• Put the mixture into a glass jar and use within a week

Use a chia mask once a week, even more often if you want. Let the mask warm up to room temperature, apply to cleansed face and leave on for about 20-30 minutes.

Rinse the mask off with lukewarm water and cloth.

Traditional Indian sunflower seed mask

This recipe is very traditional and comes from India. The good thing about this recipe is its ease and simplicity. In general, the simplest ingredients and methods of preparation are the best. Sunflower seeds are really high in niacin and milk is a particularly good product for the skin. That’s why I chose this special  recipe for you.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds contain a lot of minerals and a lot of niacin, which is so important for the skin. Sunflower seeds are

• Rich in zinc, manganese, copper, selenium and magnesium
• Rich in skin linoleic acid
• Rich in niacin and vitamin E.

Saffron

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. It is very popular in India because it has a lot of good features. Saffron cleanses and brightens the skin. It helps dead skin cells come off, making the skin look younger. Saffron also soothes the skin.

Milk

Milk is a traditional skin care product all over the world. Cow’s milk has been used in this recipe but you can of course replace it with vegetable milk or goat’s milk.

The properties of plant milk depend on the plant. Almond milk might be best for this as it is also high in niacin.

If you use cow’s milk, get as natural, unprocessed milk as possible for this purpose.

• Milk is especially suitable for sensitive skin
• Milk contains proteins that make the skin elastic
• Milk contains natural lactic acid bacteria that soften the skin and help it regenerate
• Milk is rich in B vitamins and alpha hydroxy acid
• Milk contains natural vitamin D.
• Milk contains calcium and other minerals such as potassium and selenium

You need for a traditional Indian sunflower mask

• 3-4 tablespoons of sunflower seeds
• 1.5 decilitres milk, you can also use plant milk, sheep’s or goat’s milk. An authentic Indian recipe mentions whole cow’s milk.
• A few saffron

Do like this:

• Soak seeds and saffron in milk overnight
• Pour the mixture into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth
• Apply the mask to cleansed skin and leave on for 30 minutes.
• Rinse the mask off with lukewarm water and a cloth
• Use this mask immediately, it cannot be stored

These two seed masks are really effective and easy to make. You can do these masks once a week, even more often. They are very mild.

Artikkeli Two effective facial masks from the seeds julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Vitamin C is important for the skin

Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent oxidation and fight free radicals. All antioxidants slow down the aging processes of the skin.

Vitamin C brightens the skin. It makes the skin look firmer and brighter. After vitamin C serum treatment, the skin immediately looks younger. Vitamin C inhibits the production of melanin in the skin. That is why it whitens dark spots and other pigment changes on the skin. Vitamin C acts as a whitening agent completely naturally, taking advantage of the skin’s own function. Vitamin C removes roughness and fine wrinkles from the skin.

I myself use vitamin C only in serums. They are more effective than creams. Vitamin C serum is intended for limited time use only, as a remedy. You will get good results already in a week. You should take a break from using the serum after a week. This way, the skin is not stressed by too many treatments.

Vitamin C is a very acidic substance

When preparing a vitamin C serum suitable for your skin, please bear in mind that vitamin C is a strong acid. It can damage your skin if you do not dilute it enough. A dilution suitable for even sensitive skin is about 5% solution. So, you need 5 grams of vitamin C per one decilitre of fluid. Of course, you can make even stronger serum. Some persons skin can tolerate up to 20% vitamin C solution. Personally, I would never use such a strong solution.

Vitamin C is very easily destroyed

I have my concerns about ready-made C vitamin serum. Vitamin C is a very sensitive substance. Therefore, it should be used really fresh. Vitamin C can be destroyed instantly by heat, water, light and oxygen. Therefore, I recommend preparing only a small amount of serum at a time. This will ensure the effectiveness of the product. You can use vitamin C serum prepared by yourself for about 1-2 weeks if you have protected it well.

Vitamin C serum does not need preservatives. Ascorbic acid is in itself a preservative. Although the product is not perishable, its quality suffers during storage.

Ascorbic acid powder

In this product I use pure ascorbic acid powder. There is plenty of vitamin C in different berries and fruits. However, they contain also many other plant chemicals that can irritate the skin. Pure ascorbic acid powder is also easy to dose. You know exactly how much vitamin C is in your product.

There are many different types of ascorbic acid products available. The usual claim is that they have differences. Personally, I have acquired the pure ascorbic acid powder. It is L-ascorbic acid that is said to be the best for cosmetics. However, I could imagine that other products will do as well.

How to neutralize vitamin C serum

I often make 10% vitamin C serum. It’s definitely too strong for my own skin. Therefore, I neutralize it to a suitable strength. For neutralization, pH strips should be used as an aid. They will tell you when the acidity is appropriate. A 10% vitamin C solution usually has an acidity of pH 4.5-5. The skin of many may smart and irritate by this acidic solution.

You can use familiar and safe baking soda to neutralize the liquid. Add the soda in size of rice grain to the vitamin c solution and measure the pH in between. This will give you the right solution for you. Personally, I prefer to use serum strong in pH 6. But like I said, everyone’s skin is different.

Flax seed extract

Vitamin C is water soluble. That is why I have prepared this serum completely without oil. My favourite liquid base for serum right now is flaxseed extract. It is easy to make.

• Rinse a tablespoon of flax seeds and place them in a pot
• Add about 1.5 decilitres of water
• Boil the mixture on very low heat for 10-15 minutes
• Strain the flax seeds immediately hot from the broth
• Cool the broth and use it as a serum base
• You can use the rest of the broth as a hair gel

How do I prepare vitamin C serum?

You will need a small glass pipette or pump bottle. It would be great if you had a small scale that measures with gram accuracy. That would make it very easy.

You will need these:

• 20 ml of flaxseed extract
• 2 grams of ascorbic acid powder
• baking soda, equal to 3 rice grains
• 2-5 drops of essential oils if desired
• Small glass bottle with pipette or pump
• Do like this:
• Put all ingredients in a bottle and shake
• Make sure that all ingredients are completely dissolved
• Store in a dark and cool place. The fridge is the best place. Vitamin C is very easily destroyed by light.

How is Vitamin C Serum used?

Test the suitability of the product first. Some people have very sensitive skin. Then strong acids like vitamin C are not suitable. If you are sensitive, dilute the solution well.

Use 1-2 drops of serum at a time. The skin may require some time to get used to this treatment. Apply the serum to clean skin and allow it to absorb for a while. Then add moisturizer.

I have also mixed a drop of serum with moisturizer and applied it on the face. As far as I can see, this method is the gentlest on the skin.

How do you treat your tired spring skin?

Artikkeli Cheery vitamin C serum treats tired skin julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.