Keep Your Skin Hydrated This Winter With a DIY Cleansing Balm

As seasons change, so do our skin’s needs. Winter is a perfect time to examine our routine and make a few changes in our skincare regimen–after all, we don’t wear the same clothes from season to season. (Well maybe you do if you’re like me and call Los Angeles home; we have only two seasons, season one: shorts and season two: shorts with a hoodie.) Even in temperate areas, there are still subtle changes to humidity, wind and temperature that affect our skin.

When we turn the heaters on indoors, we create a dry environment, and we need to combat this change with more hydrating products. For instance, if we are used to a lathering cleanser that is either foam- or gel-based, winter is a great time to switch to a cream-based cleanser that is less drying, like this cleansing balm.

Creamy Cleansing Balm for Face

• 2 ounces marula oil
• 1 teaspoon beeswax
• 2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• 2 drops chamomile essential oil

The fast absorbing, yet incredibly hydrating, marula oil makes this facial cleansing balm ideal for wintertime skin, but it can be switched out with other easy-to-find oils such as jojoba or rosehip seed oil. In a double boiler, heat the marula oil and beeswax until melted, stirring occasionally. Once melted, remove from heat and wait a minute or two before adding essential oils. Stir together and let cool.

If you prefer a thicker consistency, return to heat and add more beeswax. Pour the mixture into an airtight container and use daily as a cleanser. Rinse with warm water to remove any excess, and enjoy cleansed skin without the dry, tightness that usually follows from normal cleansers.

If you need a toner and moisturizer that infuses a little more moisture, try out these tried-and-true homemade recipes from our archives.

Rose Water Toner

• 1/2 cup dried rose buds
• Hot filtered water
• Geranium essential oil

Pour the water over the rose buds and let sit for 1-2 hours. Use a strainer to separate the rose buds from the rose water. Add a few drops of geranium essential oil. Be sure to shake the spray bottle well before spritzing this toner on dry skin. I recommend spritzing this on your face twice a day after cleansing.

The rose water will not only balance the skin, but it’s soothing and hydrating too. If you make your own rose water, you will want to store in the refrigerator and use within 1 week. If you prefer store bought, just follow storage instructions on the label.

Overnight Aloe Moisturizer

• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerine
• 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
• 2-4 drops of essential oil like lavender, chamomile or rose

Combine ingredients in a small glass pump and shake well to combine. Apply to clean skin at night for a light, overnight moisturizer. Shake before each use if including the vitamin E capsule. Will last indefinitely if stored in the refrigerator.

Photos by Ana Stanciu

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