Aloe vera is effective for moisturizing dry or itchy skin. If you have problems like this, you can try making a gel at home by heating some oils in a double boiler and mixing them with the aloe vera extracted from the plant. The mixture can be massaged into dry areas of the skin. Discontinue use and seek medical attention in case of adverse reaction.
Ingrediants
- 80 ml of aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil
- 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon of beeswax
- 10 drops of any essential oil
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Heating the Oils
Step 1. Melt the sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and beeswax in a double boiler
- For the bain-marie you need 2 pots: the first must be large and deep, the second smaller and shallower. In the first, water must be poured, while in the second oil and beeswax. Insert the second pot into the first and melt the ingredients.
- If you do not have suitable pots, pour the ingredients into a glass or stainless steel bowl, then place the bowl in a pot that you have poured water into.
Step 2. Place the pot on the stove and adjust the heat to medium or medium-high
Let the oils melt and mix well. It should take about 2-5 minutes.
It is not necessary to intervene: the oils should blend on their own
Step 3. Move the oils to a large bowl
Use a large bowl, as you will add other ingredients to it.
Step 4. Before proceeding, let them cool for an hour to use them at room temperature
- You can check the temperature with a thermometer;
- It can be easier to check the temperature by sticking a finger in the oils. You should wait for about an hour before doing this, as they will be hot. You may want to put your hand in for a second: if the temperature is high, wait a little longer before checking them.
Part 2 of 3: Mix the remaining ingredients
Step 1. Pour 10 drops of essential oils into the aloe vera gel
You can use a single essential oil or combine several. Mix the ingredients with a spoon.
Some of the most suitable essential oils for dry skin? Rose, frankincense and neroli. Using them all can make the gel even more moisturizing
Step 2. Pour the aloe vera mixture into the bowl containing the oils and mix with a hand mixer
Step 3. Beat them slowly until they reach the desired consistency
There are no indications about it, it all depends on the result you prefer.
Once finished, the moisturizing gel will be ready to use. You can store it in an airtight container between uses
Part 3 of 3: Precautions to Take
Step 1. If you are taking prescription medications or have certain medical conditions, consult a doctor before using an aloe vera moisturizing gel:
it may interfere with certain medications. You should also see a doctor if you have any allergies, whether you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Step 2. The aloe vera gel or the essential oils contained within it can sometimes cause adverse reactions
What are the symptoms? Redness, itching or hives that occur after using the gel. If you notice such a reaction, this product is not safe for your skin. Discontinue use and if symptoms do not go away within a few days, consult a doctor.
If you are allergic to garlic, onion or tulip, you are more prone to having an adverse reaction
Step 3. Keep it away from the oral cavity
Aloe vera gel should not be ingested. If you apply it to your face, try not to let it come into contact with your mouth.
In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical attention as soon as possible
Step 4. If you regularly moisturize your skin because you suffer from chronic dryness and itching, use aloe vera gel with caution
The long-term effects of this product and many essential oils are unknown. If you have chronic dryness, see a dermatologist to consider other treatments. Better to follow a therapy prescribed by a professional, as trying to treat the skin at home can trigger long-term adverse effects.
