HOMEMADE ROSEHIP, APRICOT KERNEL & KIWI SEED MOISTURISER

It's very easy to spend a fortune on skin care — creams, potions, lotions, serums. And, combined with a healthy diet low in processed foods, rich in fat-soluble vitamins, omega 3s, healthy fats and proteins that support skin and collagen integrity, a good skin care regime can make a big difference. But geez it's expensive!

That's why I make my own where I can. Not only is it super easy, but DIY ensures I get bang for my buck with customised, wholesome skincare that doesn't skimp on the active ingredients.

There are plenty more reasons for making your own skincare, too - see my DIY Three Ingredient Face Wash post for more on the matter, and if you are really keen to learn more, this year one of my favourite reads has been

No More Dirty Looks: How to End Your Addiction to Chemical Cosmetics (and Still Look Hot)

It's a fun, easy to read overview of the beauty industry, the common chemicals used from head to toe, and their risks. It also recommends heaps of safe, effective natural brands and plenty of homemade beauty recipes to try yourself.

Homemade moisturiser

I've really been getting into oils lately. I use coconut oil on my hair ends, wash my face with a olive/castor oil combo and use oil-based body soap in the shower. I've found oils to be the gentlest form of skin care as they work with my skins natural oils, not against them. This luxurious moisturiser includes three 'hero' ingredients inspired by some of my favourite skincare brands: Rosehip Oil (Trilogy), Carrot Seed Essential Oil and Kiwi Seed Oil (Antipodes). All are quite dry oils so are quickly absorbed by the skin leaving minimal greasy residue.

Depending on how you prepare it,  you can create a healing balm, a nourishing face oil or an anti-wrinkle eye cream.

Ingredients

Rosehip seed oil – 3 tsp
Apricot kernel oil– 4 tsp
Kiwis seed oil – 1 tsp
Carrot seed oil essential oil - 5 drops (optional)

1 tsp beeswax (for balm and eye cream)
5 tsp rose-water (if making eye cream)

One glass dripper bottle (for facial oil), or one 60ml Jar (balm or cream)

Go Native is my favourite one stop shop for ingredients - they have a huge range at very reasonable prices, I have to restrain myself every time I visit the site!

Rosehip seed oil contains Vitamin and C, which help to delay the effects of skin aging, assists with cell regeneration, and promotes collagen and elastin levels to increase.  This results in firmer, smoother, and more youthful skin with greater elasticity.  Rosehip seed oil also contains a high amount of essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, which further promotes healthy skin. It is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids - important skin nutrients.

Apricot kernel oil is rich in skin-conditioning vitamin E and is known for its soothing and nourishing properties.  It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B17 and E and both oleic acid and linolenic acid. Apricot kernel oil is mild and very easily absorbed, making it particularly good for sensitive skin.

Kiwis seed oil, cold pressed from the Kiwi seed, is a rich source of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, potassium and magnesium. It is high in essential Omega 3 fatty acids, containing over 60% Alpha Linolenic Acid. It is good for treating sensitive skin, oily skin, acne, psoriasis and eczema.

Carrot seed oil essential oil is high in antioxidants and carotenoids that protect the skin from environmental assaults like UV rays, pollution, and stress. The oil also has moisturizing vitamin E and protective vitamin C, which work together to encourage healing and rejuvenate skin cells. Carrot seed oil has a reputation for relieving eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis because of its ability to stimulate cell growth and repair damaged skin.

Method

For the facial oil blend: Mix oils together and store in an opaque glass dripper bottle. You're done!

For the balm: Place beeswax, rosehip and apricot oils in a double boiler (I placed a Pyrex glass jar into a pot of warm water). Heat very gently until wax is melted. Stir well, remove from heat. Slowly stir in kiwi seed oil and carrot seed essential oil. Pour into your 60 ml jar and place in fridge until set. Finished!

For the cream: Place beeswax, rosehip and apricot oils in a double boiler (I used a Pyrex glass jar into a pan of warm water - make sure the base is large enough to snugly fit a hand held blender / kitchen whiz). Heat very gently until wax is melted. Stir well, remove from heat. Stir in kiwi seed oil, carrot seed essential oil and rose water. With a hand held blender, whip the mixture until the rose water emulsifies with the oils and becomes a yellow creamy texture. The result is a heavy (but not greasy) cream, and I suspect that the more rosewater you add, the lighter and fluffier it will become, so perhaps more suitable for a day cream - but I haven't tried this myself yet. Pour into your glass jar and refrigerate to set.

Use as you please! Mine is thick and I love it as a night cream, especially around the eyes.

Oils + beeswax set into a healing, moisturising balm.

The oils, beeswax + rose water blend to make a thick luxurious eye cream.