Aloe vera may help moisturize dry skin. If you have dry or itchy skin, you can try making your own aloe vera gel at home. You can heat oils over a double boiler and then mix in aloe vera gel. You can rub the oil onto dry portions of your skin. If you notice a bad reaction, stop using your moisturizer and talk to a doctor.
EditIngredients
- 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 10 drops of any essential oils
EditSteps
EditHeating Your Oils
- Add the almond oil, jojoba oil, and beeswax to a double boiler. To start, you will melt your oils together. Add your almond oil, jojoba oil, and beeswax to the top portion of your double boiler.[1]
- A double boiler has two pans: a larger, deeper pan and a smaller, more shallow pan. You should add your oils to the smaller pan and add a few inches of water to the larger pan. Then, fit the smaller pan over the larger pan and melt the oils over heat.[2]
- If you do not have a double boiler, place your oil in a glass or stainless steel bowl. Then, place this bowl in a pot filled with a few inches of water.[3]
- Melt your oils. Place your double boiler or double boiler substitute over the stove and turn on the heat to medium or medium-high. Allow the oils to melt until they're completely mixed together. This should take about two to five minutes.[4]
- You do not need to stir the oil. It should combine on its own.
- Transfer the oils to a bowl. Use a mixing bowl big enough to hold the oils with a little headspace on top. You will be adding more ingredients. Pour your oils into the bowl.[5]
- Cool for an hour. Before you proceed, you should let your oils cool to room temperature. Set the mixing bowl aside for about an hour to cool your oils.[6]
- You can use a thermometer to check the oil temperature.
- It may be easier to simply stick your finger in and see if the oils feel about the same temperature as the room. You should wait about an hour to do this, as the oil could be very hot. You may want to hover your hand above the oil for a moment. If the temperature is very hot, wait a bit longer before checking.
EditMixing the Remaining Ingredients
- Mix your essential oils with your aloe vera gel. Add 10 drops of essential oils to the aloe vera gel. You can use one type of oil or combine different oils. Use a spoon to mix the oils into the aloe vera gel.[7]
- Essential oils that are good for dry skin include rose oil, frankincense oil, and neroli oil. A combination of these oils may work great in a moisturizer.[8]
- Add your aloe vera mixture to your oils. Take your aloe vera gel mixture. Pour it into the mixing bowl. You should use a hand mixer to combine.[9]
- Mix until you reach your desired consistency. Use the hand mixer to slowly whisk the oils together. There are no strict for how long to mix. It depends on the precise consistency you prefer. You should keep mixing your oils until you reach that consistency.[10]
- When you're done, your moisturizer is ready to use. You can store it in an airtight container between uses.
EditTaking Precautions
- Consult your doctor prior to using aloe moisturizer. If you take prescription medication or have certain health concerns, you should consult a healthcare professional before using aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel could potentially interfere with medications. You should also ask your doctor about aloe vera gel if you have existing allergies, are pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant.[11]
- Watch for signs of a bad reaction. Aloe vera gel, or the essential oils used in it, can sometimes cause a bad reaction. If you notice redness, itchiness, or hives after you begin using the gel, aloe vera gel may not be safe for your skin. Cease using your moisturizer and consult your doctor if your symptoms do not go away on their own in a few days.[12]
- If you have an allergy to garlic, onions, or tulips, a bad reaction may be more likely.
- Keep aloe vera gel away from your mouth. Aloe vera gel should never be swallowed. If you're using your moisturizer on your face, be very careful to keep it away from your mouth.[13]
- If you or a household member accidentally ingests aloe vera gel, see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Talk to your doctor about treating chronic dry skin. If you have itchy, dry skin that you moisturize regularly, be careful when using aloe vera gel. The long term effects of aloe vera gel, and many essential oils, are unknown. If your dry, itchy skin is a chronic problem, ask your doctor about treatment options. It is better to go with a verified treatment plan, as attempting to treat your skin on your own may have adverse long term effects.[14]
EditThings You'll Need
- Mixing spoon
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- Double boiler
- Steel or glass bowl
- Pot
EditSources and Citations
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