Managing your skin during pregnancy is difficult. Thanks to all the hormonal changes in the body, you will notice a slew of skin concerns such as dryness, dullness, and lack of glow. Plus, your skin tends to be super sensitive during pregnancy, and you might find that the moisturisers that suited your skin before are now irritating your skin. Not to forget, many commercial moisturisers contain harmful chemicals that may not be safe for your baby.
So what can you do to hydrate and moisturise your skin during this time? A simple solution is switching to DIY moisturisers. Homemade moisturisers are easy to prepare and cost-effective, and you experiment with a variety of natural ingredients to determine what works best for you.
We have curated a list of easy DIY moisturiser recipes that you can use to nourish your skin during pregnancy.
Why Is It Necessary To Moisturise Your Skin
Your cleanser and face wash strips your skin of natural oils and makes it dull and dry. Applying a moisturiser can give your skin a much-needed boost of hydration. It also helps balance the moisture levels in the skin and makes it look soft and smooth.
When Should You Moisturise Your Skin
Ideally, you should moisturise your skin after washing your face in the morning with your face wash and immediately after you shower to help restore the moisture balance of your skin. It is also beneficial to do so before going to bed to prevent your skin from becoming too dry overnight.
6 DIY Moisturisers That You Can Make At Home
As for DIY moisturisers, here are six recipes that you can create with natural ingredients that are guaranteed to deeply nourish your skin.
Shea Butter Moisturiser For Dry Skin
Shea butter works as an emollient that helps soften dry skin. Adding sea buckthorn oil, geranium oil, and avocado oil into this mix will help nourish your itchy and flaky skin and provide a soothing effect.
You need:
- ½ cup of shea butter
- 6-7 drops of geranium oil
- 6-7 drops of sea buckthorn oil
- 1 teaspoon of avocado oil
Process:
- Melt and soften the shea butter in a double boiler.
- Remove it from heat and add avocado oil to the mix.
- Add the essential oils and mix well until it develops a smooth texture.
- Store it in a glass bottle and use it as your daily moisturiser.
Gentle Aloe Vera Moisturiser For Irritated Skin
Aloe vera gel soothes your skin and reduces irritation, dry patches, and inflammation. You can add beeswax to this recipe to keep your skin nourished, and coconut and almond oil to help repair your skin.
You need:
- 12 tablespoons of beeswax
- 1 cup of aloe vera gel
- ¼ cup of almond oil
- ¼ cup of coconut oil
- 5-10 drops of essential oil (sea buckthorn oil, rosehip oil)
Process:
- Melt the beeswax in a double boiler and then add coconut and almond oil to it.
- Cool this mixture down and pour it into a blender.
- Add aloe vera gel and essential oils to it and blend until you get a creamy texture.
- Store the mixture in a container and apply it to your body regularly.
Glycerin And Honey Moisturiser For Dull Skin
Glycerin and honey are humectants that keep your skin hydrated and moisturised. Adding lemon and green tea to this mix can help brighten your skin and prevent infections.
You need:
- 2 teaspoons of glycerine
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 2 teaspoons of green tea
- 1 teaspoon of diluted lemon juice
Process:
- Mix the ingredients together.
- Massage the mixture on your skin for a few minutes.
- Leave it on overnight.
- Wash it off the next morning.
Essential Oil Moisturiser For Plump And Nourished Skin
Essential oils such as rosemary, tea tree, lavender, and carrot seed have antiseptic properties that protect your skin cells and prevent damage. Adding shea butter can help nourish your skin from within and make it look plump.
You need:
- 2 tablespoons of almond oil
- 1/ cup of shea butter
- 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of tea tree and carrot seed essential oil
Process:
- Melt the shea butter and then add almond oil to it.
- Let the mixture cool and then add the essential oils one by one.
- Mix everything well and then scoop out the creamy mixture into a container.
- Massage the cream on your body and face regularly.
Hibiscus Moisturiser For Increased Hydration
Hibiscus contains antioxidants that help enhance skin health by improving hydration. It also has a soothing effect on the skin and speeds up the wound healing process.
You need:
- 2 tablespoons of hibiscus tea
- 1 cup coconut oil
Process:
- Grind the hibiscus tea into powder and melt the coconut oil.
- Add hibiscus tea powder to the oil and let it chill for a while.
- Use a muslin cloth to separate the tea from the oil.
- Let the oil cool down and solidify.
- Whip the oil well in a mixer for a minute or two.
- Transfer the cream to a jar and then apply it to your skin.
Apricot Seed Oil Moisturiser For Rough Skin
Apricot seed oil is a non-irritant and helps nourish and soothe rough, itchy skin. Adding shea butter to it can keep your skin moisturised and help treat skin concerns like eczema.
You need:
- 3 tablespoons of apricot seed oil
- 3 tablespoons of shea butter
- 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel and Vitamin E oil
Process:
- Melt the shea butter first and allow it to cool down a bit.
- Whisk the butter after it cools down add aloe vera gel, Vitamin E oil, and apricot seed oil.
- After the mixture reaches a creamy consistency, transfer it to a container.
- Apply it to your body and face when required.
For anyone dealing with pregnancy skin concerns and looking for natural and affordable solutions, DIY moisturisers are the best and the most skin-friendly options. Pamper your skin with these easy-to-make homemade moisturisers and bid adieu to all your skin woes.