In choosing DIY ingredients, their absorption rates may be most important. It essentially means, how long after I apply the ingredients will I still feel them on my skin?
When I started DIY natural skincare, I tried using a macadamia nut oil moisturizer. After all, nut oils are available and are full of healthy fats. It was a cold January day, and my skin was so dry I thought it might crack. An hour later, I still felt an uncomfortable, greasy film on my face. I under-estimated just how slow a slow absorption rate can be.
I am not criticizing macadamia nut oil, but illustrating the importance of personalizing. DIY recipes are like colors of the rainbow. We can pick our perfect shade.
In general, dry skin wants ingredients with slower absorption rates, which give ongoing relief and hydration by continuing to sit on your skin. Argan oil keeps my banana curls in place because hours after application, it is still there, doing its job.
Oily skin, however, usually prefers a faster absorption rate. My summertime godsend is Baobab oil. When I am in a hurry, I can confidently rub the rapidly absorbing oil on my hands and grab my white purse, without worrying about leaving an oil stain.
Recipe: Mineral Clay Mask
4 ounces Rose Petals (used to make rosewater)
1 teaspoon French Rose Clay
1 tea spoon French Green Sea Clay
1 tea spoon Rhassoul Clay
Remember when a face mask was a beauty treatment?
Place rose petals in a bowl, fill with water, and cover. I usually put a plate or saucer inside the bowl. Heat in microwave on a low power setting for 90 minutes.
I usually start mine right before I go to bed, when no one needs the microwave. My mine goes from a power setting of zero to 10 and I use a 2. A double boiler on the stove top is best practice, but requires more attention.
The rosewater has a wonderful floral smell. I spray it on linens, my clothes, and even my hair.
Mix rosewater with the French Rose and Green Sea Clays. Stir to get an even blend. Add the Rhassoul Clay last. Store in the refrigerator for maximum shelf-life. Now you have a mineral clay mask, just like at the spa
