We spent the last week out in the sun on the beach, which was so great and so fun…
.jpg "Taking care of the outside too…")
But on our drive home, I noticed my forearms looked old..really old, and really wrinkly. I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I am leaving my 30’s behind this year…right? Yeah, right.
So for the past 15 or so years I used the strongest sun blocks and rarely got sun on my body. But the past couple of years I have let myself get some sun, and boy it feels good. I think part of me was rationalizing that I need more vitamin D (which I was deficient in somehow, like most people). But, then enters my vanity and well, lately my arms looks like Magda’s from Something About Mary.
So I’m hoping part of the wrinkly “problem” stems from neglecting to moisturize on a daily basis. I am not expecting miracles, but it’s time to work on some preventative measures for myself. I work on nourishing my internal body so much and yet somehow I totally neglect my external, as you can probably tell if you see me often in my regular attire — gym clothes, no make up, and hair up.
So, while this looks like I am posting a recipe with ingredients (see below), these are actually some of the best natural hydrating/age preventative things you can use.
.jpg "Taking care of the outside too…")
Coconut oil
I have actually used coconut oil on my body for years (and face in the winter) but I just don’t use it as regularly as I should because it can be a little messy on clothes. Fortunately it soaks in fairly quickly and it really does make immediate difference in how your skin looks. It is such a great moisturizer. It also helps strengthen underlying tissues and helps remove excessive dead cell on the skin’s surface that makes your skin rough and flaky in texture. And if you haven’t read my post on coconuts, here are some other benefits of coconut oil that can actually be absorbed by using it on your skin.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is also really great for nourishing dry and aging skin but it unfortunately doesn’t smell quite as good. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties which is thought to play an important role in skin aging as well. It’s been used for years and years in other countries as an anti-aging remedy, so there must be something to it! I’m going to continue using it as a change from the coconut oil to see which works best on my skin. I’ll report back the results.
Raw Honey
Honey helps keep skin hydrated and fresh and prevents drying, it traps and seals in moisture leaving skin soft and supple. Below are two good post from Bohemian Kate on how to wash your face with honey and why it’s so great:
I have also heard if you put it on your lips and let it sit and then wash it off, it will make your lips ultra soft. But for some reason, it didn’t stay on my lips for long. Yum!
I also found some Bio-Oil that I found in my cabinet I had from when my son Tate got stitches on his face. Bio-oil smells fabulous and very spa like, and it absorbs a little faster than the coconut and olive oil. A couple of reviewers said it made them break out so if you tend to break out, this may not be for you, but I love it for my arms and scar on my shoulder.
Keep in mind that some oils may be too heavy for certain skin types. If you have oily skin, use one of the lighter oils such as almond and only use it on the dryer areas of your face and body to avoid breakouts. Enjoy using these inexpensive natural oils to moisturize your skin!
By the way, I’d still love a good everyday lotion for when I’m not quite as dry so would love any recommendations if you have a good one you like!
Jennifer Kilzer - Jojoba oil is a great oil to use when you don’t want something too heavy. During the winter I used coconut oil on my skin but found it created dry patches on my arms, so I switched to almond oil with a few drops of jasmine oil, which works great. During the summer I like to mix the jojoba oil with the almond oil to thin it out and make it a little lighter. And I’ll just use the jojoba oil on my face as a moisturizer in the morning.
Coconut oil is great to remove makeup and dirt at night. I just rub it on my face and take a warm, wet wash cloth and gently wipe my skin. And there isn’t any need to apply moisturizer afterwards because the coconut oil leaves your skin nice and soft.
landriav - Oh awesome Jennifer! Can’t wait to try out the Jojoba. Thanks so much for the info!!