The skin, the largest organ of the body, often takes a beating. So much can affect it: temperature, humidity, sun exposure, hormones, food intake, and much more. To keep the skin happy and healthy, it’s important to moisturize it. How often you moisturize it and with what ingredients all depends on your skin type. For me, thanks to my sensitive skin, I need to lather my skin with thick lotions on a regular basis to keep my hands from drying out and cracking, causing painful cuts all over my knuckles.

There are many different ways to moisturize. You can use regular lotion, solid lotion bars, whipped body butter, or even oils. Read on to discover what might work best for you.

Ultra-Nourishing Coconut Butter Lotion Bars

by Sarah Buckley from Willow And Sage Spring 2022

You Will Need

• • Glass jar: 16-oz.
• • Pan
• • ¼ cup coconut butter
• • ½ cup floral-infused oil of choice
• • ¼ cup beeswax pastilles
• • Spoon
• • 10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
• • Mold

To Make

For a makeshift double boiler, set a clean glass jar in a pan of shallow water on the stove. Add the coconut butter, floral-infused oil, and beeswax into the jar. With the stove on low heat, let the ingredients melt together. Do this step low and slow; as the ingredients melt, the coconut butter will heat and smell toasty. Stir regularly to prevent burning. When the ingredients have melted, turn off the heat and let the jar cool until it’s cool enough to handle. Add the essential oil, if desired, and stir again. Pour the mixture into a mold, and let the bars come to room temperature until they are completely solidified. Store the lotion bars in the fridge, and use them within two weeks.

ginger & Lime Whipped Body Butter

by Danielle Williams from Willow And Sage Spring 2022

You Will Need

• • ½ cup shea butter
• • ¼ cup coconut oil
• • ¼ cup grapeseed oil
• • Glass measuring cup: large
• • Spoon
• • 10–20 drops ginger & lime essential oils (optional)
• • Handheld mixer
• • Containers

To Make

Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil to a large glass measuring cup, and melt in the microwave in 20-second increments. Once everything is liquid, let the mixture partially set up before moving to the next step. To speed up the process, you can place the mixture in the freezer. Be sure to set an alarm so you don’t forget about it! Once it is partially set, opaque, and holds indentation, it is ready for the next step. Add the essential oils, if desired. Whip the mixture with a handheld mixer until fluffy and stiff peaks form. Scoop the whipped body butter into the containers of choice. To combat problematic dry skin, apply the body butter to those areas, making sure to rub it in thoroughly. If the butter starts to melt at room temperature, simply re-whip it and store it in the fridge until ready to moisturize.

5 Easy Oil Moisturizers

by Laura Heller from Willow And Sage Autumn 2017

These five moisturizing oils are loaded with natural benefits and can be easily incorporated into your routine. Plus, they won’t leave you scratching your head when you read the ingredients list. Given that every person is unique, it takes some experimentation to find the right moisturizer for your skin type. This list provides several options for you to try, but the options don’t stop here! Be sure to purchase high-quality oils to ensure that what you are putting on your body is clean and pure.

• • Almond Oil: a naturally relaxing oil that absorbs quickly into the skin, provides a bit of an immunity boost, and can aid in repairing sun damage.
• • Coconut Oil: a heavier oil with antibacterial properties that help with healing and clarifying, and has a low SPF to aid in minor sun protection.
• • Grapeseed Oil: a lighter oil with astringent properties, making it a great option for those who struggle with naturally oily skin and acne.
• • Jojoba Oil: a lighter oil that resembles the oil your skin already produces, meaning it absorbs well and is less greasy. It is also a great oil for your face, especially for those with naturally oily or sensitive skin.
• • Olive Oil: a heavier oil that can be great for moisturizing hands and rough parts of the body, but it is not best if you already have naturally oily skin. Only use extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil.

Discover more recipes for homemade moisturizers in Willow And Sage magazine.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.