This home made honey hand balm is the right antidote for all of your dry pores and skin woes. Simply slather on a bit of bit within the morning and wave goodbye to dry, cracked, irritated palms. For an added increase, apply earlier than mattress, cowl with cotton gloves, and let this recipe work magic in your palms in a single day.
Dry hands are a standard downside for many individuals, particularly these residing in chilly climate circumstances. Your palms are most certainly chapped from frequent washings and the weather and are badly in want of a bit of additional TLC.
Belief me after I say that these items works miracles. Whereas it makes an incredible hand balm, it’s also possible to use it as an after-shower lotion, cuticle cream, hair conditioner, or the rest that may want a bit of additional moisture this winter. My husband even has a jar of his personal that he makes use of as a beard balm and sparingly as a hair gel.
Bounce to:
Advantages of Honey Balm
The actual great thing about this balm is that it’s made with beeswax and uncooked honey, so it’s thick (and I do imply thick!) sufficient to lock in moisture whereas the honey helps heal wounds and calm irritation [source].
Along with its calming and therapeutic properties, listed below are a number of different methods honey helps fight dry winter pores and skin:
Antimicrobial
Honey is of course antibacterial and antimicrobial [source], so it might preserve pores and skin micro organism in test and assist stop future infections.
Anti-inflammatory
Honey has been straight noticed to scale back pores and skin irritation after being utilized to wounds [source]—what higher method to soothe chapped, crimson palms!
Balances pores and skin pH
As a result of it’s barely acidic, honey helps regulate pores and skin pH [source], thus selling pores and skin therapeutic and regeneration.
Pure moisturizer
The sugars in honey act as pure humectants [source], that means they assist enhance moisture within the pores and skin and cut back dryness, even after being washed off.
Excessive in vitamins and antioxidants
Honey delivers key amino acids, nutritional vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants to pores and skin cells [source], serving to to nourish the pores and skin and forestall free-radical injury.
Substances
Observe: We not too long ago up to date this recipe to incorporate an emulsifier and preservative to maintain the honey from separating and your balm from going unhealthy prematurely. In the event you want a extra pure product (and might overlook some separation), follow the primary recipe. In any other case, we suggest following the emulsifier recipe.
Directions
Step 1 | Mix Beeswax + Oils
Mix the whole lot aside from the uncooked honey, Leucidal Liquid SF (if utilizing), and important oils in a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2 | Soften Collectively
Microwave in 30-second increments for 1–2 minutes, till the oils and beeswax have fully melted. Alternatively, you should use a double boiler to soften your oils.
Step 3 | Cool Combination
Place the bowl of melted oils within the freezer for about 2 minutes. While you take it out, the combination must be strong across the edges however nonetheless liquid within the center.
Step 4 | Stir
Stir for about 15 seconds till the combination comes collectively virtually like a thick batter.
Step 5 | Add Honey
Add the honey, Leucidal Liquid SF (if utilizing), and important oils. Stir once more. Whereas the Leucidal SF says to let the combination cool in a single day earlier than including, I’ve discovered that the balm is way too strong at that time to combine effectively.
Step 6 | Switch to Jar
Spoon the balm right into a lidded glass container, and pop it into the fridge for quarter-hour to chill fully.
Let the balm solidify earlier than utilizing it, then apply as wanted.
Substitutions
Olive and Almond oil: Any liquid-at-room-temperature oil ought to work.
Shea butter: Any solid-at-room-temperature butter ought to work.
Important oils: Attempt including eucalyptus important oil or one thing easy and traditional like lavender for leisure or tea tree for its antimicrobial properties. Add these oils after eradicating the combination from warmth to protect their essence.
I might steer clear of cinnamon or clove too, as a result of, whereas it smells tremendous heat and festive, it may be slightly irritating on the pores and skin. To a lesser diploma, peppermint falls into this class, too—it provides the balm a cooling impact however a bit of goes a great distance.
Variations
In the case of texture, this recipe is someplace between a agency wax and a creamy oil. However if you want a thicker, extra strong balm, enhance the quantity of beeswax.
If you want a creamier, extra spreadable balm, add extra oil. It’s a slightly forgiving recipe, so be happy to mess around with it till you discover the feel that’s best for you.
Find out how to Work with Honey
What if the honey settles on the backside?
Honey might be tough to include totally into balms as a consequence of its water content material and the character of oils and waxes. You need not use emulsifying wax in your hand balm in the event you do not need to—however with out it, honey is thought to separate and settle on the backside.
I’ve made this just a few instances over time and have not had this concern when making my balm. I observed a tiny little bit of settling, which is pure, however nothing to jot down house about.
In the event you see numerous separation (like all the honey finally ends up on the backside of your container), it may very well be brought on by the model of honey or the temperature of the oils once you add the honey.
Let the melted oils cool as a lot as attainable (assume: barely lukewarm however nonetheless mushy) earlier than including the honey. In the event you nonetheless see separation, you’ll be able to all the time use an electrical hand mixer to mix the oils with the honey, as soon as the balm has fully cooled, then spoon it into your containers.
It’s also possible to use an emulsifying wax to carry the whole lot collectively (see the second recipe under).
Storage
With out a preservative, it ought to final 3-6 months with no need refrigeration. With a preservative, it ought to final a few 12 months.
However like all home made magnificence merchandise, in the event you discover a change in scent or consistency or in the event you see mildew, toss it out.
FAQ
The consistency of your balm is determined by the ratio of beeswax to service oils. Extra beeswax ends in a tougher balm, whereas extra oil makes it softer. Modify these ratios to realize your required consistency. In case your balm is simply too onerous, re-melt it and add extra oil; if too mushy, add extra beeswax.
Sure, for these in search of a vegan option, candelilla wax or soy wax can be utilized as options to beeswax. Understand that these waxes have completely different consistencies and melting factors, so you might want to regulate your recipe accordingly.
Completely! Be happy to experiment by including elements like vitamin E oil for its antioxidant properties, or completely different butters (similar to cocoa) to boost moisturizing advantages. Every addition can change the balm’s consistency and properties, so small take a look at batches are really helpful.
Wealthy Honey Hand Balm
Dry, cracked winter pores and skin isn’t any match for this home made hand balm.
Yield: 8 ounces
Value: $10
Supplies
Easy Honey Hand Balm (with out Emulsifier or Preservative)
Honey Hand Balm with Emulsifier and Preservative
Directions
-
Mix the whole lot aside from the uncooked honey, Leucidal Liquid SF (if utilizing), and important oils in a microwave secure bowl.
-
Microwave in 30-second increments for 1–2 minutes, till the oils and beeswax have fully melted. Alternatively, you should use a double boiler to soften your oils.
-
Place the bowl of melted oils within the freezer for about 2 minutes. While you take it out, the combination must be strong across the edges however nonetheless liquid within the center.
-
Stir for about 15 seconds till the combination comes collectively virtually like a thick batter.
-
Add the honey, Leucidal Liquid SF (if utilizing), and important oils. Stir once more. Whereas the Leucidal SF says to let the combination cool in a single day earlier than including, I’ve discovered that the balm is way too strong at that time to combine effectively. I want so as to add it when the balm is barely at room temperature and nonetheless mixable.
-
Spoon the balm right into a lidded glass container, and pop it into the fridge for quarter-hour to chill fully.
-
Let the balm solidify earlier than utilizing.
Notes
In the event you want your hand balm to be on the tougher facet, use extra wax. In the event you want it to be creamier, use much less wax and extra shea butter. Be happy to regulate any of the elements to satisfy your wants.
This publish was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with in depth expertise in medical, beauty, and surgical dermatology. Be taught extra about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As all the time, this isn’t private medical recommendation, and we suggest that you just discuss together with your physician.
