The 10 DIY Skin Care Recipes You Need for Dry Winter Skin

Dry skin and the cold winter weather go together hand in hand. The winter weather can be brutal in some areas (hello negative temperatures), which does not help with taking care of skin. I don't know about you, but for me dry, itchy skin is something that I expect and try to prepare for once the cold weather makes its way in. Also, with the combination of the cold weather, dry air, low humidity, heat sources and even a hot shower or bath, definitely adds to the dryness in skin.

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Luckily, my skin has never gotten to the point where it starts to crack or break, which can leads to infections if not treated. But, I know for skin types, this can be a common problem. Stocking up on a variety of lotions, balms, oils and sugar scrubs can help give skin temporary relief, but they can just be so darn expensive. And some are even filled with harsh chemicals, perfumes or alcohol that can really irritate dry skin.

For all of you who struggle with dry, itchy skin, we're here to help you! Here is a list of chemical-free, DIY skin care recipes that you can make right at home with a few simple ingredients.

They are filled with all-natural ingredients that won't be harmful on skin, unlike some store-bought products. They even make great homemade gifts for you to give out to that friend you know struggles with dry skin.

1. Homemade All-Natural Body Butter Recipe

Get relief from those dry, cracked hands with this DIY body butter recipe. Chemical-free and using only four ingredients, this body butter is perfect for both mama and the kids.

It's made with organic Shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba or almond oil and a few drops of essential oils. The Shea butter and oils are easy to find on Amazon.com or at a health food store, but when it comes to essential oils, you want to make sure to get the best of the best.

There are a ton of brands and scents out there, but some just aren't the real deal. I highly recommend using a brand that I came across not too long ago, Simply Earth. I've been able to find pretty much any type of pure essential oil and blend that smell amazing and most importantly, high quality.

To get that whipped butter like consistency, mix this up in your KitchenAid and I'm sure you'll never go back to store bough body butter.

Find the recipe here.

2. Coconut Oil In-Shower Lotion Bars

This recipe for coconut oil lotion bars are a fun DIY skin care project that would look so pretty piled up in mason jars and given out as gifts. Beat dry skin this winter with these homemade bars that only require two ingredients- coconut oil and essential oils of your choice. Melt the coconut oil and mix with about 30 drops of essential oil and pour into your favorite silicone mold.

If you giving these out as gifts for the holidays, why not use a festive mold like a heart for Valentine's Day or or a flower for Easter.

To use these lotion bars, take one bar into the shower with you and rub your body and face with it. Rinse off with warm water and you'll notice hydrated, soft skin in minutes. You can even follow up after your shower with another DIY skin care product like a natural face wash or a salt scrub.

Here's the recipe.

3. Easy 3-Ingredient Coffee Body Scrub Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite DIY skin care product! If you live on coffee (who doesn't?), but kind of feel guilty throwing away those leftover coffee grinds, you have to try out this homemade body scrub recipe made without any toxic ingredients.

It's perfect for dry, itchy skin that needs some extra exfoliating and hydration. You can't beat that it only uses three ingredients to help scrub away at those dead skin cells, too. With coffee grinds (used or unused grinds), brown sugar and coconut oil, your dry skin will feel brand new!

Make sure to store in any leftover scrub in a sealed container in the refrigerator to prevent mold from forming.

Here's the recipe.

4. Miracle Salve Recipe

This DIY miracle salve might just solve all of your dry skin problems. It will help soothe and moisturize even the most difficult scaly skin that you want to keep refreshed for the wintertime and it'll help hydrate skin from windburn, itchy hands and feet and even your child's eczema. It works wonders with nourishing ingredients like: beeswax pellets (sold on Amazon), coconut oil, avocado oil, Shea butter and essential oils.

Tip from this recipe: be sure to melt the beeswax and Shea butter slowly over medium-low heat. This is important because there are many beneficial enzymes in these ingredients that you do not want to harm. Try your best to preserve all of their magical qualities, even if it takes some extra patience.

Keep it handy in your purse or bag in little mason jars so your ready to beat that dry skin.

Here's the recipe.

5. Homey Whipped DIY Hand Cream

This homemade whipped body cream will help heal dry winter skin, while smelling sweet enough to eat (I don't recommend eating it though). Made with natural products, this DIY cream will store well around the house or in your bag and it only take four natural ingredients to make.

Your dry skin will feel silky smooth when you rub in this whipped body cream mixture made with coconut oil, Shea butter and raw honey. You can also add in essential oils and even a drop of vanilla extract for a beautiful aroma.

I know it might sound a little strange that this recipe contains honey, because it obviously has a very sticky feel to it, however when you rub it into your skin it shouldn't feel as sticky. And did you know that honey, specifically local, raw honey has a ton of incredible health benefits to it?

While it is a great ingredient to have around when your fighting a cold, honey can also work wonders on your skin. It's an antibacterial agent, pore minimizer, soothing moisturizer for eczema and dry skin along with a ton of other benefits.

This DIY body cream will make a great gift to put in a small jar with a festive ribbon wrapped around it. You and your friends will be happy you added this to your skin care routine!

Here's the recipe.

6. Vanilla Bean Winter Lotion Bar

Homemade lotion bars are a unique, but healthy way to treat dry, chapped skin during the cold winter season. Just take a bar in your hands and you'll notice it start to melt with the natural warmth from your body. Rub the lotion all over for silky smooth skin while defeating that dry skin! Also, eve though this recipe is vanilla scented, do not use vanilla extract as a substitute for vanilla essential oil. You can find vanilla essential oil here or you can use any other oil of your choice.

You can make the mixture and pour it into an ice cube tray or a fun shaped silicone tray. These bars will store well in a container in your home, just make sure that the room temperature isn't too warm to prevent these homemade bars from melting.

Here's the recipe.

7. Healing Dry Skin Balm

This inexpensive all-natural skin balm is full of nourishing ingredients that will help cure almost any type of skin problem. Use it all over on dry patches or for specific areas like feet, cuticles, elbows, lips for a lip balm, etc.It is also a great way to use up any empty lip balm tins or mason jars hanging around. Just clean them out and fill with the homemade balm mixture.

One of the interesting ingredients in this is Vitamin E oil. Vitamin E can really help repair damaged skin and is an ingredient found in many skin products. It's a natural antioxidant and nourishes dry skin that just needs a little TLC.

Free from chemicals and preservatives, you'll be happy you make this simple recipe to help heal dry skin.

Find it here.

8. DIY Oatmeal Milk Bath

There's nothing more relaxing and calming than a warm bath, especially if your soaking in a tub with this homemade recipe that can help out your dry skin.

The combination of oatmeal and dried milk is a natural way to reduce irritation and redness that comes with dry skin. Soaking in a scoop full of this homemade recipe will hydrate, exfoliate and smooth skin while being a super relaxing spa-like experience at the same time from the essential oils.

Turn down the lights and pour a glass of wine because I'm sure you'll have this part of your routine in no time.

Here is the recipe.

9. DIY Intense Moisturizing Body Butter

I think we all need this DIY body butter recipe in our lives! It's intense and hydrating with a ton of all-natural ingredients like: Shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, calendula oil, vitamin e oil and lavender essential oil.

If you haven't heard of calendula oil, it's oil extracted from marigold flowers. Calendula oil will help sooth cuts and sores while also moisturizing dry skin and eczema. Find calendula oil on Amazon.

Make sure to store this body butter in a cool dry place and say goodbye to dry skin for good!

Here's the recipe.

10. Hydrating Winter Body Scrub

Make sure you have this DIY body scrub nearby because you'll definitely need it to help defeat dry, itchy skin this season! This homemade body scrub will help hydrate and exfoliate your skin and can be used in the shower or bath right after washing your body with water and soap.

This chemical-free body scrub is loaded with some of the best ingredients for dry skin like: coconut oil, almond & avocado oil, organic green tea leaves, brown sugar, sea salt and essential oils. How relaxing and refreshing does that sound?

Try it out here.

Watch: This 3-Ingredient Cocktail Cures the Common Cold