I don't know about you but I am sooooo ready for Spring. I am counting down the days until warm weather returns. I've even threatened my husband that I'm moving south or really just anywhere that's warm. These brutally cold temperatures have wrecked havoc on my skin, especially my hands. With
being a nurse comes the job of washing my hands 500 times in a shift. (I know I am exaggerating but that's what it feels like :) So between using the awful hospital soap and the dry cold weather, my hands were cracked, dry and felt like sand paper.
being a nurse comes the job of washing my hands 500 times in a shift. (I know I am exaggerating but that's what it feels like :) So between using the awful hospital soap and the dry cold weather, my hands were cracked, dry and felt like sand paper.
A couple weeks ago, I got fed up. Not only were my hands a mess, but my 20 month old little girl had several red, dry, scaly patches on her outer thighs, behind her elbows and on her cheeks. How many of you suffer from skin issues as well? I have tried so many things but nothing helped. I was determined to find a natural cream that would help both me and her. And guess what? I did... using a "secret ingredient". I am so excited to share it with all of you!
I did some research and turned my kitchen into a "science lab" (as my husband calls in) to figure out the best ratios for the ingredients. Are you ready to hear what my secret ingredient is?? Well it's not really a secret. People have been using this ingredient for decades. Drum roll please... It's Lard!!! Now I'm sure your next thought is... Has she lost her mind?! Haha!! Well let me just explain.
Why Use Lard for Skin Health?
Lard is stable and has a very beneficial fatty acid profile. Lard is typically about 40-42% saturated fat. Did you know that about 50% of the structure of our cell membrane comes from saturated fats? It just makes sense it would be so helpful to our skin. Lard is very nourishing and hydrating for the skin. Saturated fats act as carriers of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, which are all great for skin health. It also has an abundance of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to have calming effects on our body.
Contrary to what you may be thinking, lard is easily absorbed by our skin. It leaves your skin feeling smooth without the greasy residue.
It is VERY important that lard is from pastured, 100% grass-fed pigs. Pesticides, antibiotics and synthetic hormones are stored in fat. Most of the lard you find in your local grocery store has been harvested from "factory farmed" pigs. It has been hydrogenated, bleached and deodorized, and emulsifiers and other chemicals have been added. So please don't go to your grocery store and just buy any kind of lard. Know what you are getting! You can render your own lard. Learn to do so here. Or purchase from the link provided below.
I also added coconut oil and jojoba oil to the cream. Both absorb easily into the skin and have wonderful skin calming properties. I used Young Living Roman Chamomile Essential Oil for an ADDED BONUS. Roman Chamomile EO has many, many benefits, including supporting skin health. Let me just say, this cream worked like magic!!
Ingredients:
- 3 Tablespoons of Organic Lard (Where to find)
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil (Where to find)
- 1/2 teaspoon Jojoba Oil (Where to find)
- 5 drops of Young Living Roman Chamomile Essential Oil- I only use therapeutic essential oils in our house. You can find them HERE. (You may also try Lavender or Melrose)
Directions:
- In a double broiler or glass bowl, melt lard and coconut oil on low heat. It won't take long for them to melt. Liquid will be barely luke warm.
- Remove from heat and add jojoba oil and Roman Chamomile Essential Oil. Stir to mix.
- Pour mixture into a glass storage container. You can find glass storage containers here or here
- Place your mixture in the refrigerator and let solidify. This gives the cream a smoother consistency than letting it cool at room temperature.
That's it!! Super easy. Just apply as needed. Both my hands and my daughter's skin were better within a couple days. This cream should be good for at least 6 months. If stored in the fridge, even longer.
How to Get Started with Essential Oils
- Sign up for my FREE 21-day essential oil email class to learn the basics
- Join my Oily Rockstars Facebook Group to connect with others and share tips and recipes for DIY beauty, cleaning and much more!
- Find out how to buy essential oils at wholesale, 24% off retail prices (and get freebies from me!)
Many Blessings,
Heather
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