Why not spoil Dad this year with a DIY Natural Self Care gift? Here is a simple Fave formula for you to try at home!

Aftershave Whip Balm

Shea butter

Shea Butter is a must in this recipe. It can be melted and whipped into almost a delightful frosting state and is super moisturizing!

It heals and nourishes the skin, protecting it from harsh weather conditions, healing and soothing a sunburn, desensitizing a rash, and calming irritated skin. What’s more, is how soft and smooth it leaves the skin feeling!

Above all, shea has anti-aging properties and helps to boost the skin’s natural elasticity.

Comedogenic rating: 0-2

WHAT IS THE COMEDOGENIC SCALE?

The comedogenic scale is ranked by how likely it is that any specific ingredients, such as oils and butters used in cosmetic product formulation, will clog pores. Anyone who is susceptible to acne breakouts and blackheads should avoid highly comedogenic oils, as they are likely to cause recurring acne problems. However, people with drier skin might prefer a more emollient oil toward the middle of the scale.

The scale uses a numbering system of 0 to 5. Here’s how the numbers rank on the scale:

0 - won’t clog pores at all

1 - very low likelihood of clogging pores

2 - moderately low likelihood

3 - moderate likelihood

4 - fairly high likelihood

5 - high likelihood of clogging pores

WHAT DOES NON-COMEDOGENIC MEAN?

Non-comedogenic ingredients are substances that do not clog pores and have a comedogenic rating of 2 or less. And just about any substance with a rating of 5 pretty much guarantees that a person who is prone to acne breakouts will have one. The comedogenic scale below looks at oils and butter in a particular.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet Almond promotes smooth and flawless skin, and is perfect for you if you suffer from sensitive or dry skin. It’s a mild oil that is full of antioxidants that generally benefit your skin in terms of healing, smoothing, and anti-aging.

It can also remove dark circles and soothe irritated skin.

If your skin is prone to acne, feel free to substitute Sweet Almond oil with Hazelnut oil, Hemp seed oil, or Rosehip seed oil.

If you have a nut allergy you can also substitute Jojoba oil, Olive oil, Safflower oil or Sunflower oil or add additional Argan oil for Sweet Almond oil.

Comedogenic rating: 2

Apricot Kernel Oil

Apricot oil is similar in weight to human sebum making it extremely nourishing to the skin. It is a great oil to help up port trans epidermal water loss and to help skin retain its moisture.

Apricot oil is rich in vitamin A & E and oleic & linoleic fatty acids. Used in topical formulations, Apricot Kernel Oil moisturizes dry, sensitive skin and smooths out blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines, and other symptoms of maturing skin.

Those with nut allergies who want to experience the healthful properties of oils such as Sweet Almond Carrier Oil, can benefit from substituting it with Apricot Kernel Oil.

Applied to itchy, chapped, wounded, or sore skin, Apricot Kernel Oil facilitates faster healing without leaving a greasy residue.

Used medicinally, Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil works to soothe problems related to stiff and aching joints as well as symptoms of cold, cough, and constipation.

Apricot Kernel oil properties include being anti-Inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, an antioxidant, a revitalizing emollient and is a good choice for anti-aging.

Comedogenic rating: 2

Argan Oil

Argan oil is very moisturizing! It has a high vitamin E content which gives your skin extra nourishment. It’s easily absorbed and nin-greasy as well.

With its anti-aging benefits, Argan oil is also excellent for dry and irritated skin.

It promotes skin healing, protects it from the elements reduces inflammation and gives skin a healthy glow by offering a dose of powerful antioxidants!

Comedogenic rating: 0

Aloe Vera Gel, Juice or Extract

Aloe Vera in any form is a must-have in our home. I use it all summer long for after sun therapy since it’s great for sunburn, rashes, itchy skin, inflammation and wind burn after a day on the water!

Aloe vera promotes the healing process of the skin. It provides hydration and has anti-infection properties. One of the best things about it (one of many), is that it doesn’t leave a greasy film on your skin. It softens and soothes, but doesn’t clog pores.

It’s useful both for various skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea, as well as a powerful healer for acne scars and even stretch marks!

**If using Aloe Vera Juice or Extract you will need to use a broad spectrum natural preservative in this formula. Aloe Gel is preserved prior to pa along so does not require this extra step**

Eucalyptus globulus [Eucalyptus] essential oil

Eucalyptus is one of my go-to essential oils for men. It leave a crisp, clean, slightly herbaceous scent behind.

Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It’s effective at promoting the healing of small wounds from shaving. Microscopic nicks that aren’t visible to the naked eye. It is a natural healer and calmer of cuts, acne and general skin infections. It also has minor anti-fungal properties. All of these make it an excellent addition to the formula.

Yes, it has a refreshing smell, but it also boosts the healing process of the skin. Since there are always potential razor cuts when shaving, eucalyptus is there to promote natural healing! Eucalyptus is a great formula addition as well because of its ability to soothe irritated skin, like many men’s skin after shaving.

Citrus sinensis [Sweet Orange] essential oil

Sweet Orange essential oil is your best choice for that quick extra kick of energy. The uplifting scent of this oil is one of the reasons I add it to many formulas. We all know regardless of what they say, men need an extra energy boost as well!

Sweet Orange essential oil is loaded with beneficial properties that include being anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial! It’s a natural cleanse for the skin and carries with it anti-aging dermal properties.

Lavandula angustifolia [Lavender] essential oil

Lavender has detoxifying properties for the skin along with skin-toning properties. It boosts circulation, and promotes a healthy glowing skin surface.

Lavender essential oil is also an evidence based oil for disinfecting the skin, that’s how it’s found its way into this balm formula for men. Manly or not, lavender helps to heal the skin, treats acne, is anti-inflammatory, and can help reduce redness and irritated skin. It’s a natural antiseptic, anxiolytic and has powerful anesthetic properties.

Cedrus atlantica [Cedarwood] essential oil

Cedarwood essential oil’s natural properties as an antiseptic, tonic, and an astringent make it very beneficial for men’s skin. Not only does the scent signature mediate the lavender effect, it has been shown to prevent infections, reduce inflammation, and improve skin conditions such as acne and eczema. It is calming and soothing and offers further natural nourishment to the skin.

Clinical evidence shows that Cedarwood essential oil is an optimal choice for the healing of acne scars and that it’s use encourages a brighter, clearer complexion. It is also highly moisturizing for the skin, which is why many companies and DIY people choose to add it to their skincare formulas for winter nourishment.

Among its attributes, one of my personal favourites is its delectable aroma. It is a well known fact that the sense of smell impacts memory and the scent of cedar will always make me feel my lumber mill grandfather nearby. One of its finer clinical attributes is its ability to minimize redness and the appearance of pores!

AFTERSHAVE WHIP BALM FOR DAD’S DAY

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp Shea Butter
• 2 tbsp Sweet Almond Oil
• 1 tbsp Apricot Kernel Oil
• 1 tbsp Argan Oil
• 4 tbsp Aloe Vera Gel
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 7 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 7 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops vitamin E oil

Instructions:

1. Melt shea butter on low temperature
2. Once melted, add carrier oils (almond, argan, and apricot) and aloe vera gel
3. Add essential oils and vitamin E
4. Stir the blend well
5. Set in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes
6. Once the upper layer has hardened a bit, take it from the fridge
7. Whip the lotion for a few minutes, until frosting like and fluffy
8. Set aside for 10 minutes and repeat the whipping again
9. Apply after shaving and prepare for enrichment via your nourished and smooth skin!

Notes:

Make sure aloe vera gel is already preserved. By using a preserved water-based ingredient you’ll avoid mold and bacteria growing in your whip balm.

If you choose to use Aloe extract or juice instead of the gel in the recipe you will need to use a natural broad spectrum preservative and may need to add a small amount of a natural mild thickener such as gelatin or xanthan gum.