DIY // Essential Oil Defuser

Before I moved, I really wanted to purchase a defuser for my essential oils. I went through endless articles trying to find which one was right for me. However, after picking up one new item for my new place, and then another, and then a couple more, there was no more room in my budget for that perfect essential oil defuser.

However with a little research, I figured out I could make my own. It is a quick, easy, and cost efficient. It cost me under $5 to complete, not including the essential oils, of course.

Here is what you'll need:
- Depending on your budget, you could get a type of carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba, etc. Carrier oils can get expensive though, if they are not in the budget, then baby oil would work as well!
- Skewers
- Rubbing Alcohol (over 90 proof, it helps the oil move through the skewers quicker)
- A vase with a narrow neck (I found some beautiful vases at Goodwill)

First take six skewers and chop the ends off; it opens them up to absorb the liquid faster. Next you're going to mix 1/4 cup of the oil of your choice with 1 tsp. of rubbing alcohol into the vase. Then add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil(s) to the mix. With a skewer, blend the mixture together. Lastly, add the skewers and let them absorb the blend!

At first the mix will smell mostly of the rubbing alcohol, but that will subside within the next day. On day two, flip the skewers over to let the liquid absorb into the other side.
That's it!

I made two, a eucalyptus mix for in my bathroom, and a lavender-lemon-rosemary mix for my bedroom.
Enjoy!

My Simple Cure to Keratosis Pilaris

I've had keratosis pilaris ever since I could remember. It has plagued my arms, legs, and bottom for years. After trying every expensive lotion and creme in the book, I finally made a trip to the dermatologist. That is when I learned it was a condition influenced by genetics, which made sense because both my sister and my dad had it as well. It was also in that same visitation that I learned there was no actual cure for keratosis pilaris. To me, that was a huge blow. While I was use to the condition and it was never painful, I was fairly fed up with it.

What is Keratosis Pilaris? 
Mayo Clinic defines it as, "a common skin condition that causes rough patches and small, acne-like bumps, usually on the arms, thighs, cheeks and buttocks. Keratosis pilaris bumps are usually white, sometimes red, and generally don't hurt or itch." More specifically, it is dead skin that has built up around the hair follicles. 

However over the past two years I have experimented immensely with my dry skin. Through the process of trial and error, I have come to a conclusion of what works best for fighting my keratosis pilaris!

Quick & Easy Fix
1/ Drink plenty of water
2/ Avoid as much dairy as possible 
3/ Take baths frequently. Relax and give you pores some time to open up. I like to put coconut oil in my baths to moisturize and soften my skin.
4/ Scrubadubdub. According to Wellnessbin, normal skin is advised to be scrubbed and exfoliated at least twice a week. However for my dry skin, I have found that exfoliating it with either a dry brush or scrub during each shower/bath (3-4 times a week) helps immensely.

The Miracle Worker: Tea Tree Oil & Jojoba Oil 
The most important thing I could have ever done with my skin was this simplistic combo.

1/ In an amber or dark colored bottle, mix a 1/4 cup of jojoba oil (or argan, coconut, etc. I'm sure baby oil would work as well!) and 15-20 drops of tea tree essential oil and mix well. I found my amber 2 fl. oz. at my local co-op. I've also seen them at Whole Foods, health food stores, and the internet, of course. Also be careful not to add too much tea tree oil, for too much can be toxic to the skin. 

2/ With a cotton ball, use the mixture on fresh-out-of-the-shower skin and wipe the surface that is dry and rough.

The cotton ball will sloosh off so much of the dead skin and unclog the pores, while the oils will both moisturize and disinfect the skin. I do this after every shower. Feel free to skip some days if you skin is too dry. Then just moisturize with an natural oil. 

Hope some of these tips help you with your keratosis pilaris!

Any methods of keeping you keratosis pilaris away? Comment below!