This DIY Fir Needle Infused Skin Salve uses homemade fir infused oil and beeswax to create nourishing and moisturizing skincare. It's easy to make, has a light woodsy scent, and helps protect dry skin throughout the winter.
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Last summer, I made an amazing skin salve using calendula from my garden. I infused the calendula flower petals in oil, then combined them with beeswax and a few other simple ingredients to create a rich and creamy salve. It was totally hydrating, keeping my hands moisturized without feeling greasy.
So after writing up my 10 Ways to Repurpose Your Real Christmas Tree post, I decided to use my tree needles one more way - for a winter-worthy skin salve made with dried fir needles. The scent is light and refreshing! If you're looking for a way to keep your skin moisturized and protected during the colder months, this salve is perfect for locking in moisture and keeping your feeling skin soft and nourished.
Prepping Your Fir Needles
Whether or not the fir needles you've collected have been treated, I still recommend cleaning them. I do this by soaking them in warm water and dish detergent for at least 10 minutes. Agitate the water every now and then as they soak to remove dirt and debris from the needles. Then, give them a really good rinse and allow them to dry completely.
You can even spread them on a baking sheet and dry the needles on your lowest oven setting for a few hours. Once the needles are dried and "crispy," they'll be ready to cool and use. I store my dried needles in airtight containers, like mason jars.
Fir Needle Skin Benefits
Once the fir tree needles are prepared, you can make skin salve. Fir needles are actually really beneficial to skincare making them perfect for a winter skin salve.
- Antioxidants: Fir needles contain antioxidants and vitamin C, which help skin look healthier and protect skin from damage.
- Anti-inflammatory: If you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or redness, the oils in fir needles can help soothe the skin.
- Antibacterial: Fir needles contain antibacterial properties that can help control breakouts.
- Astringent Properties: Fir needles contain natural astringent properties that can help tighten skin.
DIY Fir Needle Infused Skin Salve
Now that we've prepped our fir needles and know some of the benefits of using them in skincare, we can create our own skin salve. First, we're going to make a quick oil infusion using dried fir needles and a carrier oil. Once the oil is ready, we'll mix it with beeswax pellets and some optional oils like essential oil and vitamin E oil. Then, pour it into an airtight container, allow it to solidify, and use as needed!
SUPPLIES
- 1/2 cup dried fir needles, or pine needles, finely chopped and crushed to release fragrance
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2-1 tbsp. beeswax pellets
- Optional: essential oil (I used 3-4 drops of orange oil + 1-2 drops balsam fir oil), vitamin E oil
- Small saucepan
- Cheesecloth
STEPS
- Add the dried fir needles and coconut oil to a small saucepan.
- Heat on low just until the coconut oil melts. Once melted, turn off the heat, but leave the pan on the stovetop for at least 30 minutes. Crush the fir needles with the back of a spoon to release oils.
- Strain oil through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Discard the needles.
- If oil has cooled, warm it up on the stovetop for a minute or two. Then, stir in the olive oil, beeswax, essential oil, and vitamin E oil.
- Pour salve mixture into a clean airtight jar.
- Allow salve to solidify. Then, store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.
This homemade skin salve has a shelf life of about a year when stored properly. Use it on hands, the heels of your feet, and elbows. I like to use it after a shower to lock in moisture. It's also really nice before bedtime.
Did you make this DIY Fir Needle Infused Skin Salve project? Share it on social media using the hashtag #holokahome. Don’t forget to tag me @holokahome!
