Body Lotions
Frequent cleasing from our daily showers and bathing rituals may keep us clean and sweet-smelling, but it depletes our skin of moisture and natural skin oils. To attempt to create a balance, our skin produces more of these oils, which leads to enlarged pores and other skin problems. It loses its ability to store water and nutrients. To combat this moisture and oil depletion in our skin, first pat yourself dry rather than rubbing, then take the time to apply a body lotion daily - one that is light and moisturizing, and preferably made with essential oils. Smooth on the lotion when your skin is still slightly damp, as it will blend with the water and be drawn more easily into the skin - sealing in the water that was absorbed during your shower. Massage it into the skin, using circular motions. This has an added benefit - it tones the muscles.Herbal oils for dry skin:
- avocado oil
- olive oil
Soothing oils for sensitive skin:
- sweet-almond oil
- St. John's-wort oil
Echinacea tincture:
- has antibacterial properties and restores inflamed tissue Recipies for Home-made Body Lotions*For Dry Skin:2 tbsp. avocado oil
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. beeswax
2 tsp. shea butter
3 tbsp. distilled water
1 tbsp. echinacea tincture
1/2 tsp. borax powder
8 drops helichrysum essential oil
5 drops benzoin essential oil
4 drops frankincense essential oil
4 drops neroli essential oil
For Sensitive Skin:2 tbsp. sweet-almond oil
2 tbsp. St. John's-wort oil
2 tsp. beeswax2 tsp. shea butter
3 tbsp. distilled water
1 tbsp. echinacea tincture
1/2 tsp. borax powder
8 drops chamomile essential oil
8 drops helichrysum essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
In a double-broiler, heat the two oils with the beeswax and shea better to about 140 degrees F, until all of the ingredients have melted. Remove from heat. In another pot, heat the distilled water and the echinacea tincture to 140 degrees F. Stir in the borax powder until its fully dissolved. Remove from heat. Add the mixture of oils, beeswax and shea butter to the mixture of distilled water, echinacea tincture and borax powder until it has a creamy consistency. Cool the mixture until its warm enough to touch. Then mix in the appropriate essential oils. Transfer to a lotion bottle. A Light Moisturizer:1/2 cup distilled water
3 tsp. glycerin
5 drops lemon essential oil
Pour the ingredients into a storage or spritz bottle, shake vigorously. Apply with a cotton ball or spray lightly.
*Body lotion contains water, and therefore, has a rather short shelf life - 2 months or so. If refrigerated, it can last up to 4 months. See Massage OilsSee Floral/Aromatherapy Perfumes