Have you ever looked at the ingredients in commercial lotions and moisturizers? Many companies put alcohol in their lotions to dry your skin out faster and make you keep coming back for more. There are also a lot of toxic chemicals found in many skin care products, many of which have been banned in other countries:
- Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA): found to disrupt normal reproductive system development and thyroid hormone levels
- Oxybenzone (found in sunscreens): found to cause irritation, sensitization, allergies and low birth weight
- Parabens: an estrogen-mimicking preservative used in many products, found to disrupt your endocrine system, as well as cause liver damage and stomach cancers
- Petroleum: Often contaminated with cancer-causing impurities, since it is produced in oil refineries at the same time as automobile fuel, heating oil and chemical feedstocks.
- Retinyl and Retinols: Sunlight breaks down vitamin A to produce toxic free-radicals that can damage your DNA and cause skin lesions and tumors
Ewww.
I spent months trying to find an affordable off-the-shelf product that didn’t contain harmful ingredients. When that failed, I started making my own at home, with ingredients found in my kitchen. I now know exactly is getting absorbed by my skin. I use this lotion every day, even on my face, and I no longer have dry skin (I only apply once a day) or any facial skin issues.
What you need:
- 1 cup shea butter
- 1/2 cup unrefined coconut oil
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 10-15 drops your favorite essential oil (optional)
What to do:
Place a large mason jar in a small pot filled hallway with water (essentially making a double boiler) and heat over medium heat.
Place all ingredients into the mason jar and heat until everything is fully melted, stirring frequently.
Carefully remove mason jar from pot (or wait till it’s cool), and place on the counter (or in fridge) to cool. Stir body butter every few hours as it cools to maintain smooth consistency until it becomes solid. Enjoy!
Notes:
If when cooled it is grainy in texture, reheat to liquid again and re-cool, stirring more frequently this time.
After its fully cooled, if it is too liquidy, reheat and add in more shea butter, and recool.
You can use any essential oils you prefer. For the family lotions, I make a neutral scent with a combination of mint and bergamot. When I make some just for myself, I use lavender or jasmine.
