4 DIY Super Healing Winter Lotion Recipes You Will Love!

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One of the things everyone hates about winter is how dry your skin can get. Between the lower moisture levels, the blasting winds, the freezing cold and the dry, heated air from furnaces, your skin can feel like a piece of parchment paper by the middle of December!

The best way to avoid this problem is by using creams and lotions to add moisture back into your skin. You might be wary of using most commercial body lotions and creams because of all the toxic chemicals they contain, and you would be wise to feel this way.

You aren’t stuck with the choice of dry skin or toxic creams, you can make your own super nourishing body lotions at home! One of the best things about making your own lotion is that you can make them using your favorite essential oils. Essential oils are super healing and smell like a little slice of heaven every time you use them.

If possible, use fresh ingredients and fresh herbs when they are called for. If this isn’t possible, dried herbs will work. If you don’t already have some herb infused oils on hand, you might want to think about making some so that you will always have them on hand to whip up a batch of lotion anytime you like.

If you haven’t made herb infused oils, it’s easier than you might think. Depending on the type of oil you intend to use, for example, olive oil, simply warm the olive oil in a pan. Fill the container of your choice (always use glass or ceramic) about ¾ of the way full of the dried or fresh herbs you want to use, and then pour the warm oil over the herbs until they are completely covered. Tighten the lid and give the bottle a good shake or two, then put it in a warm place out of direct sunlight. Give the bottle a shake once or twice each day. You can leave the herbs in the oil for as little as 2 weeks or as long as 6 weeks. The longer you leave the herbs in, the stronger the oil becomes. When you are done, simply strain out the herbs.

One important thing to remember when you are making your lotion is that cleanliness is extremely important. You want your lotion to be free of bacteria or mold. The last thing you want is to be rubbing mold into your dry, cracked skin! So always use clean containers and wash your hands before, during, and after you make your lotion.

You might have some of these ingredients on hand but if you can’t find them at your local natural or health food store, try a farmer’s market. If all else fails, you can always purchase them online. By the way, these lotions make terrific holiday gifts!

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

1. Green Tea Winter Lotiogredients:

1 Ounce of kokum butter or shea butter
3 Ounces of herb infused olive oil ( try calendula flowers or rose petals)
6 Ounces of a double strength brew of green tea
½ Ounce of either vegetable glycerin or raw, organic honey
½ Ounce of emulsifying wax
½ Ounce of stearic acid
0.1 Ounce of citric acid
0.1 Ounce of rosemary extract
30 Drops of geranium essential oil
30 Drops of chamomile essential oil
25 Drops of cedarwood essential oil
15 Drops of frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

In a small sauce pan, add the kokum butter, herb infused olive oil, green tea, glycerin (or honey), wax, stearic acid, and citric acid. Heat over low flame until these ingredients are well combined and completely melted. Be sure to stir frequently and don’t allow this to boil. Remove the pan from the stove and using either an immersion blender or a wire whisk, stir gently until the mixture becomes creamy and thick. Add in your essential oils and the rosemary extract. Stir well, and then pour into your desired containers.

This lotion should keep for about 6 months if kept out of direct sunlight. Glass containers with tight fitting lids work best. If you decide to make a double batch for later use or to use as gifts, you can store this in the refrigerator, which will make it last even longer. If the lotion should separate in hot weather, simply shake it well before using.

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2. Awesome Aloe Vera Healing Lotion

Ingredients:

3.5 Ounces of distilled water
4 Ounces of aloe vera gel
0.3 of an Ounce of vegetable glycerin
3/4 of an Ounce of emulsifying wax
1 Ounce of camellia seed oil
¾ of an Ounce of jojoba oil
4 Capsules (broken and oil removed) of vitamin E oil
10 Drops of chamomile essential oil
3 Drops of Helichrysum essential oil

Instructions:

Use a kitchen scale for measuring. In a large Pyrex glass measuring cup, combine the water, aloe vera gel, and vegetable glycerin. Heat this in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or until very warm but not boiling. If you prefer, you can warm this on the stove in a saucepan. In a separate saucepan, put the wax and oil. Using in a low flame, warm until the wax has completely melted. Add the water/aloe vera mixture into the wax and mix gently until everything is well incorporated. Remove from the heat and stir occasionally until it has completely cooled. Once cool, whisk in the essential oils. You can put this in a pump top bottle or any other type of container that you desire. This should keep for 4 to 6 months in normal household temperatures.

3. Super Gentle Healing Winter Lotion

Ingredients:

5 Ounces of pure bees wax (if you don’t buy it in pellets you will need to grate it first. Don’t buy wax meant for candles as it can contain added things you don’t want. Buy pure beeswax )
1 Ounce of almond oil
1 Ounce of coconut oil
¼ Teaspoon of rose hip seed oil

Instructions:

In a double boiler (or put some water in a large pan then put a smaller pan inside) combine the wax and oils until everything has melted and is well incorporated. Once it is well mixed and warm, pour into a glass Pyrex measuring cup or a glass mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip this mixer (don’t forget to scrap the sides occasionally) until the lotion is creamy and has cooled to room temperature. This can take quite some time but your patience will pay off.

That’s it! This lotion is perfect for younger children or those with sensitive skin. Put in the container of your choice. When kept at normal household temperatures, this oil has a very long shelf life.

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4. Pure and Simple Winter Lotion

Ingredients:

1/8 Cup of bees wax pellets or grated bees wax
1/3 Cup of coconut oil
¼ Cup of either sweet almond oil, olive oil, or avocado oil
1 Cup of shea butter or organic cocoa butter
1 Tablespoon pure aloe vera gel
1 Tablespoon raw, organic honey

Instructions:

Add all ingredients except for the honey and aloe vera gel in a double boiler over low heat until all the oils and butters melt together. Be sure there are no solid pieces still left, everything must be melted and well mixed. Now add the aloe vera and honey until these are also completely dissolved and incorporated into the mix. Turn off the heat and allow to cool, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches room temperature. Once it has reached room temperature, place the container in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Remove from the refrigerator and whip in either your blender or with a hand mixer, for about 5 or 6 minutes. It should look something like a thin whipped cream. Cover (you can just put a plate over the bowl) for another 3 or 4 hours or until it becomes more firm. Spoon into the container of your choice. This lotion will keep for 6 weeks or so. You can store it in the fridge, if you like, so that it will keep for several months.

References:

www.europepmc.org

www.mayoclinic.org

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