Lavender is super soothing and moisturizing, so why not try making this easy DIY lavender body lotion for dry skin?
I can’t be the only one who struggles with dry skin in winter. The dry flaky and tight feeling is not something to look forward to during the cold and dry months.
The good news is that you can actually create a little something-something to help hydrate and calm your dry skin.
Welcome this DIY lavender body lotion for dry skin!
If you’re someone who suffers from dry hands or rough elbows and knees, then this DIY lotion is also for you!
It contains just a few ingredients as we shall see below:
What’s in this DIY Lavender Body Lotion for Dry Skin?
💜 Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is a multi-purpose essential oil but it’s known for its soothing properties. It’s good for healing dry skin as well as deeply moisturizing it.
Adding it to this body lotion makes your skin soft and smooth.
The anti-inflammatory properties in lavender essential oil help reduce irritation, redness and rashes.
Lavender also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that fight microbes and keep your skin healthy all-round.
What’s more is that it has strong antioxidant properties that promote youthful skin.
💜 Distilled Water
Distilled water is necessary for making this lotion hydrating without making it greasy.
It makes the lotion more liquid than solid.
Make sure to use distilled water not tap water, because distilled water is pure and has no contaminants.
💜 Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is ultra-moisturizing. It contains fatty acids that are essential in maintaining healthy skin.
These medium chain fatty acids contribute to skin elasticity and suppleness.
It is an excellent natural moisturizer that improves hydration and accelerates healing in the skin.
Lauric acid in coconut oil also exhibits strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that protect skin from infections.
💜 Beeswax
Beeswax is the emulsifier that helps bring the lotion together, since it contains both water and oil that can’t mix when used alone. It helps solidify the lotion.
This natural substance also has the ability to seal moisture in the skin.
It’s a good emollient that helps lubricate dry skin.
DIY Lavender Body Lotion For Dry Skin
When you have dry skin, you know you need to rub in a lot of lotion so this recipe makes about 10-11 oz of lotion.
What you need
- 8 oz distilled water (where to get it)
- 6 oz coconut oil (where to get it)
- 1.5 oz grated beeswax (where to get it)
- 35 drops lavender essential oil (where to get it)
- ½ teaspoon of liquid Germall plus preservative (where to get it)
- Double boiler (where to get it)
- Candy thermometer (where to get it)
- Food processor (where to get it)
- Air tight storage containers (where to get it)
Directions
- Begin by sterilizing your container(s) that you are going to store your lotion. Do this by washing them thoroughly then placing it and the lid in boiling water. Remove after 5 minutes and wipe thoroughly to remove all drops of water.
- Pour 2 inches of water into the bottom of your double boiler and heat it over a medium low flame.
- In a separate pan, add 8 oz of distilled water and heat it until it is just beginning to boil then simmer on low for 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, on the top part of the double boiler, add the beeswax and gently melt it. When it has just melted, slowly add the coconut oil, stirring the whole time with a spatula.
- Remove both water and oil from the stove and test the temperature of both using a candy thermometer.
- While they are both still warm and the oils are still liquid, adjust the temperatures so they are the same.
- Now gently pour the water into the food processor and turn it on so it start mixing.
- Immediately start pouring the warm oil into the open end of the food processor in a slow thin stream.
- Keep the food processor running until the ingredients have begun to form a silky lotion-like texture. It’s going to continue thickening as it cools.
- Remove the top of the food processor and keep it off so every 15 minutes in an hour, you gently stir the white cream as it thickens.
- Add the preservative and stir with the spatula.
- Pour the mixture into your sterilized container(s).
- Let it set completely before use. You can keep it in the fridge till it sets fully.
- Store in a cool, dry and dark place.
Notes
- For warmer climates, you can substitute the coconut oil with shea butter so the lotion remains silky and thick, instead of separating.
- It’s safe to do a patch test with this DIY lavender body lotion to see that your skin doesn’t have an adverse reaction to the ingredients. The inner wrist or forearm is the best place to do the test since the skin there is sensitive and can show signs of irritation easily. If you notice irritation, discontinue use.
- Pregnant women, nursing mothers and babies should avoid certain essential oils so be sure to do some research to see if you’re okay to use lavender essential oil. Lavender is one of the essential oils that is safe and doesn’t cause any reactions for people. But just in case, do your homework beforehand.
There’s nothing like a good lotion to soothe your skin! Try this DIY lavender body lotion for dry skin and come share your thoughts in the comments below.
Leave a Reply