I mixed some of my favorite oils together to create this amazing lotion. It's simple to make, feels great on the skin and by adding a few essential oils gives you some natural protection from damaging UV rays. For a different smell, or if you aren't looking for sun protection, use different essential oils. Be aware that some essential oils can cause a sun sensitivity. Here is a brief benefit of each oil: 1. Shea butter: Reduces inflammation of the skin, moisturizes the skin with a variety of essential fatty acids along with vitamins A and E. Also, allows for collagen repair which keeps the skin smooth and may reduce wrinkles. Approximate SPF of 3-6 2. Coconut oil: Antibacterial, tons of essential fatty acids, proteins and vitamin. This oil also helps reduce inflammation and repair skin tissue. Even beneficial for rashes and cuts. Approximate SPF of 2-8 3. Avocado oil: Helps with the absorption of this lotion into the skin. Is also loaded with supple skin suppliers of essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Approximate SPF 4-15 4. Cocoa butter: Aids in the repair and hydration of the skin. It is known to help with eczema and sunburns, scar repair and stretch mark reduction. Plus, if you like chocolate, it smells awesome! 5. Vitamin E oil: Antioxidant, fat-soluble vitamin essential for cellular repair and protection. 6. Carrot seed oil: Beta-carotene in this oil helps stimulate growth, repair damage and detoxify the skin. SPF of 38 - 40 7. Lavender Oil: This oil not only smells nice, it helps repel insects, in antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It helps calm the nerves, which may aid in decrease of headaches. SPF of 3-6 | Using a double broiler, melt and mix the shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil and cocoa butter together. I have used a glass jar inside of a large stainless steel mixing bowl. I heated water in a tea kettle, put the oils in the glass jar, poured the hot water into the stainless steel bowl and placed the jar in the water. I also did this with a bowl to melt the cocoa butter. It is hard and compact in the container, so putting the container in a bowl of hot water helped in getting it out of the jar. Once oils are mixed well, place the jar in the refrigerator until it begins to solidify. I usually pull it out after approximately one hour in the fridge. Then, mix in the vitamin E oil and essential oils. Once well blended, return to the fridge to let it finish solidifying. I usually leave it until I am ready to use it for the first time. Notes: Carrot seed oil is not the greatest smell, so you may want to leave it out and just use the lavender oil. Other oils that are wonderful for the skin are frankincense,patchouli, myrrh, sandalwood or neroli. These oils tend to be much more expensive, but are wonderful for health and anti-aging of the skin. For more skin protection you can use raspberry seed oil and add frankincense or myrrh oil. I have not located raspberry oil in the store yet, so once I get my hands on it I may be posting another lotion recipe! : ) |