Homemade Herbal Body Lotion

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.
August 8, 2000

      Our daily baths and showers, while keeping us clean and sweet smelling, can also rob our skin of its natural oils and moisture. To compensate for the loss of oil, the skin produces more of it, which can lead to enlarged pores and other cosmetic problems. When the skin is robbed of too much moisture, it loses its ability to store water and nutrients.

      To prevent loss of oil and moisture after bathing or showering, pat yourself dry instead of rubbing, and take time to apply a body lotion every day. Lotions or oils that are moisturizing and light are best. These tend to retain the pH value of your skin and protect it against irritation. Massaging lotion onto the skin also has an added benefit - it helps to tone your muscles.

Applying lotion properly:
      Smooth body lotion onto your skin when it is still slightly damp. The lotion blends with the water and is drawn more easily into the skin, providing additional moisture and sealing in the water that was absorbed during your shower. To enhance the effect, give yourself a dry brush massage before applying the lotion. Use a soft, natural bristle brush in light, circular strokes. This will slough off dead skin cells, stimulate blood flow and open pores.

Witch-hazel extract for skin problems:
      A diluted extract of witch-hazel leaves and twigs will help alleviate skin inflammation and acne. Witch hazel has an anti-inflammatory effect and acts as a disinfectant, which enables it to provide relief to painful and slow-to-heal pustules. Witch hazel is also mildly astringent, and will reduce and constrict your pores, making them appear smaller.

Jojoba oil for oily skin:
       Oily skin that tends to develop blemishes often has an imbalance of acid and alkaline, usually because of the use of harsh astringents and cleaners. The skin, therefore, can't adequately protect itself from bacteria. To restore balance to the skin's protective coating, use a body lotion which contains jojoba oil. It will help to ease inflammation and encourage skin flora to normalize. Plus, jojoba oil is highly penetrative and will not further clog your pores.

Apricot-kernel oil for skin:
       Apricot-kernel oil is a nurturing, conditioning treatment for normal skin. The oil's fine consistency allows it to quickly penetrate, giving your skin a naturally fresh and soft luster. It is also recognized as one of the most delicate oils, making it a good ingredient for use in homemade lotions. Apricot-kernel oil is an excellent basic massage oil, as well.

Anhydrous lanolin:
       Anhydrous lanolin, one of the ingredients in the homemade body lotion, is simply lanolin with the water removed. It is available in health-food stores.


Body Lotions
For oily skin


For normal skin
For dry skin
  1. Slowly heat the oil, beeswax and lanolin in a double boiler until liquefied; remove from heat. (The beeswax and lanolin give lotion a creamy consistency.)
  2. Heat the witch-hazel extract, distilled water or the aloe-vera juice and borax over low heat, until the borax is dissolved; add the oil, beeswax and lanolin blend, stirring constantly with a whisk until a creamy emulsion forms. Remove from heat.
  3. Cool and then pour into clean bottles.
      Homemade water-based lotions have a short shelf-life, so use your lotion within 2 months. Additional bottles, however, will keep, refrigerated, for about 4 months.

A Light Moisturizer
      Pour the ingredients into a storage or spritz bottle and shake vigorously. Apply with a cotton ball or spray lightly.

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Sources:
      All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D