Tuesday 6 November 2007

The Good Stuff


For a former farmgirl, I've got ridiculously sensitive skin. Today we indulged in one of the little routines around here; making lotion. This is adapted from Jackie French's Natural Solutions:

3 parts oil : 1 part beeswax, grated

(I use sunflower oil, as it's high in vitamin E, relatively inexpensive, and I can get it Canadian made. If I'm splurging I add some calendula oil.) Heat the oil and wax in a double boiler (or, um, extra-from-Value-Village-'cause trying-to-wash-wax-doesn't-work-pot balancing precariously over another pot) until wax is melted. Take off heat, add a few drops of essential oil, and slowly whisk in about 1 part water (keep whisking! or else it gets lumpy, and lumpy lotion? booo!) Keep in the fridge.

Done!

It's inexpensive, pure, and, having tried everything else including doctor prescribed? This is the good stuff, baby!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, I had no idea you could make your own lotion. That sounds really cool. Do you have to keep it in the fridge all the time? So not exactly a pack-it-up-and-give-it-to-all-my-
sisters-for-Christmas kind of item?

Kate said...

you are inspiring! does it work nicely on the face? that's my dry skin problem in the winter, especially my eyelids...

Anonymous said...

I feel accomplished when I have time
to apply lotion.....oh girlnumbertwenty how i adore thee...

Unknown said...

o.k., you're all making me blush!

jen: it makes a great present (you don't have to keep it in the fridge, really, but i don't know for sure 'cause we go through it so fast). there's also a recipe for chocolate mint foot balm in that book that's to die for and makes a good present!

littlegreen: yep, use it on my face, it's a bit shiny, but a little powder takes care of that, but most days i'm au natural :-)

blu bird: ha! your adulation is duly noted, but i am afraid unwarranted :-) it doesn't count if making it is a necessity!

peace,

m

Anonymous said...

okay, m-sass fly girl, this recipe is fantastic! and so timely. just today i was coaxing the last bits of lotion out of the bottle...

patsijean said...

My dermetologist told me to use olive oil. I use the clear extra virgin olive oil (no I do not smell like a salad) all over. I was told to smooth olive oil on my face prior to washing (I cheat a bit here and use Neutrigena for sensivite skin bar). It is great. The olive oil emulsifies when lathering up my face. Not harsh at all. After applying the oilve oil to my face, I spread the extra on my arms and hands, and sometimes chest if I have poured out enough unto my hand. I asked him why the olive oil and he said it was because of the natural chemicals. He also told me to use Foamy for Sensitive Skin shaving cream for a body wash. Surprise! It is gentle and does clean. Your recipe using olive oil, or a combination of the two oils plus the Beeswax could be wonderful.

Anonymous said...

very cool! it reminds me of this book i have called "oils, lotions and other luxuries." i am inspired to look some recipes up, now. i forgot all about it--

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