Homemade Unscented Lotion

I’m preparing for my first peel this season by making my own post-peel and heal lotion. I’m sick of all the chemicals and unnatural ingredients in everything I see. I decided to make something especially for my skin that would promote healing without irritating with fragrances, fillers, and chemicals.

After searching for homemade lotion potions, I attempted to make a few batches with a couple of different ingredients, made a few of adjustments, and have come up with a good recipe!

Ingredients

¼ cup distilled or pure water
¼ cup natural or organic oil or shea butter - whatever suits your skin **
1 tablespoon grated natural or organic beeswax

1 tablespoon natural aloe vera (optional)

**Shea butter is the best for a non-greasy feeling lotion, but see the listing below for oils based on skin type

Some recipes called for essential oils, which I find appealing for a body lotion, but I wanted something with no irritating additives or scents for my post-chemical peel healing.

I also used a grater, blender, pot, measuring cup, measuring spoon, and glass tub or pump.

Mixing

I put the oil and beeswax into a glass cup and set that in a pot of water on the stove, heat set to medium. It took about 4-5 minutes for the wax to melt (it won’t completely dissolve, but the shape becomes limp and the wax becomes more translucent than what you see in this picture).

After taking the cup of oil/wax mixture out of the pot, I poured the water into my blender and started blending on high with the top on.

Next, I slowly poured the oil/wax mixture into the blending water through the hole at the top, and it started emulsifying after about half of the mixture was in (it starts turning white). Clean up is messy!

I decided to fold in the Aloe Vera after I put the mixture into the glass tub. Note: left-over water that didn't mix into the lotion means a higher speed on the blender is necessary.

That’s it! Chemical-free, unscented lotion made for my skin to promote healing after my chemical peel. I may end up using it all the time!

Storage

Because there are NO preservatives in this lotion, I plan to use it all within a week; it could easily last longer, especially if I keep it in the fridge, but that's not convenient and who likes cold lotion?

Although I’m currently storing my lotion in a glass tub, I plan to go out and find a nice glass pump.

Usage

Remember, too much of a good thing...is NOT a good thing. I've noticed that I need only a small dab of this lotion after I cleanse. It really does a great job of moisturizing and locking that moisture in. I have acne-prone skin, so I always start slowly with any new product to see how my skin reacts. I'm loving this so far!

Selecting an Oil

OIL (skin type)	BENEFITS
Almond, Sweet Oil  (for combo, irritated, sun-damaged skin)	Non-greasy, rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and E, ideal for irritated skin, helps balance the skin, evens the skin tone, smoothes wrinkles and soothes itchy skin.
Apricot Kernel Oil  (for combo, reactive, sensitive skin)	High in vitamins A, B and E, easily absorbed by the skin, relieves itchiness, protects skin against the elements and nourishing.
Argan Oil  (dry, melasma, irritated, sun-damaged, mature skin)	Heals damaged skin, lightens scars, smoothes skin, gives skin glowing appearance, high in unsaturated fatty acids, retains moisture and soothes irritated and inflamed skin.
Avocado Oil  (mature, dry, sun-damaged skin)	Helps skin to produce collagen, high in vitamins A, B, D and E, relieves skin damaged by the sun and soothes dry skin.
Grapeseed Oil  (oily, mature skin)	Rich in antioxidants that are more powerful than vitamins C and E, ideal for cleansing the face as it removes grease effectively, aids the skin with the production of collagen and locks in moisture.
Hazelnut Oil  (sun-damaged, irritated, oily skin)	Lightens dark spots and acne scars, soothes irritated and inflamed skin, easily absorbed by skin and a great astringent.
Jojoba Oil  (acne-prone, red/irritated, oily skin)	Nourishes the skin, anti-inflammatory, breaks down sebum in clogged pores, good for sensitive skin and rich in vitamins E and B.
Olive Oil  (mature, dry, irritated skin)	Gives a radiant and glowing complexion, high in antioxidants, maintains the elasticity of skin and regulates sebum.
Sunflower Oil  (mature, oily skin)	Rich in Vitamin A, D and E, thin and not greasy and anti-aging.