Low Cost Moisturizing Creams
If you are fed up spending hundreds — or possibly thousands — of dollars on high-end moisturizing creams and are willing to put in some time and effort, then I have some good news for your skin and your budget: you can indeed make your own moisturizing cream at home. Here are some ideas that can give you soft, glowing and healthy skin throughout the year.
Homemade Peppermint Lotion for Body:
What you need: 4 ounces of unrefined coconut oil, 4 capsules of Vitamin E, and therapeutic-grade peppermint essential oil.
What to do: whip the unrefined coconut oil for about 15 minutes. Add the capsules of Vitamin E. Add 20 drops of peppermint essential oil (be careful here, some bottles pour out faster than others!). Blend everything together for about a minute, and pour into a container.
Homemade Cooling Lotion for Feet:
What you need: ¼ cut of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of emulsifying wax, 1 cup of distilled water, 30 drops of therapeutic-grade peppermint essential oil, and 15 drops of therapeutic-grade melaleuca essential oil.
What to do: mix the emulsifying wax, shea butter and olive oil in a bowl. Put the bowl in a pot of water, and heat to medium. Heat the distilled water in another pot. When they both reach the boiling point, combine and mix with a hand-held blender for a minute (make sure that the hot water doesn’t escape the pot and burn you!). Wait for the mixture to cool a little, and add the therapeutic-grade peppermint essential oil, and therapeutic-grade melaleuca essential oil. Put it in a bottle, jar or other container and you’re all set.
Note: Ensure that the mixture doesn’t get too thick, or it will be difficult to apply. Cosmetic companies use a laboratory-grade high pressure homogenizer to achieve the desired consistency. Don’t worry if your concoction is a little think and “globby.” It’s for your feet and not your face.
Homemade Oatmeal Facial Lotion for Face:
What you need: ½ cup of coconut oil, 5 tablespoons of jojoba oil, and 2 tablespoons or aloe vera gel. If possible, make sure all ingredients are organic.
What to do: Mix the jojoba oil and coconut oil in a blender. Add the aloe vera gel, and blend again. Scoop it into a container and store at room temperature.
The Bottom Line:
Keeping your skin nourished, hydrated and protected shouldn’t cost a small fortune. For a fraction of the cost, you can create all of the homemade lotions above in the comfort and convenience of your own kitchen — and fun at the same time!
