I try to hydrate and drink many minerals (including salt water), but sometimes my skin needs a little more hydration. This aloe vera lotion soothes dry skin and leaves skin hydrated. Works great as a body lotion or face lotion. Even better, it contains only a few simple ingredients!
This moisturizing lotion combines organic aloe vera gel, rich shea butter and nourishing almond oil. All free of the parabens, sulfates and dimethicones found in many store-bought skin care products.
Aloe Vera Body Lotion
As the weather gets cooler, many of us find that our skin gets drier. Living in a humid climate, I no longer have this problem. However, sometimes my skin needs a little hydration. While I love lotions and this homemade intensive nourishing lotion, this aloe lotion is great when you want something lighter.
Aloe has a similar feel to glycerin in skin care recipes, but it doesn't feel as sticky. It absorbs well into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. If you are using fresh aloe from a plant, this lotion will only last a week or two before it goes bad. Aloe vera gel sold in stores and online stores and will last longer, up to 6 weeks.
Aloe Vera skin benefits
I keep an aloe plant in my house because I love them so much! Not only are they great for treating burns, but they also work well for other skin irritations. You've probably used aloe vera gel at some point to soothe a sunburn.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice is rich in nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and antioxidants. It also helps our skin create hyaluronic acid and increases collagen production to keep skin firm and wrinkle-free. Aloe helps the skin to be more elastic and elastic, so that it “rebounds”.
Ingredient options
This lotion can also be used as a face cream. It can work well for those with acne or eczema as well, depending on the exact ingredients you use. Oils like olive and avocado oil are great for dry or more mature skin types. If you are prone to acne or want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, then adding a little rosehip seed oil is a good choice. I prefer sweet almond (non-greasy) or jojoba, which mimics skin sebum and sinks into the skin nicely.
I use shea butter for an extra rich feel, but it's optional. You can also use cocoa butter or mango butter instead. Cocoa butter is more intensely moisturizing, while mango butter is very light and absorbs quickly.
Homemade Aloe Vera Lotion
This aloe-based lotion is gentler and lighter than some options. Great for all skin types, even babies!
Yield: 6.5 ounce
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Melt the beeswax, oil and shea butter (if using) in a double boiler or glass bowl over a pan of water.
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Remove from heat and pour into a blender or mason jar (if using an immersion blender). You can also use a mixer for this.
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Add vitamin E (if using) and any essential oils.
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Allow to cool to room temperature. You want it to be at room temperature and just starting to set around the edges. This will help ensure that the lotion emulsifies correctly.
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Add Leucidal kit to aloe if using.
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Start mixing on low speed using a blender or immersion blender. Very slowly, start adding room temperature aloe vera gel until incorporated. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and re-mix a few times until fully incorporated.
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Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to six weeks.
If your family goes through a lot of lotion, then feel free to double the recipe.
Storage and storage of lotion
Vitamin E helps the oils to oxidize as quickly, but will not preserve the lotion. If you want to use a natural preservative, you can add a little Leucidal Complete to slow the growth of microbes. With preservatives, it should last for several months in the refrigerator.
As always, be sure to store in a cool, dark place away from direct light and heat. Bathroom counters in wet bathrooms are not the best place! And use only clean fingers to apply.
Try to do homemade non-toxic sunscreen also.
Have you ever made your own lotion before? Leave a comment and let me know!
