HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
I've been experimenting with creating lotions and creams and I'm ready to share what I've learned. I began experimenting by reproducing recipes directly from website and books, but quickly found I was making too much product to use. I tried to pass it onto friends and family who were patient with my first attempts - well except for my sister who reported one ointment stained her sheets. I quickly determined I had to reduce my amounts, and so the following formulas are presented in "units" which can be interpreted as needed.
TOOLS
CrockpotMany sources recommend a double boiler, but I get distracted and may not get back to a melting oil before I've run out of water. I've found a crockpot to be a great substitute. I put water in the bottom, place a bowl (resting on a dishcloth) at the center of the crockpot, cover and then set the unit to warm. I don't have to worry about overheating my oil.
Mortar and Pestle
Though I love the idea of using a mortar and pestle, I've found that it's hard work to hand grind ingredients. Instead, I've found our modern appliances are often more efficient. Instead, I prefer to use grinders and food processors. My son left behind a coffee grinder that has been VERY helpful!
Thermometer
You'll find a thermometer to be extremely helpful. I like the digital thermometers because they're easier to read. Be sure it's designed to measure liquids, preferably something you can rest against the edge of a pot.
Food Scale
Find Choose a scale that can be adjusted to show both ounces and grams. I also discovered that I can set mine to ignore the weight of the container. I can reset it as I add ingredients to measure only the ingredient I'm adding.
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"HARD OILS " & ButtersCoconut Oil
It seems like everyone is touting the benefits of the coconut and its use in the production of skin products is historic. This oil has a low melting point and is surprisingly hard when cool. It can be used alone or in combination with other oils. It's recommended for hand, foot, and body products. It's considered too heavy for facial creams.
Cocoa Butter
The cocoa nut is the basis for all things chocolate, Hmmm. It's technically a fat, but that doesn't mean much in this context. The oil is rich and has a nice cocoa smell. It also has a lovely texture in creams and lotions and is recommended for hand, foot and body creams.
Shae Butter
Shea butter is another fat. It's highly recommended as a skin product. The butter is softer and lighter in texture than either Coconut Oil or Cocoa Butter, and melts at body temperature. It has a naturally golden color and a slight, though pleasant odor. Medically, it's anti-inflamatory, a natural sunblocker, and a wonderful moisturizer. Some prefer not to use it in soaps as it tends to leave a slightly oil residue. This is the hard oil that is recommended for facial creams.
Butter
Historical references point to butter as being a major skin care ingredient during the Elizabethan period and beyond. It is, of course, considered a fat. It burns easily, but it's also very easy to find and very inexpensive.
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"SOFT OILS"Olive Oil
Many use Olive Oil alone as a moisturizer for skin. It makes a great base for all lotions. "Virgin" refers to the place order of pressing. For example, "Extra Virgin" is the first press run, Virgin the next, and just "Olive Oil" is the last. "Extra Virgin" has a stronger smell/flavor and is the heaviest.
Jojoba
Jojoba oil is delicate, colorless and odorless. It has a relatively long shelf life and is a natural fungicide. As another bonus, it's reasonably inexpensive. Another benefit - it's noncaloric if you decide you want to use it in food. That's because, though edible, it's indigestible. It's also a little pricey.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is easy to find, inexpensive, lightweight, and odorless. I love to use it for making aromatic oils.
Avocado Oil
Not just a food! I've heard it recommended as a facial mask as the fruit. It's highly nutritious both as a food and as an oil, and contains Vitamin E. You can rub the fruit between your fingers and feel the moisturizing qualities. However, use the oil for any products that need to be stored.
Almond OIl
Highly recommended, easy to find, and fairly inexpensive, this oil has a slight sweet aroma. I've found it suggested in most of the skin care recipes I've researched.
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