An all natural product made with ingredients from the kitchen
I’ve always paid attention to my health, but I’ve been on a more intentional natural health journey for the past year or so. I’m no purist. I allow for simple pleasures that may not comport with an organic or naturalist lifestyle. However, I try to minimize exposure to unnecessary chemicals wherever it makes sense. The human body is a spectacular machine that can handle occasional exposure to mild toxins and poisons as long as we lead a mostly healthy lifestyle. The key is to challenge your systems only when it’s worth the indulgence, right?
I have lived with sensitive, dry skin my entire life. Finding the right moisturizer was a never-ending journey of trial and error. I tried countless brands from every shelf in every pharmacy and beauty section of every store. I’ve shopped online. I’ve spent more time and money on moisturizing products than I would like to think about.
I thought I had found the magic potion when I happened to find Aveeno Eczema Relief. Until nine months ago, it was my go-to product that I recommended to anyone with severe dry skin or actual eczema.
Then one day, I read an article about how over-the-counter moisturizers can become addictive. The article explained how skin loses its ability to -self-exfoliate and self-moisturize when store-bought moisturizers are continuously used. It also stated that some moisturizers contain ingredients that may dehydrate skin, even though it feels moisturized. I’d heard the same about Chapstick years ago, which caused me to cut back on using it. (I still use it in the winter, but only when it’s necessary to keep my lips from bleeding.) I’m not sure why I never applied the same concept to my skin.
I decided to research the ingredients listed on the back of the Aveeno bottle and was disturbed by what I found. I won’t go into detail here, but it is enough to say that I’d rather not put anything on my skin that I couldn’t ingest. It makes sense if you think about it. Our skin absorbs almost anything you put onto it into the bloodstream. If I can’t pronounce an ingredient, I don’t want it coursing through my veins.
I searched for a homemade lotion recipe that was easy to make and contained ingredients I could find in the grocery store. Many recipes called for beeswax and shea butter. I don’t know about you, but those are not standard items in my cupboard. I finally stumbled upon some recipes containing coconut oil, olive oil, aloe gel, and essential oil. Winner!
Side note: In my search, I found a video of a woman who went on a “moisturizer fast” for one week. I thought I’d try it, too, thinking my skin would eventually figure out how to self-regulate. Wrong! I didn’t even last 24 hours. I thought my face was going to fall off. It was so dry and itchy, bordering on painful. This experiment alerted me that my skin had lost its natural ability to keep itself moisturized. That was not natural! I knew then that I had to change my routine.
The first few batches I made were very greasy on my skin, perhaps because my skin was used to the over-the-counter products and wouldn’t accept the new lotion. Also, the lotion acts more like a protective layer, holding the natural moisture in rather than adding it, which is why I don’t call it a “moisturizer”.
After some trial and error, I came up with a recipe that minimizes the greasiness of the coconut oil by adding arrowroot flour (a starch that also contains essential vitamins!) Now that I’ve settled on it, my skin has never looked better. Some days, I don’t even feel like my skin needs the lotion. It has learned to take care of itself naturally!
Another side note: When I was in the middle of raising three children, I did not have time to experiment with this. My sympathies go to any woman trying to find time to take care of herself and live a healthy life. Once you get the hang of making this lotion, you can make a big batch, store it in the refrigerator, and only take out small batches that will last a couple of weeks at a time.
Coconut oil and Aloe gel Lotion
Recipe can be halved
*Try to use products certified organic
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 tbsp light olive oil
~2 tbsp aloe gel from a plant (or buy 100% pure aloe gel with no added ingredients, if possible)
6-10 drops of frankincense or other essential oil
2-3 tbsp arrowroot powder (thickener)
- Cut an aloe spear in half lengthwise to get the gel. Discard yellowish gel. Scrape clear gel into a clean container using a spoon. (How to Extract Aloe Vera)
- In a small bowl, using a hand mixer, blend coconut oil, olive oil, and aloe gel until smooth
- Add frankincense or other essential oil and mix
- Add arrowroot tbsp at a time until desired consistency – it can be thin enough for a pump bottle or thick like body butter
- Store the whole batch in the refrigerator, but small batches can be stored at room temperature in a glass jar.
- To extend the life of the lotion, use a clean applicator to scoop out the desired amount when applying. (I repurposed an extra absinthe spoon)
Massachusetts First 
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