CHAMOMILE + LAVENDER LOTION BARS
Can you believe we are in the middle of October already?! In some ways I am grateful that 2021 is just around the corner, but I also do not want to wish time away and skip over the fun holidays. Although this year may look a little different than usual, it does not mean we can’t celebrate in some way, shape, or form. We just have to take precautions to protect ourselves and our families from getting sick, and as we all know by now, one of the best ways to do this is to wash our hands.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, we should wash our hands before, during, and after preparing food; before eating food; before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea; before and after treating a cut or wound; after using the toilet; after changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; after touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste; after handling pet food or pet treats; after touching garbage. Now, that is a lot of hand washing, I know, but it truly is necessary — especially right now.
With all of that soap and water, our hands are bound to show signs of dryness and possible irritation. A wonderful way to nourish and replenish the skin is to use a lotion bar crafted with natural ingredients noted for their moisturizing qualities. These DIY lotion bars also contain two beautiful essential oils: Roman chamomile essential oil and lavender essential oil, known for their calming and soothing aromas.
MAKING CHAMOMILE + LAVENDER LOTION BARS
In preparing your materials to create lotion bars, you should decide on a mold. Silicone molds are a great option because of their flexibility and pliability. There are many shapes, sizes and decorative choices - you can really get creative with your selection.
Beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter are three ingredients that need to be melted down for this DIY. I prefer to use either the double boiler method or place a heat safe bowl or glass measuring cup on top of or inside of a pot filled with 1 inch of water. The key to this technique is to avoid getting any water in your ingredients as this will contaminate your recipe.
Over low heat, melt 1 cup of organic beeswax pastilles, 1 cup of organic coconut oil, and 1 cup of unrefined shea butter in a heat-safe bowl or glass measuring cup. Stir occasionally while everything melts completely. Remove from the heat source. Let your liquid mixture cool for approximately 5 minutes and then add 20 drops of 100% pure organic Roman chamomile essential oil and 15 drops of 100% pure organic lavender essential oil. Stir again, confirming everything is well combined.
Carefully pour the mixture into the mold and allow the lotion bars to solidify overnight. Once hardened, remove the bars from the mold, transfer to a container, and label your chamomile and lavender lotion bars with the contents and date of creation.
UNDERSTANDING THE INGREDIENTS
BEESWAX
Beeswax is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that supports the healing of cracked or dry skin. As a source of vitamin A, beeswax may also assist in cell regeneration and overall cellular health. The emollient and humectant properties in beeswax draw moisture from the air to the skin while its molecular structure forms a protective barrier, sealing in the hydration.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil is an impressive moisturizer for both the body and hair. It is made up of nourishing fatty acids with lauric acid as a key component. Lauric acid has been shown to help alleviate psoriasis, but is also suitable for those with acne-prone skin due to its antibacterial properties. Studies published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences have also shown that coconut oil has the capability of boosting skin barrier functions.
SHEA BUTTER
Containing vitamin A, E, and F, unrefined shea butter is loaded with goodness. Shea butter also contains antioxidants like phenol, which may hinder the sequence of free radical production. Similar to beeswax, shea butter creates a protective layer on the skin, shielding from harsh winter weather. And just a fun fact for you, shea butter has a comedogenic rating of 0, so it will not clog pores.
DIY CHAMOMILE + LAVENDER LOTION BARS
Ingredients
1 cup organic beeswax pastilles
1 cup organic coconut oil
1 cup unrefined shea butter
20 drops organic roman chamomile essential oil
15 drops organic lavender essential oil
Materials
double boiler or pot with heat-safe bowl
mixing spoon
silicone mold
Instructions
Over low heat, melt beeswax pastilles, coconut oil, and shea butter in a heat-safe bowl or glass measuring cup.
Stir occasionally while everything melts completely.
Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
Add in chamomile essential oil and lavender essential oil, and stir to combine.
Carefully pour the mixture into the mold and allow to solidify overnight.
Once hardened, remove the bars from the mold, transfer to a container, and label your chamomile and lavender lotion bars.
Caution: Never leave beeswax on a heat source unattended - it is flammable.
How to Use
Simply apply the lotion bar on your hands and other dry parts of the body by massaging it over dry areas of skin. Although the lotion bar is solid at room temperature, the warmth from your skin will soften it and make is spreadable.
