Peppermint Lavender Sunburn Lotion

Moisturizing daily is one of the better habits to form with the inevitable reality of getting older.  All vanity aside, nourishing your skin with the proper moisturizers is one of the easiest, and most effective, methods to preserving its elasticity, scaring off free radicals, repairing sun damage, and preventing future dryness. While there is an (over)abundance of products to choose from at the drug store, it can be a chore to find the best fit for your skin type. Generic body lotions often use a buffet of unpronounceable chemicals that can irritate the skin. Organic brands, while generally skin safe and worry free, can cost up to twice as much than your average bottle of Gold Bond.

So unless you're willing to scour the sales rack at your local health food store, a cheaper alternative is to simply make your own creamy concoction.

 

Our homemade lotion recipe calls for a mere five ingredients, available either online, at the grocery store, or in your kitchen cupboard. A key ingredient in our lotion recipe, is aloe vera gel, which can be found at most health food stores (or in all aloe plants). Aloe, while used topically, has shown to remedy skin condition like sunburns, cracking, or psoriasis. The cool, thick texture of the gel can also feel soothing to the touch. Another ingredient that provides cooling to damaged or burnt skin is witch hazel. Witch hazel is a mild astringent, and can reduce skin irritation. If you can, try and stick to alcohol-free toners, which can be found at most health food stores.

One of the more exciting reasons to make your own lotion, is choosing the fragrance. If your slathering your body with fresh ingredients, might as well help out your nose too. We chose to use skin-safe essential oils of peppermint and lavender for both their healing properties and amazing fragrance. Other beneficial essential oils you may want to try out include Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, or coconut oil.

With your ingredients in hand, simply measure them out, give it a stir, and wah lah! Your new favorite body product is ready to use.


Ingredients:

1/2 cup organic whole leaf gel
2 tbsp witch hazel
3 tbsp baking soda
5 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil

Method:

Mix all ingredients together to form a thick, milky mixture. Gently apply to sunburned or cracked skin in generous doses.