I often used to wander through the stores at the mall, smelling all of the great lotions and potions. Entire stores lined with colorful bottles, testers sitting out just waiting to be used. They called to me.
But then I found the Skin Deep Database and found that some of my favorite body products were laden with ingredients that may be harmful to my health. I was crushed that I had to give up my favorite vanilla lotion.
For a while, I bought some “better than most” lotion, but once I found that my kitchen oils worked well, I stopped buying it all together. (I also have less of a need for it because my diet is a million times better! Who’da thought what I ate would affect my skin so much……?)
Facial Moisturizer
I currently use either coconut oil or jojoba oil on my face when needed. The coconut oil at night, the jojoba in the morning, especially if I have to put on some powder foundation. It just absorbs a bit faster and is lighter on the skin.
Olive oil will also work, along with many others, but some are a bit heavy for daytime use.
I was also sent this Anti-Aging Serum (not that I need that……) from Roxanne at The Holistic Mama Etsy Shop. It’s a blend of oils and essential oils, smells great, and really takes care of the skin. It goes beyond just moisturizing as well because of the specific essential oils used, helping to heal and restore the skin. It is a bit heavier so I use this at night instead of twice each day, but my skin definitely loves it. It’s also safe for pregnancy, which means it’s safe for when you’re trying to conceive as well.
Like my friend Beth, I stopped using coconut oil for skin after a while and instead used oils best suited to skin health like jojoba.
Body Moisturizer
Like I mentioned previously, I don’t have a need for moisturizer as much as I used to. I used to have issues with majorly dry skin, especially in the winter, but because of my change in diet, I don’t have the itchy, scaly skin anymore. And using a natural soap offers moisturizing without drying as well. But I do enjoy having soft, moisturized skin and sometimes I like to use a little something.
Many times, especially if I have a moment to actually dry and style my hair, I’ll put a light layer of coconut oil on before getting dressed. It absorbs within just a few minutes and doesn’t feel greasy. It’s an inexpensive option and helps to keep my skin healthy.
I also like to use the hard lotion bars by MadeOn Lotion. She also sells a softer lotion that works better for me in the winter and on my hands. These bars are great though because I can put the tin in my purse and bring them with me. Plus they contain just a few ingredients!
I’ve also been reviewing a Minty-Nilla lotion from Harmony Acres Soap Company. Basically, the scent is to die for and it works exactly like a “normal” lotion. Absorbs easily, not greasy or oily, and makes your skin feel good.
What do you use as a natural or homemade lotion?
Donielle Baker
I use coconut oil on my face too, and love it. I’ve actually been using a whipped body butter I made with coconut oil and cocoa butter, and really like that. I’ve made lotion bars and also like using those – I keep one in my purse always! I also have used raw shea butter in the past on my face and hands, and also like that. But I usually use just coconut oil (or the whipped body butter I made) for my whole body – it’s easy, and I especially love it under my arms right after a shave!
I use jojoba oil on my face for the day; I’ve started using the oil cleansing method, which I find works really well. I didn’t know about coconut oil as a moisturizer – do you use special coconut oil or just food grade?
@Sarah @ My Sleepy Kitchen, I love using jojoba oil on my face too! When I use coconut oil I just use the stuff from my kitchen. 🙂 I normally buy extra virgin coconut oil – just food grade oil.