One of the very first things I wanted to make when I initially started experimenting with making products at home was a #healingbalm
My youngest at the time suffered from #eczema, so I researched clean, safe ingredients, searched through tons of DIY recipes, and looked into which essential oils are most beneficial to skin health.
And then, the experimenting began.
The first formulas I tried didn't have the right consistency and ratios had to be adjusted several times before I ended up with something I was happy with. I've been using the same recipe for the last few years and I love it!
This balm is great for dry skin, diaper rashes, eczema, psoriasis, minor cuts, scratches, and burns. It promotes faster healing, has antioxidant ingredients in it, and acts as a skin protectant, sealing in moisture. All the ingredients in it are super shelf stable as well, which means it will last you well over a year unlike a lot of other homemade products! #frugalmama
I'm a big advocate of using natural ingredients.
I feel like we should be able to pronounce the names of what we're putting on our bodies.
Our skin is our largest organ and it absorbs a huge percentage of what we apply to it topically, so to me, choosing organic ingredients and leaving out things that are petroleum based is key.
So, what ingredients do I use and what do each of these ingredients do for our skin health?
What made me choose these ingredients over some other healthy and natural alternatives out there?
Organic Unrefined Shea Butter: I prefer to use unrefined Shea butter because it maintains more of it's natural qualities and benefits. It is derived from the Shea nut using only water. Skin benefits to Shea include; treating mild to moderate eczema, protecting the skin from sun and wind, preventing or minimizing blemishes and scarring, treating small skin wounds, softening and healing cracking skin, relieving itching due to dryness, and soothing minor rashes, including diaper rash. #wow
I use this one.
Organic Jojoba Oil: Rich in vitamin E, this oil most closely mimics the skin's natural sebum. It softens skin and is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores.
You can find it here.
Organic Beeswax Pellets: Softens the skin and provides penetrating moisture and a protective barrier. I use pellets because beeswax is extremely hard. Pellets make it easier to measure out the needed amount and they are easier to melt down and blend with other ingredients. You will find both yellow and white pellets available and you can use either. The only difference is in the color of your final product. White does typically cost a little more than it's yellow counterpart.
This brand offers both white and yellow pellets to choose from.
Vitamin E Oil: I like to use 45,000 IU, which is the purest, maximum strength amount available. This helps correct damage caused by the sun and free radicals. Vitamin E also acts as a natural preservative which will extend the shelf life of your natural, homemade products.
Therapeutic Grade Lavender Essential Oil: Soothing to the skin and helpful in speeding the healing process of minor scratches, cuts, irritations and burns. Lavender is considered to be one of the safest oils to use on the youngest children and I love the benefits it offers for sufferers of eczema and other rashes and skin irritations.
Therapeutic Grade Melrose Essential Oil: This is a powerful blend of oils that has a long list of benefits. Benefits specific to skin health include: cleansing the skin, preventing infections, eliminating inflammation and speeding healing. The blend includes two different types of Tea Tree oil, and is primarily used for: eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, skin irritations and the healing of wounds.
You can grab therapeutic grade oils here.
In a glass or pyrex container combine:
1 tbs Organic Beeswax Pellets
2 tbs Organic Unrefined Shea Butter
1 tbs Organic Jojoba Oil
1/2 tsp Vitamin E Oil
Melt these ingredients together, either in a double boiler or in your microwave. The amount of time this takes will vary based on method, but all of your ingredients should be completely liquid at this point.
Stir together gently and allow to cool slightly before adding your essential oils.
Exposing oils to extreme heat can destroy some of their therapeutic properties which is why we allow for some cooling to occur first.
Add:
5 drops Lavender EO
5 drops Melrose EO
Stir gently and pour into tin. Allow to cool and harden.
Recipe makes 2 ounces.
I like to use tins for this, with screw on lids.
Your balm should last a long time, and a little goes a long way!
I like to get these tins.
Happy balm making!!
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