Do you know what is going on your skin when you buy products from the store? If not. Make Your Own.

From someone that has very sensitive skin, I am very particular with what I put on my body and what I use for my children. If I am not familiar with the ingredients, and the names are almost unpronounceable, or numbers are included in their names, it is a safe bet to say I am not going to put them on my skin or buy them for my family.

Just as we would feel uncomfortable, or should feel uneasy, consuming foods that contain chemicals we are not familiar with; we should also be very conscious of what we put on our bodies. We may not realize it, but since our skin is the largest organ system, and it is covered with pores to keep us healthy in and out; if we put products on our skin, they can be absorbed inside, causing havoc internally, and issues to our superficial surfaces as well.

After trialing out some recipes and getting inspiration from a book that I like called, "The Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin Health & Home, Easy All-Natural DIY Projects Using Herbs, Flowers & Other Plants" by Jan Berry, I have added my own twist and really enjoy the Body Balm I use for myself and family each month.

In addition, to knowing exactly what I am using on my body and feeling safe in using it; I am also saving so much money, as I am no longer tied to having to buy lotions, creams, and/or body balms every month. All, I buy are the simple ingredients I need to make my balm and I am set. I also buy these in bulk when I can, which is also very cost effective: i.e. I buy 1-gallon sized bottles of products.

Try your hand in making a body product for yourself, and family. As always, if you are new to using a product, or could have a potential irritation, use a small amount on your skin to provide a patch test, and if no irritation occurs within 2 to 3 days, and it does a great job, you are well on your way to body product freedom.

You can find my recipe here, adapted from the book I mentioned above.

Picture below shows how the Balm looks as it is solidifying.

Lavender and Mint Body Balm Recipe for 6 Pint Sized Mason Jars: Use Organic and Reputable companies for ingredients as best as you can.

(1) 1 cup sweet Almond Oil (2) 1/2 Tbs Tamanu oil (3)1/2 cup Coconut oil (4) 1 part Beeswax Pastilles for easy melting (5) 10-20 Drops of Lavender and Peppermint Essential oils (6) 5 Drops of Tea Tree Essential oil (7) 3 Drops of Frankincense and Myrrh Essential oil if you have it: (this is especially useful if you have a spot on your body you want to heal).

(2) Add all the ingredients to 1 Large glass mason jar and set this jar in a pot with 2 inches of boiling water. Let it incorporate and liquify, watching it and occasionally stirring as needed. Turn off heat and pour while still liquified into your jars. Let it cool naturally, or you can speed up the process by putting them in the fridge. Shelf life is usually for several months; due to the essential oils that help maintain the product. To use, take a small amount on hands rub between palms, and apply to the body part you want to moisturize, or treat. Enjoy!

What are you doing today to provide healthy and healing remedies for your home?

See you soon,