DIY: Hand Salve & Eczema Lotion

 

Well, it’s getting to be dry skin weather, especially for people who wash their hands multiple times a day. I’ve also noticed dry patches of skin all over Abby’s body, so I decided to make a non-toxic eczema lotion that helps moisturize dry, chapped skin (If you missed my explanation for why it’s important to use as many natural products as possible, go here!).

I’m a member of a natural mom’s forum on Facebook, which is very helpful. If you’re a mom, I highly recommend joining a local mom’s forum. You will learn so much! One thing that gets passed around my forum is ways in which to make your own natural remedies using essential oils and other non-toxic ingredients. This is one of those shared recipes! Abby seems to like her eczema lotion, and I have it on my hands right now.

What you’ll need:

• One empty 8-oz container or one 8-oz container plus a small travel-sized container (I ordered my 8-oz one from Amazon.)
• Pyrex measuring cup (2 cups size)
• 1 cup shea butter
• 1 T. coconut oil
• 1 T. cocoa butter
• 2 t. corn starch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca starch
• 10 drops vitamin E oil
• Essential oils: 5 drops frankincense, 10 drops melaleuca (tea tree oil), 10-12 drops lavender, 10 drops geranium oil (optional)

Directions:

Melt shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter together in Pyrex measuring cup using 30-second microwave increments (you could also use a double boiler). Stir in corn starch, vitamin E oil, and essential oils. Pour into container(s) and put in the fridge to set (takes about 30 minutes). If you like, decorate the containers!

If you or your baby have eczema, apply lotion at least twice per day, and reduce baths to every other day instead of every day. Feel good about the products you put on your skin!