Since the times of ancient Rome when cold cream was first invented, people have been pampering their skin with rich lotions. These moisturizing soufflés lock in vital moisture and soothe skin that has grown dry from neglect and harsh conditions. When added to the mix, herbs can contribute even greater benefits to a basic body lotion. Manufacturers, who have not overlooked the point, have begun marketing their own lines of herbal body butters in recent years. While undoubtedly effective, these products can be very expensive and contain preservatives that some people would rather avoid. For those of us who want to pamper our skin but have monetary or ecological drawbacks to store-bought lotions, the following body butter lotion is an ideal solution to the problem. It costs only pennies to make and can be customized to contain only the ingredients you find suitable.
Body Lotion's Purpose
At some point in our lives all of us are bound to experience at least one bout of dry skin. Our lifestyles and geography play a part in this, as do diet and genetics. For instance, a cold climate can suck all of the moisture out of even the supplest skin. Shaving can lead to dry legs, which in turn leads to irritation and uncomfortable itching. And how many of us manage to eat perfectly and drink the recommended six to eight glasses of water every single day? The purpose of body lotion is to make up for bad habits and conditions by replenishing and holding in skin's moisture. The result is a more beautiful and healthy body. For the woman who wants to stop hiding her ashy elbows and flaky legs, body butter is a must-have item in the medicine cabinet.
Ingredients
The basic composition of any lotion, whether it is a light facial moisturizer or rich body lotion, is a blend of oil and water. Of course, every grade school child knows that these two items do not mix. However, lotions have a secret ingredient that can defy this law of nature: the emulsifier. This item, when heated and blended with water and oil, holds the two together. The most common and easily accessible emulsifier is beeswax, a natural secretion produced by bees after they eat honey. You can purchase beeswax at larger craft stores for around $2.50 per pound. If the price deters you, just remember that a pound of beeswax is enough to make well over one hundred batches of lotion. Borax, an alkali commonly used for softening laundry water, works alongside beeswax to preserve the lotion.
