Quick Tip: Natural Body Lotion and Oils

I like to use natural health and beauty products, but it can be a task to find effective, versatile, predominately natural products that don’t cost a small fortune. So…

I buy unscented lotion (my favorites are Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion and Avalon Organics Aloe Lotion, both of which range from $15-25 for 32 oz bottles in stores, but can be found for much less at online shops like Amazon), and use essential oils (EO)* to add a custom scent. I just put 3-4 pumps of lotion in my hand, add 2-3 drops of essential oil on top of the lotion, rub my hands together to mix, and apply. My fave EO are lavender, lemon, and grapefruit. (Citrus ones are usually the least expensive.)

The same thing can be done with natural body oils like extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil. For extra moisture and really, really super-soft skin, I apply oil to dripping wet skin immediately after a shower or bath. When my days were less hectic, I would throw on a towel, and chill for 30 mins to let my skin air dry a bit before applying body lotion; now, I very lightly towel off to remove excess water, and then get to lotioning. (Spell check says “lotioning” is not a word…I beg to differ.)

Sometimes I just mix a little oil, lotion, and EO together in my hand, and apply all at once. I’m really digging the coconut oil + lotion + lemon EO mix right now…smells like vacation 🙂

For those who don’t feel like being a mixologist, Burt’s Bees Vitamin E Bath & Body oil is a nice lemon-y option.

* Essential oils are VERY concentrated, and should not be used 1) undiluted, 2) in excess, or 3) by individuals with certain conditions. A tiny bit goes a long way: just a couple of drops is enough to scent an entire bathtub of water or enough lotion to cover the whole body. Please read this quick Essential Oil Safety guide.