Lotion bars, as the name suggests are actually lotions in solidified moisturising bars. I discovered lotion bars years ago during my travel, but when I couldn’t find a replacement back home is when I started experimenting and making a couple of lotion bars at home.
Skin experts suggest using a moisturising lotion in the AM and PM routine, especially after a shower to lock in the moisture and before you sleep to keep your skin hydrated as you rest. Most moisturising lotions available in the market are water-based that are quick to get absorbed into the skin, but are less on long-lasting moisturising.
Lotion bars contain a generous quantity of pure oils and butters that make it a highly moisturising skin care product. While it can be used all year round, it is best to also include it in your winter skin care regime because you skin needs that extra boost of hydration.
Benefits of Lotion Bars
- Lotion bars are highly moisturising and quick-absorbing because of the oils and butters in it. It leaves your skin feeling nourished and hydrated for hours together.
- They are considered to be a clean beauty product because no preservatives are used in it.
- Lotion bars are long lasting and just a little bit goes a long way when it comes to usage if it is stored correctly.
- They are eco-friendly and do not contribute to a landfill because you can use it to the last bit.
The best time to soak in the goodness of lotion bars is in the shower when the pores are open so that oils and butters penetrate deep into your skin to seal in the moisture and keep your skin hydrated all through the day.
To use a lotion bar, take it in your hands and warm it by placing it between your palms to melt it. Apply this all over the body. Dab some more on areas that need more hydration like your elbows and knees. Note that lotion bars should not be used on the face.
How to make lotion bars at home
Now that we know about the benefits of the lotion bars, let’s look at a few DIY recipes that can help you make your own lotion bars at home. The main ingredients that are used in the making of lotion bars are beeswax pellets (you can omit this if you want a vegan option), pure butters of mango, cocoa or shea, Vitamin E oil, organic oils of almond or coconut and your favorite essential oils. You will also need a glass bowl or a jug to make the lotion bars and molds to shape the lotion bars.
Soothing and Relaxing Lotion Bar
This lotion bar is for all skin types and can be used all year round. Coconut oil is used in this variant as it highly moisturizing and will seal in the moisture on the skin. The calming essential oils in this lotion have soothing and calming properties that can help you unwind at the end of an exhausting day.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp of beeswax pellets – These are easier to melt in comparison to chunks of beeswax. This is optional if you want a vegan version
- 5 tsp each of shea butter and cocoa butter
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil
- 5-6 drops of lavender /geranium/ylang ylang/rose/ jasmine essential oil (choose one or maximum two)
- One capsule of Vit E oil
To make the lotion bar, add all these ingredients, except the essential oils in a glass bowl or a glass jar and place in a pan of boiling water to melt the ingredients. Take out from the boiling water once they have melted. Add the essential oils and pour into molds to set them. Keep them in a cool place or the refrigerator. Once set, transfer them into tins or a glass jar and store in a dry place.
Exfoliating and Hydrating Lotion Bar
This hydrating and exfoliating lotion bar is perfect to slough the dead skin and reveal new skin. While the coffee beans exfoliate the dead skin, the butters also heal the new skin. You can use this as a pre-shower treatment and wash off excess oil in the shower.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp each of shea butter and cocoa butter
- 1 tbsp of almond oil or jojoba oil
- 1.5 tsp of finely ground coffee beans
- 1 tsp of rose petal powder
- 5-6 drops of chamomile or geranium essential oil
- One capsule of Vit E oil
This is a vegan version of the recipe. To make the lotion bar, add all these ingredients, except the essential oils, ground coffee beans and rose petals powder in a glass bowl or a glass jar and place in a pan of boiling water to melt the ingredients. Take out from the boiling water and add the rest of the ingredients. Give it a quick stir and pour into molds to set them. Keep them in a cool place or the refrigerator. Once set, transfer them into tins or a glass jar and store in a dry place.
This article was originally written for Quint Fit. You can view the rest of the article here.
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