With winter in full swing an intense body moisturizer is a staple.   Making it at home is so gratifying.  You can be sure there are NO harmful chemicals.  This DIY Body Cream recipe is full of moisture rich ingredients that will not only replenish but will also heal severely dry skin.  This is a fun recipe that is full of hugely nourishing ingredients that will quench the thirstiest of skin!  Moisturized skin looks younger and healthier so let’s make this-we need it!!

Shea Butter is a rich emollient that encourages the skin to produce collagen.  Collagen gives the skin a fresh radiant look.  Coconut Oil is extremely healing as well as moisturizing.  Macadamia Nut oil is an excellent oil for dry and aged skin.  It is also very calming.  Vitamin E oil helps prolong the shelf life of your cream as well as nourishing and tightening the skin.  Each of these ingredients come together to “feed” your skin!  Your body will drink it up!

Distilled water must be used in order to keep your cream fresh longer.  I have included a preservative with this recipe.  NeoDefend is considered certified organic and non-GMO.  It is antioxidant and very gentle to the skin.  Those of you weary of using a preservative must remember that it only makes up .75-1% of your product.  You can read more about and purchase NeoDefend HERE.  Your cream should always be stored in glass bottles preferably dark glass.  This will also keep your cream bacteria free longer.  Any container that allows you to pump out your lotion is a good idea-this keeps you from depositing bacteria from your hands into your lotion.

DIY Creamy Body Cream

• 2 TBSP. Shea Butter (buy it HERE)
• 2 TBSP. Coconut Oil (buy it HERE)
• 2 TBSP. Macadamia Nut Oil (buy it HERE)
• 2 TBSP. Emulsifying Wax (buy it HERE)
• 1 tsp. Vitamin E oil (buy it HERE)
• 1 cup Distilled water
• 1/2 tsp. NeoDefend (buy it HERE)
• 30 drops Lavender Essential Oil (buy it HERE)

Directions:

1. Fill a medium sized pot half way full with water.
2. In a glass pyrex measuring cup, add distilled water and neodefend and place the cup in the pot.
3. Start heating your “water mixure” on medium heat.
4. In a second pot filled half way full with water, place another glass pyrex measuring cup and add your “oil mixture” (Combine shea butter, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil and emulsifying wax).
5. Start to heat mixture on low-medium heat.
6. **The key here is to heat both bowls until your ingredients are melted and both bowls are the same temperature-this should be around 160 degrees.**
7. Once you hit the right temperature, pour your water mixture into your oil/butter/wax mixture.
8. Take a hand blender and mix your water/oil mixture for about 40 seconds to 1 minute.   Let stand for 15 minutes then mix for about 30 seconds again.  Once you notice that the water isn’t separating at the bottom of your bowl after not mixing for a few minutes, you are done mixing.
9. Once your mixture is no longer hot, add your essential oils then pour into containers.
10. Let containers set for 24 hours.  Your cream will thicken in this time.

This recipe makes about 12 ounces. It can take up to 48 hours for the cream to thicken up.  Do not speed the cooling process by putting it in the fridge!

It may seem daunting to make a DIY body cream.  Salves and balms are much easier but once you get the hang of the extra step of adding the water you will realize it’s not hard and it’s so worth it!  I love using a cream rather than a balm because creams soak into the skin quickly.  I can slather it on and put my clothes on immediately without feeling greasy!

Remember to always use quality ingredients-this makes a huge difference in the way your cream feels and works.  I have linked the products that I always use when making DIY skin care.  I can not ensure success in your creation if you aren’t using the ingredients I am familiar with.  You can do this-and you will be so happy you did!!

Leave me a comment below if you have any questions!

xx, Jenni

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