body moisturizers

[midwestmom]

I am seriously addicted to lotion and wondered what some of you natural mamas use. I need something after showers mostly, but do apply daily. I want something really moisturizing for skin, but as simple and natural as possible. I know commercial lotions are not the way to go .

Also, how do you moisturize your face? I just started washing with baking soda and saw some good face masks in the sticky above, but need a light natural moisturizer for face too. TIA.

[MeghansDad]

I use natures gate hemp lotion. To me, it smell ok but not all that special, but certainly moisturizes. Found in any natural food market. Im happy with it either way!

[sweetpeas]

I use a whipped shea butter as an all over moisturizer & also use it as an under eye moisturizer. For the rest of my face I've found that as long as I use a sugar scrub to clean it a few times a week I don't need to moisturize otherwise, gotta love cutting a step out

[velcromom]

I like whipped shea too. I lighten it up with a little coconut oil and maybe some jojoba too. Unrefined shea for me, the refined stuff just feels like shortening to me. I just put all the butters and oils in a bowl and whip it up at room temp.

You can make your own lotions if you want to, that way you can have lotion without preservatives. It's not difficult to make, but it has a very short shelf life and must be kept in the refrigerator.

[midwestmom]

thanks! Do any of you just rub some type of oil on after a shower while you are still wet? Do you get the whipped shea at the HFS? I like the idea of making my own lotion, but keeping it in the fridge would be pretty inconvienent since I shower on another floor. :

[sweetpeas]

Originally Posted by midwestmom

thanks! Do you get the whipped shea at the HFS?

I make my whipped shea (but also sell it on my website so can't give out the "recipe"). I don't remember if our whole foods has whipped shea or not, I know they have plain unscented shea, which seems really overpriced to me.

[tara]

Another whipped shea fan here. It's really easy to make (though there are about a zillion variations on the recipe). The best shea butter I've bought is from http://www.agbangakarite.com/ You can buy just one pound, which is plenty for personal use. Unrefined is preferred by most because its natural healing qualities are retained, but it does sometimes have a smoky or earthy scent which some folks don't like. I think the smell is lovely, especially with a bit of sandalwood e.o.

Basically, you whip it (with a hand held mixer or a stand mixer) until it's sort of a creamy frosting consistency. Most people add some liquid oils (shea, olive, avocado, whatever) at about 35%. It's heavenly stuff.

If you are interested, there is a ton of info about whipping shea buttter at this soap maker's forum: The Soap Dish Forum

[midwestmom]

thank you!

[juicylucy]

I use jojoba or olive oil. SOOOO moisturizing.