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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #17745
76 days ago
149

diy body lotion - #17745

Aryan

I am feeling super frustrated because my skin is always dry, especially during the winter! I’ve tried a bunch of store-bought lotions but they either don’t do anything or they make me break out, which is just the worst!! I heard some people talking about making their own lotion and thought, maybe that’s the answer?? So I started looking into DIY body lotion recipes and honestly, there’s like a million options out there. Some use coconut oil, while others say shea butter is the way to go. I’m getting overwhelmed! Plus, I need to know if DIY body lotion can really be as effective as the store-bought stuff. Like, how do I even know what ingredients I should avoid to make it safe? And have any of you had good or bad experiences with DIY body lotion? I want something that’s going to really moisturize but also not cause more issues with my skin! If anyone has tips or a go-to recipe that works, I’d love to hear it! I just want to feel good in my skin again without worrying about what’s in my lotion, you know?

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Doctors' responses

When it comes to dealing with dry skin, especially during winter, trying a DIY lotion can be a great step if you’re looking for more control over the ingredients and hoping to avoid additives that might irritate your skin. Start simple with basic, well-tolerated ingredients. Coconut oil is popular for its moisturizing properties, though some people find it can be comedogenic (pore-clogging), so test a small area if your skin is prone to breaking out. Shea butter is another excellent option due to its rich, creamy texture and suitability for most skin types. You might want to incorporate a liquid oil, like jojoba or sweet almond oil, to help adjust consistency; these oils are generally well-absorbed and non-irritating.

For a basic DIY lotion, try melting equal parts of shea butter and coconut oil, then mix with a smaller amount of your chosen liquid oil, say, a tablespoon per cup of the solid oils combined. Once melted, allow the mixture to cool slightly and whip it using a hand mixer until it reaches a fluffy consistency. For added hydration, consider incorporating a bit of aloe vera gel. You should also think about adding essential oils for scent, but remember to patch test for irritation and stick to low concentrations to avoid allergic reactions.

Safety is key, and contaminants can be easily introduced in DIY preparations. Use clean utensils and clean hands while preparing your lotion. Also, remember that DIY lotions can lack preservatives, so they can spoil – store them in a cool, dark place, and use them within a few weeks. If you encounter persistent dryness or worsening symptoms, it may be wise to consult a dermatologist to address underlying causes and guide skincare based on your unique needs. Be cautious and ensure any homemade lotion does not include ingredients that could exacerbate irritation or allergy. If your skin reacts negatively to a new formulation, discontinue use immediately and revert to a simple, hypoallergenic product until you know what causes your issue.

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