Fight rough or chapped winter skin with a coconut oil lotion bar. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for all skin types, and especially for dry and older skin. It also helps with wrinkles and skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis, and for this reason, is often added to commercial skin care products.
[1] And there's more––the lauric acid in coconut oil has both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
[2] This hydrating bar should be used after exfoliating and not the same way you would use a bar of soap. Instead, apply the coconut lotion bar to clean skin, rub in and enjoy the rich sensation of smooth, silky skin.
Making the Bar
- Gather the items needed. These are listed below under "Things You'll Need".
- Heat the coconut oil and beeswax. Place both ingredients together in saucepan and place over low heat. The beeswax will heat evenly if you break large chunks into smaller pieces.
- Stir the ingredients until fully combined and melted.
- If using, add the essential oils once the wax and oil have combined thoroughly. Typically, essential oils are strong, so only add a few drops to avoid an overly potent bar.
- Pour the melted mixture into the mold, after essential oils have been completely combined.
- Allow the mold to stand until cool. The soaps should easily pop out for use. If giving as gifts, wrap in beautiful paper (handmade paper is ideal) and add a flourish such as a bow or ribbon.
Using the Lotion Bar
- Wash and exfoliate skin. Use a cleansing soap and water to wash skin then exfoliate using a loofah or another device. Remove dead skin cells using a loofah, soap and water. Rinse thoroughly.
- Pat the skin dry with a clean towel. You don't need to dry the skin completely but make sure residual water has been removed.
- Rub the bar between the palms of your hands to warm it. This will activate the oil and wax so it applies with greater ease to the skin.
- Smooth the bar over your skin and rub in like lotion. The bar applies the right amount of lotion to the skin. Leave on––it will leave a smooth and silky layer on your skin.
- Package lotion bars in pretty gift wrap by using an empty Altoid's can or tin to hold the bar. Wrap with a festive ribbon and present. Be sure to include a label so that the recipient knows what it is, and what to do with it.
- If you cannot find coconut oil, you can replace it with the same amount of cocoa butter.
- Most of the ingredients can be found at either the local health food or craft store.
Edit Warnings
- Don't allow the soap bar to sit in a warm, damp area or else it will warp or break down.
Edit Things You'll Need
- A large saucepan or a pan; cast iron pan is good for even melting of the wax
- Lotion/soap bar mold (or a muffin tin); lotion molds create more authentic looking soaps
- 1 part coconut oil
- 1 part beeswax
- A few drops of essential oils (optional)
Edit Sources and Citations
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