The use of skin lotions can help keep your skin moisturized and nourished. Some skin lotions can also work as anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal agents. By learning how to make your own skin lotion, you can vary the ingredients depending on what you want on your skin and ensure the lotion contains top quality ingredients. Adding herbs helps make lotions beneficial for specific skin concerns. Always ask your dermatologist before using any herbal products that may interact with your current medication or further affect any skin condition you are treating.
Step 1
Pour the rosewater into a medium glass bowl. According to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, rose water has light astringent properties that help tone your skin, in her book "Family Herbal--A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality." Rose water also adds a sweet fresh scent to lotion.
Step 2
Add glycerin to the rose water and mix them together with a metal spoon. Glycerin, also referred to as Phosphatidylglycerol, is a humectant, which means it helps attract water and retain your skin's moisture. It is also thought to help treat skin disease and age-related damage, according to the Medical College of Georgia in an article titled "Lipid Holds Promise for Skin Diseases, Age-Related Damage."
Step 3
Add the arnica tincture to the mixture of glycerin and rosewater and stir again until it is all blended together. Arnica is an herb that can help with sprains and bruises, as well as with reducing rheumatic, phlebitis and any kind of inflammatory pain, according to herbalist James Green in his book "The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook." It should not be used on open skin and if you want a lotion for open wounds with similar properties, you can substitute arnica tincture with calendula tincture in the same proportions.
Step 4
Transfer the lotion mixture to a glass bottle with a pump in order to make it easy to apply, since it will have a watery consistency.
Step 5
Keep the lotion refrigerated if you do not intend to use it often or if you live in a very hot climate. The alcohol in the tincture will help preserve it but you should still check it periodically to make sure it hasn't become rancid.
Tips and Warnings
- Research other tinctures to blend into your lotion base for a variety of treatments. One example is goldenseal and myrrh tinctures to create an antiseptic lotion.
- Terminate the use of any homemade skin lotion if you experience any discomfort or see signs of an allergic reaction, then contact your dermatologist.
Things You'll Need
- 20 oz. rosewater
- 1.5 oz glycerin
- 2 oz. arnica tincture
- Measuring cup
- Medium glass bowl
- Glass jar with a pump
References
- "Family Herbal - A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- Medical College of Georgia: Lipid Holds Promise for Skin Diseases, Age-Related Damage
- "The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook;" James Green; 2002
