Shea butter, extracted from the nut of the shea tree is a superior moisturizer. It contains oleic and stearic acids that nourish your skin. It is also a source of vitamins A and E, which help skin to retain moisture, according to Botanical.com. The traditional process for extracting shea butter, still in use today, produces solid oil that melts at body temperature. You can speed your skin's absorption of shea butter's emollients and nutrients by preparing your own shea butter body cream that is easier to spread on your body.
Step 1
Measure 4 tbsp. of shea butter and put it a mixing bowl.
Step 2
Mix 1 oz. of coconut oil into the shea butter with a knife or tongue depressor.
Step 3
Add 1 tsp. each of jojoba oil and apricot oil. Stir all the ingredients together to make a smooth cream.
Step 4
Add essential oils of your choice, if desired, depending on your skin type or your fragrance preferences. Try ¼ tsp. of peppermint oil to make a stimulating body cream that also helps to keep nausea at bay. Use ¼ tsp. of lavender oil to create a body butter that relaxes. The Minnesota Wellness website also states that lavender oil helps to soothe skin irritations and has a calming effect. Put 1 tsp. of hemp seed oil in your shea butter cream if you want to increase the level of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in your preparation.
Step 5
Stir in a few drops of food coloring into your butter to help you identify the fragrance or essential oil. Use blue for lavender and green for peppermint.
Step 6
Spoon your shea butter cream into a glass jar with a tight lid and store it in a cool place.
Tips and Warnings
- Once you successfully make the shea butter cream using the formula provided, experiment by varying the amount and type of other oils that you combine with your shea butter to create a cream that suits your skin. Make personalized gifts for your friends and family by putting your shea butter formulas in tins from a craft store or interesting recycled glass jars.
Things You'll Need
- Shea butter
- Jojoba oil
- Apricot oil
- Coconut oil
- Knife or tongue depressor
- Mixing bowl
- Wide-mouthed glass jar with lid
- Essential oil (optional)
- Food coloring (optional)
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