Vitamin E is a common ingredient in skin care products because of its antioxidant effects, healing powers and protective benefits against the effects of the sun. In fact, a 2010 study on Pub Med reports, "Daily use of a facial lotion containing niacinamide, panthenol, and tocopheryl acetate improved skin tone and texture." It's easy to find lotions with vitamin E on your drugstore shelves, but making your own vitamin E-enriched lotion lets you control all of the ingredients in your skin care product and can save you money in the long run. If you're making homemade vitamin E oil lotion for the first time, you'll be surprised by what a quick and easy process it is.
Melt 1/4 cup of cocoa butter, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 2 tablespoon sesame oil and 1 tablespoon avocado oil together in a medium-size pot. Mix over low heat, stirring constantly.
Add 1 tablespoon beeswax to the oil mixture, stirring constantly until the beeswax is thoroughly melted and incorporated into the oil mixture.
Pour the mixture into a glass container, being careful not to spill the warm lotion mix on your skin. Let the lotion cool completely.
Add 10 to 20 drops of vitamin E to the cooled lotion mixture. Squeeze the drops on top of the lotion, then use a spoon or chopstick to stir the lotion until the vitamin E is completely incorporated.
Add a five to 10 drops of essential oil to the top of the lotion if you want to add scent to your lotion.
Massage the lotion onto your skin.
Tip
Look for the supplies you need to make your lotion at a pharmacy, health food store or online.
Substitute almond oil or jojoba oil for one of the oils in the recipe, or use different combinations or oils to make your lotion.
Keep these tips in mind if you're adding essential oils to your lotion: Oils like lavender and chamomile have a soothing, calming effect; peppermint and rosemary are invigorating.
Consider doing a patch test with each of the lotion's ingredients to test for allergic reactions.
Warning
Watch the oils closely as you heat them to prevent burning.
References
- "Natural Beauty at Home: More Than 250 Easy to Use Recipes for Body,Bath and Hair" (revised edition); Janice Cox
- "Natural Alternatives for You and Your Home: 101 Recipes to Make Eco-Friendly Products"; Casey Kellar
- Pub Med: The effects of a daily facial lotion containing vitamins B3 and E and provitamin B5 on the facial skin of Indian women: a randomized, double-blind trial.
Writer Bio
Holly Roberts is an award-winning health and fitness writer whose work has appeared in health, lifestyle and fitness magazines. Roberts has also worked as an editor for health association publications and medical journals. She has been a professional writer for more than 10 years and holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in literature.