Edible Skin Moisturizer Recipes

Here we are, in a time of excessive hand sanitizing and washing. It's the new norm for humans to carry hand sanitizer, use the one at the store, and wash their hands for 20 seconds 20 times a day.

In a conversation with Dr. Dusty Dubois, owner of Bothell's Revolve Food and Wine restaurant, she commented - "I wouldn't put anything on my skin I wouldn't eat." That's a heck of a statement and one everyone should consider. The last thing our skin needs is more chemicals.

But in most hand sanitizers and soaps there are plenty of chemicals. And there comes a time during the day when we need relief and some moisturizer would be nice. Rather than slop on the petroleum-based Vaseline Intensive Care, your kitchen may be home to one or more suitable moisturizers.

Before we get to the recipes, lets break down what ingredients are needed.

Oil - There are three cooking oils that are equally good as hand moisturizers. They are almond, avocado, and coconut. Buy these organic and you've got top-of-the-line oils for both cooking and putting on your body.

All three of these are excellent for any kind of cooking, but in particular, cooking that requires a high smoke-point oil. These are essential in my kitchen and I long ago got rid of the bad oils like vegetable, canola, corn, and grape seed oil. If it's unclear to you why these oils are poor choices for cooking, do a little online homework to learn more.

Unlike olive oil, almond, avocado, and coconut oils are odorless. Alone they would work fine, but you could take it another step further and add in some organic essential oils. Read on.

Essential Oil - Orange, peppermint, lavender and grapefruit are all delightful essential oils to add into the mix. They each provide a nice scent that won't chase people away the way something like patchouli oil might. You can also buy these organic, and should, since non-organic essential oils may include lower grades of oil. And yes, a few drops of one of these in your coffee makes the day a little brighter.

We like the Zongle brand, but be advised they sell both organic and non-organic options, so watch closely as you make your choices.

Containers - Most drug store and online outlets sell small volume squirt bottles and glass cosmetic storage containers. Buy them in a dark color, which keeps the light out, giving the oils a longer shelf life. If your oil ever smells rancid after time, discard and make a new batch.

Use these recipes as a starting point, then explore more in the direction of your preference. Just remember to only use ingredients that are food grade and organic.

Avocado/Lavender hand and body oil

Lavender is considered a calming scent, making this a nice choice at the end of the day.

• 4 oz avocado oil
• 16 drops lavender essential oil

Mix ingredients together in a small 4 oz bottle and enjoy.

Almond/Peppermint hand and body oil

Peppermint is known to awaken the senses. It's also anti-microbial. These two factors make it a great way to start the day following your morning shower. If you suffer from any type of eczema or psoriasis, this is a great way to keep flareups at bay in the places where the skin condition appears.

• 4 oz almond oil
• 16 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix ingredients together in a small 4 oz bottle and enjoy.

Coconut/Almond/Lavender moisturizing cream

Coconut oil is too hard to be easily applied to the skin. By cutting it with almond oil, you can make a nice cream-like paste, that will melt into your skin when applied. No nasty petroleum to block that from happening.

• 2 TBS coconut oil
• 2 TBS almond oil
• 8 drops lavender oil

In a small pot, combine all the ingredients, heat them on low until the coconut oil has liquified, stir well with a small whisk. Remove from heat, pour into a small glass cosmetic storage container and place in refrigerator for several hours. The cream will store at room temperature for up to a year.

As said, these recipes are a jumping off point. Add, reduce, or change-up the essential oils to your liking. There are many more available, just be careful to be sure you're using ones that are not skin irritants (like cumin, etc…).

Happy lubing.

TM/April 2020