Make your own skin care products and save

When I retired I needed to cut down expenses and find ways to buy skin care that was still really good for me. I did some investigating and experimenting and went and bought the ingredients to have a go myself.

I was shocked to find that sorbolene cream was 40 per cent motor oil. I wanted skin care that did not have harmful chemicals in it. I purchased all of the ingredients when my local health food shop has its monthly 20 per cent off day. It cost me less than $50 and the products I have made have lasted over a year and are still going strong.

So far I am really pleased with the results and am happy to share my success stories.

Daily moisturiser

Half cup of coconut oil melted
1 tsp of vitamin E
12 drops of lavender essential oil

Mix together in a small jar and use daily.

You can also use:

4 Tbsp of aloe vera gel
2 Tbsp of coconut oil melted
1 tsp of vitamin E oil
2 Tbsp of almond oil

Mix together well and store in a small jar. Use daily.

Night Cream

1/4 cup almond oil
2 Tbsp of melted coconut oil
2 Tsp of beeswax
1 tsp of vitamin E oil
1 Tbsp shea butter

Melt all ingredients together over a low heat in a glass jar in a saucepan of hot water. Stir well until all melted and pour into a clean glass jar. Use at night. this is a very thick, rich cream and I find it is really good for my dry skin.

Body butter

1 cup of coconut oil
1/2 cup of pure coconut butter
30ml of jojoba oil (or macadamia, or even olive oil)
10 drops of nice essential oil of your choice

Place all in a pan to gently soften for 2 minutes. Pour in to the blender and blitz. Best kept in the fridge in hot weather.

Have you ever made your own skin care products? In what way have you had to save money?

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