aloe skin care products

ROSE & ALOE MOISTURIZING IN-SHOWER LOTION

When I first heard the term “in-shower lotion,” I was a bit puzzled—lotion for the shower? How does that even work? Simply put, in-shower lotion functions like a conditioner, but for your skin. You apply it while in the shower and rinse it off lightly. The steam from the shower helps lock in extra moisture, leaving your skin feeling deeply hydrated. It’s an excellent option for those who don’t like the sticky sensation of lotion before it absorbs. After using it, your skin will feel silky smooth and soft.

To use, step away from the direct water stream just before you finish your shower. Apply the lotion to your body and massage it in. Then, step back under the water and rinse lightly for just a few seconds. Afterward, gently pat yourself dry with a towel. A small amount of lotion will remain, leaving your skin feeling smooth. The Crisp Apple Rose Fragrance Oil leaves a delicate, floral scent that’s perfect for spring.

What You’ll Need:

16.5 oz. Aloe Vera Liquid
2.7 oz. Avocado Oil
.7 oz. Green Tea Seed Oil
1 oz. BTMS-50 Conditioning Emulsifier
.5 oz. Emulsifying Wax
.2 oz. Sodium Lactate
.9 oz. Glycerin Liquid
.2 oz. Vitamin E Oil
.4 oz. DL-Panthenol
.2 oz. Aloe Extract
.2 oz. Optiphen
9 mL Crisp Apple Rose Fragrance Oil
2 mL Fuchsia LabColor
8 oz. Bottle,White Disk Cap (3 bottles)
Optional: Droppers

EQUIPMENT PREP

Begin by disinfecting all your utensils. To do so, dip them in a 5% bleach water solution and allow them to dry completely. This includes mixing containers, your stick blender, and any spoons or spatulas that will come into contact with your lotion. Ensuring your equipment is free from germs, bacteria, and microbes is essential for safety, so it’s best to bleach water all your utensils.

ONE: In a heat-safe container, combine the avocado oil, green tea seed oil, BTMS-50, emulsifying wax, sodium lactate, glycerin, and vitamin E oil. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until the waxes have fully melted. Once melted, set the mixture aside.

TWO: In a separate container, add the aloe vera liquid and heat it to 150°F. Once heated, add the DL-panthenol to the liquid and stir until it is fully dissolved.

THREE: Check the temperatures of both containers to ensure they are between 150°F and 160°F. Once they reach the correct temperatures, slowly pour the oil mixture into the aloe vera liquid while stirring continually. Use a stick blender to blend the mixture for 60 – 90 seconds, ensuring the oil and water phases are fully emulsified. Be sure to “burp” your stick blender by tapping it on the bottom of the container to release any trapped bubbles, as you don’t want bubbles in your lotion. Continue blending until the lotion cools to below 120°F.

FOUR: Once the lotion has cooled to below 120°F, add the aloe extract and Optiphen preservative. Using the stick blender, mix for an additional 60-90 seconds until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the lotion has a smooth consistency.

FIVE: Add the Fuchsia LabColor to the mixture and use the stick blender to thoroughly combine. Be sure to dilute your LabColor before use. (Learn how to dilute LabColors here.) Continue blending until the color is evenly distributed throughout the lotion.

SIX: Add the Crisp Apple Rose Fragrance Oil to the mixture and use the stick blender to thoroughly combine. Blend until the fragrance is evenly incorporated into the lotion.

SEVEN: Once the lotion cools to below 110°F, pour it into bottles. Leave the bottles uncapped overnight to prevent condensation from forming inside.

CONCLUSION

After the lotion has sat overnight, it’s ready for use! You’ll have a beautifully emulsified, hydrating lotion with a lovely fragrance and smooth texture. Be sure to store your lotion in a cool, dry place, and always keep your utensils clean to maintain the quality of your products. Enjoy the silky-soft results of your homemade lotion!

DIY WATERMELON FACE MIST TO MAKE YOUR SKIN GLOW

Is there any fruit more refreshing than watermelon? It’s the ultimate summer snack, but this juicy treat does more than just quench your thirst—it can also soothe overheated skin. While fresh, in-season watermelon is a seasonal delight, you can enjoy the benefits of watermelon skin care any time of year. Instead of buying it, why not make your own?

Whenever you crave that summer vibe (or all year round), this refreshing mist recipe is here to help! While you may not be able to bottle the sensation of biting into a fresh watermelon, this mist comes pretty close. Read on to discover how to create this delightful mist!

BENEFITS OF WATERMELON FOR SKIN CARE

You might be wondering what benefits watermelon mist offers for your skin and whether watermelon skincare is more than just a trend.

The truth is, watermelon isn’t just a summer favorite; it’s a valuable addition to your skincare routine. This refreshing fruit is packed with lycopene, a crucial carotenoid that helps protect our skin from sun damage. In fact, some sunscreens are formulated using lycopene extracted from watermelon!

While the exact amount of lycopene in processed watermelon extract isn’t fully known, and nothing can replace a well-formulated sunscreen, watermelon still brings a wealth of benefits to your skin.

Beyond its carotenoid content, watermelon is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that promote healthy, radiant skin. And let’s be honest—a glowing complexion is what we all want, especially when it comes to achieving that coveted watermelon glow!

Other benefits of watermelon for skin care:

Watermelon is packed with vitamins, solutes, and amino acids that are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Notably, it’s particularly rich in citrulline, an amino acid that supports collagen production. This makes it a great choice for boosting skin elasticity.

Additionally, watermelon can help reduce inflammation and redness after sun exposure, making it a perfect post-sun treatment. Its high vitamin C content not only brightens the skin but also plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis. Plus, with its significant lycopene content, watermelon aids in repairing UV damage.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the skin benefits of watermelon.

It’s becoming increasingly clear why a watermelon facial mist (along with other DIY watermelon skincare products) can enhance your skincare routine.

WATERMELON EXTRACT IN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

The maximum recommended concentration for watermelon fruit extract in skincare is only about 0.5%. This is why many commercially available watermelon cosmetics often include added fragrance to enhance the scent. Without fragrance, these products would lack the appealing watermelon aroma that attracts consumers.

While products that smell like candy can be tempting, those of us with sensitive or reactive skin often avoid fragrances due to potential irritation. This caution can also apply to anyone conscious of the health and environmental implications of synthetic fragrances.

In my DIY watermelon face spray, even though I wish it had the same delightful candy scent that some commercial products, like Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow line, are said to have, it doesn’t. Instead, it offers a light, fruity aroma that is entirely natural and free from synthetic fragrances that could irritate your skin.

DIY WATERMELON FACE MIST RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

  • 91.5 ml distilled water (see notes)
  • 5 g vegetable glycerin or propanediol
  • 2 g Linatural natural preservative
  • 1 g aloe vera 200x powder
  • 0.5 g watermelon powder fruit extract
  • Pinch of pink beet powder

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

  • 1 g allantoin powder
  • 1 g panthenol liquid
  • 1 g sorbitan oleate

EQUIPMENT

  • Glass lab beakers
  • Cosmetic scale (0.1 g precision)
  • Pipettes for measuring
  • Mini stainless steel whisk
  • Small funnel
  • 4 oz fine mist spray bottle (see notes)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Sanitize Your Workspace: Ensure all tools, equipment, and your work area are clean and sanitized. Wash everything with hot, soapy water and then spray with 70% alcohol. Allow to dry thoroughly.
  • Mix Glycerin and Watermelon Powder:
    • Weigh the vegetable glycerin into a small beaker.
    • Add the watermelon powder and whisk to combine.
  • Incorporate Aloe Powder:
    • Gradually sprinkle the aloe powder into the glycerin mixture, whisking well to prevent clumping.
  • Add Beet Powder:
    • Stir in the pink beet powder until fully dissolved.
  • Include Optional Ingredients:
    • If using, add allantoin, panthenol, and sorbitan oleate at this stage.
  • Combine with Water:
    • Add the distilled water and gently whisk to blend all ingredients.
  • Add Preservative:
    • Finally, mix in the preservative gently.
  • Transfer to Bottle:
    • Pour the mixture into your fine mist spray bottle, and your face spray is ready to use!

RECIPE NOTES

  • Safety & Cleanliness: It’s crucial to ensure all tools and surfaces are sanitized to avoid bacterial contamination in homemade skincare.
  • Storage & Shelf Life: Store your watermelon spray in a cool, dark place or in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. It’s best to use the spray within six months to minimize contamination risks.
  • Batch Size: This recipe yields 100 ml of face mist, which fits perfectly in a 4 oz spray bottle. If you prefer a specific bottle type, the one shown in the photos is from Rail19, though they currently offer only larger sizes.
  • Measuring Ingredients: The total weight of your ingredients should equal 100 g. If you’re adding optional ingredients, subtract their combined weight from the water. Remember, 1 ml of water equals 1 g. For example, if you add 3 g of optional ingredients, reduce the water to 88.5 ml.
  • Ingredient Substitutions: You can use liquid watermelon extract instead of watermelon powder, allowing for a higher percentage (1 to 3%) compared to the powder’s maximum of 0.5%.

CONCLUSION

With this simple DIY watermelon face mist, you can easily incorporate the refreshing and hydrating benefits of watermelon into your daily skincare routine. This natural and affordable recipe is perfect for all skin types, especially those seeking a radiant and glowing complexion. So, why not give it a try and experience the transformative power of watermelon on your skin? Remember, a little natural care can go a long way in achieving a healthy and beautiful you.