All Natural Super Moisturizing Body Wash

Ever feel like this?

Well let me tell you, this is pretty much what my entire body feels like right now.  It's bad enough that I am prone to super dry skin thanks to my Hashimoto's Disease, but now that we're smack dab in the middle of winter here in Canada, almost all indoor areas are drier than the Sahara desert which translates into even drier skin for most of us. 

Despite drinking more than my share of water every day and keeping on top of my intake of healthy fatty acids, my skin still needs all the extra hydration it can get in these frigid winter months.   I have tried my fair share store brand "moisturizing" soaps and body washes over the years and none of them ever truly came through for me.  So I decided to make my own creation using all natural ingredients which I'm going to share with you today because I'm pretty sure that you dislike feeling like one of those shriveled up Apple Granny dolls just as much as I do. 

This body wash is proudly all natural, environmentally friendly and sustainable, vegan and cruelty free.

THE INGREDIENTS

Let's take a look-see at what you'll need:

1. 1 cup Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Liquid Soap
   Okay, if you've never tried this stuff, snap out of it and go get some!  I love this product for so many reasons.  Not only is it 100% natural and toxin-free, there are literally hundreds of uses for it, from personal care to cleaning to laundry and more.  The Bronner family has been making soaps for more than 150 years and are dedicated to making socially and environmentally responsible products to help make a better world.  I could write for hours about all of the amazing things that the Dr. Bronner family does and stands for, but instead you can head on over to their website at www.drbronner.com and get it right from the horse's mouth..
   
   I use the Baby Unscented version for my body wash because I always add my own essential oils for scent, but there are many different scents of Dr. Bronner's to choose from so if you find one that you love (the lavender, almond and peppermint are to die for!), just use that and then skip the essential oils.
   
   
2. 2/3 cup Coconut Oil
   Just choose your favourite brand.  Coconut oils is super moisturizing and nourishing for the skin, providing a good dose of Vitamin E which not only moisturizes, but is proven to help protect and repair damaged skin cells.
   
   
3. 2/3 cup Sweet Almond Oil
   Like coconut oil, sweet almond oil is super moisturizing for the skin.  Loaded with beneficial fatty acids, sweet almond oil is a wonderful emollient and can help lock in moisture, protecting it from the harsh weather of our Canadian winters.  Emollients such as those found in sweet almond oil are particularly beneficial for those who suffer from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne or rosacea.
   
   
4. 3 tbsp Vegetable Glycerin
   Again, we're adding more skin moisturizing power here with the vegetable glycerin, but we're also adding the wonderful protection properties as well, since there are many studies to show that vegetable glycerin can help increase the thickness of certain skin cells, provide amazing hydration and provide a lovely protective barrier for the skin. 
   
   One word of caution, be sure to read your labels when shopping for glycerin.  Some brands use petroleum which is just BAD, or Palm Oil which is not a sustainable oil.  Rainforests in Borneo are being cut down, and important habitats for the wildlife that live in those forests, including orangutans, are being wiped out leaving the animals homeless and vulnerable.  Be sure to source vegetable glycerin that is organic and sustainable.
   
   
5. 50*60 drops Essential Oils of Choice
   
   This is where you get to have some fun and scent your body wash to what pleases you.  I'm a morning shower girl so I need scents to give me a massive kick in the a** so I can get my show on the road.  For today's blend, I used equal amounts of Rosemary and Peppermint.  
   

METHOD

If the coconut oil you are using is solid, place the jar in some hot water and let it soak until it liquifies.  DO NOT MICROWAVE THE COCONUT OIL!!  This will denature the proteins in it and make it unfit for consumption if you plan on using what is left in the jar as a food source.

While the coconut oil is soaking, measure 1 cup of the Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap and pour it into a large measuring cup.

Add 2/3 cup of the Sweet Almond Oil and, when liquified, 2/3 of the coconut oil.

Add the vegetable glycerin.  I used 3 tbsp but you could add 1 tbsp more or 1 tbsp less if you wish.

Add your essential oils.  I typically use 50 to 60 drops of oil, depending on the brand and particular oils that I am using.  I find the NOW oils that I used today to be less potent than the Young Living oils which are my preference, so I used slightly more in this batch. 

Using a spoon or a whisk, stir the ingredients together for about 30 seconds.  It will change to a white-ish liquid and look like this:

And there you have it!  Now all you have to do is pour your body wash into a container of your choice.  I like to reuse bottles from the hemp oil I buy at my local market because they have a nice "neck" on them that is easy to handle while in the shower.

I hope you enjoy this luxurious and super hydrating body wash as much as I do.  Here's to having blissfully soft and supple skin to last you through the long cold days of winter. 

Much love,
Jill xo