HAND & FOOT LOTIONS

Our hands are one part of our bodies that are almost exposed - to water, household chemicals and external elements like wind, sun and pollution. Unless we moisturize and protect them, they very quickly show signs of premature aging. You can check the condition of your skin by pinching a fold of skin on the back of your hand and seeing how quickly the skin returns to normal. If it takes awhile, consider supplementing your diet wit hVitamins C and B complex until you see improvement.

If you want to add an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to hand creams, an effective addition to formulations is p-methoxycinnamate, a natural substancae derived from cinnamon. Each 1% of p-methoxycinnamate added to your base lotion will increase its SPF by two. A recipe for a nourishing hand cream with an SPF of 8 is given below.

We often overlookl our feet, but they can benefit from a massage using a penetrating aromatherapy lotion. When you first begin to massage your feet, you may be surprised at how many sensitive spots you find, particularly on the soles of your feet and around the heels and ankles.

Adding essential oils to your lotions and creams is also important, as the essential oils are absorbed directly in the areas you are massaging, providing aromatherapeutic benefits as well. After massaging your feet until the lotion is completely absorbed, keep them warm by putting on a pair of socks or slippers and relaxing with your feet up.

HAND LOTION WITH SPF 8
Ideal protection for your hands! This formula contains rich moisturizers, anti-oxidant vitamins, and a natural sunscreen.

• 8 oz (240ml) unfragranced body lotion (see*)
• 2 tsp p-methoxycinnamate
• 1/2 tsp modified lecithin
• 1/2 tsp Vitamin A
• 1/2 tsp Vitamin E
• 50 drops sandalwood Pure Essential Oil
• 30 drops rosewood Pure Esssential Oil
• 20 drops lavender Pure Essential Oil

Pour the unfragranced loiton into a bowl and stir in the lecithin, vitamins and the p-methoxycinnamate. Then add the essential oils drop by drop, stirring constantly. When the mixture is fully blended, pour it through a funnel into a bottle and cap tightly. Use as needed.

HERBAL LOTION FOR FEET AND HANDS
This fresh, clean smelling lotion contains nourishing ingredients to treat your feet and hands, as well as pure essential oils to stimulate and energize.

• 8 oz (240ml) unfragrancaed body lotion (see*)
• 1 oz (30ml) aloe vera gel
• 1/2 tsp modified lecithin
• 50 drops eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil
• 25 drops lemon Pure Essential Oil
• 20 drops tea tree Pure Essential Oil
• 15 drops peppermint Pure Essential Oil
• 10 drops rosemary Pure Essential Oil

Pour the unfragranced lotion, aloe vera gel and lecithin into a bowl, and add the essential oils, drop by drop. Stir well until the lotion is completely blended. Pour through a funnel into a bottle and cap tightly. Apply as needed. When massaging feet and hands, use deep, small circular motions, and apply gentle but firm pressure to sore points. Continue until the lotion has been fully absorbed. Finish your massage with long , sweeping strokes away from the body.

BODY LOTION*
A nourishing natural body lotion is simple to make with this one-jar process.

• 2 tbsp (30ml) cold-pressed oil
• 2 tbsp shea butter or cocoa butter
• 2 tbsp sorbitan monostearate
• 2 tsp (10ml) isosteroyl lactylate
• 1/2 tsp Vitamin E
• 1/2 tsp modified lecithin

Place the ingredients in a durable 8 oz (240ml) glass kitchen jar. Bring 6 oz (180ml) distilled or spring water or herbal infusion to a boil, and pour it over the ingredients. Cap tightly, cover the jar with a folded handtowel and shake the jar for 30 seconds. Uncap the jar and leave the lotion to cool for about 30 secondes. Add drops of lemon juice. To preserve the lotion, stir in 1/2 tsp grapefruit seed extract or 1/2 tsp Germaben II while the lotion is cooling. Cap the bottle and shake again, then leave it to set up to a thick, smooth consistency.