DIY aftersun lotion

when i got home from santorini i wanted to avoid post holiday skin peeling at all costs! after a week of sun worshipping i decided to make my own aftersun lotion and it's worked miracles- this is my second batch and i'll definitely make more as its a great all round moisturiser!

before i went on holiday i developed eczema on my arms, i've never had it before so guessed it was an allergic reaction and stopped using heavily perfumed body washes and moisturisers. it disappeared within a week and since then i've been way more careful about what lotions i use! i wanted to whip up an aftersun with lots of gentle and natural ingredients in to nourish the skin (and well let's face it, making potions is fun...)

aftersun ingredients:

organic unrefined shea butter

aloe vera gel

virgin avocado oil

coconut oil

moisturing cream 

glass/plastic jar.

1. start by melting down the shea butter, mine was unrefined and came in solid form in a big tub which was pretty cool. this stuff is wicked for dry skin, providing it with the fatty acids and nutrients it needs for collagen production- win.

2. use the same melting technique you'd use for chocolate- pop chunks of shea butter into a bowl and place above a saucepan of simmering water. once the shea buter is liquid take it off the heat and leave to cool for 10mins. (optional- if you want to add coconut oil add a teaspoon to the shea butter now.)

3. for the aftersun base i used equal amounts e45 cream to shea butter (you can use whatever moisturiser you like if you want yours scented.) stir the melted shea butter into the moisturiser in stages so it doesn't spilt. once all the shea butter is incorporated beat it well to whip it up.

4. add in a couple of tablespoons of aloe vera gel and mix well. aloe vera is awesome for soothing burnt skin and reducing inflammation (feel free to add more if you want!)

5. add in a few tablespoons of avocado oil which is super nourishing for the skin. if you don't have any you can use coconut oil instead.

(i've actually added in both to my aftersun, but if you don't want too oily a finish on your skin add less.)

you can totally play around with the quantities and ingredients to make a lotion that suits you, there's no wrong way to make it so have fun experimenting.

i make small batches that last 1-2 weeks and i keep it in the fridge so it's nice and cool! 

have you ever made anything like this?

back soon

caroline x