Body Lotions - the Beauty of Nature

The history of body lotion dates back to the time of the world's first known civilization in Sumer. Sumerians, the first to record its use, created salves for the skin using pulverized plant matter, animal materials and mineral powders. When mixed with wine and tree oils, these preparations became the first documented skin care.

Lotions and oils were also embraced by the Ancient Egyptians. Cleopatra favored the use of olive and sesame oils, whereas other Egyptians applied ointments made of oil of ben (also known as the horseradish tree) and resinous myrrh. Ancient Egyptian parchments go so far as to describe various uses for body creams, and jars of beauty cream have been discovered in burial tombs. A mixture of olive oil, animal fats and a variety of spices accompanied the dead on their journey into the afterlife.
The Bible also mentions the use of oils, creating lotions from olive oils and precious spices.

 Lotions were prepared in order to relieve the body from the effects of the sun; the poor, rubbing their bodies down with grease or animal fats, while those who could afford it used delicately perfumed ointments. Beyond their uses in moisturizing the body, the Bible also speaks of "anointment." In Mark 3:16, oils were used to anoint for health; Luke 7:46 speaks of using oils as a form of hospitality; the books of Ruth, II Samuel and Isaiah all mark the use of oils as a preparation for social occasions; whereas in the books Luke and Acts, to "anoint" is in direct reference to an individual's receiving of the Holy Spirit. The Bible also tells us the well known story of Martha's sister Mary washing Jesus' feet with precious oil and then proceeding to dry them with her hair, only to be chastised by Judas for using such a costly infusion (the oil contained spikenard). Mary's act was one of humility, devotion and affection to her Lord and was accepted by Jesus as such.

The use of oils, particularly oil based lotions, has as much value today as it has throughout history. Compensation for the natural body oils we lose during the course of our daily rituals is essential. Not to mention that our skin requires assistance in battling the environmental damage it faces regularly. The optimum health of our body's largest organ relies on our own common sense to supplement its losses. When our skin loses its natural moisture, it fights back by producing more. Thus, for some this inner battle may lead to cosmetic problems such as enlarged pores and acne. Educating ourselves on how best to replenish and care for the skin we live in may just be some of the most important knowledge we ever require.

Most of us would never dream of leaving our stomachs empty and malnourished, but robbing our skin of moisture can also cause it to lose its natural ability to store water and nutrients. Therefore, it is our responsibility to take care that our bodies are given every chance to fight back by caring for them in the best way possible. To retain our skin's natural oil and moisture there are simple and effective precautions we can implement as a part of our daily routines.

 Think about it, something as easy as patting ourselves (rather than rubbing) dry after a shower affords thirsty skin added sustenance. Daily moisturizing takes it one step further by helping the skin to retain its proper pH value and to protect against irritation. Whereas, applying lotions and oils with a massaging technique boasts yet another benefit in toning the muscles. Let's fact it, giving attention to simple details makes a difference.


Certain oils provide their own specific benefits. Witch-hazel for example, is extremely beneficial for those suffering with skin problems. When diluted, witch-hazel extract alleviates skin inflammation and acne. A natural disinfectant, witch hazel enables slow healing pustules to heal. Its value as a natural astringent will also be seen in the reduction and constriction of pore size.


Those suffering from skin problems often tend to have oily skin caused by an imbalance of acid and alkaline. Unfortunately, the use of harsh astringents and cleansers cause the imbalance to escalate, and the skin loses its ability to protect itself. To protect oily skin, choose a lotion containing jojoba oil. Highly penetrative, jojoba oil won't clog your pores, but it will ease skin inflammation and encourage the normalization of skin flora helping it return to a balanced state. Jojoba oil's penetration abilities and thorough acceptance by the skin keep it from clogging the pores leaving the skin free from eruptions.


Some people believe that their normal skin requires less attention, but attentiveness keeps the skin healthy and soft to the touch. Nurturing your skin is important, and for those who have healthy skin it is only natural that they strive to keep it that way. Apricot-kernel oil is an excellent choice for normal skin and gifts the user with a fresh, glowing complexion. Recognized as one of the most delicate oils, apricot-kernel oil is not only a superb choice for use in homemade lotions but a supreme selection as a basic massage oil as well.


The following recipes for natural body lotions contain anhydrous lanolin. Anhydrous lanolin, as complicated as it sounds is simply lanolin minus its water content and is available for purchase in most health food stores. Also, lotions and oils should be warmed and mixed in a double boiler. Heating your mixtures on the stove top may alter fragrance or consistency, so if you don't own a double-boiler and plan to dabble in "natural beauty" it would be wise to invest in one. Below you will find the recipes for luxuriant body lotions that are easily prepared in the comfort of your own home.