Today, we’re diving into a fun and effective DIY project: making medicated lotion bars. These bars are perfect for short-term use on eczema, rashes, and super dry skin. They’re easy to make and can be a lifesaver for soothing irritated skin. Here’s how to create your own medicated lotion bars at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beeswax: 1/2 cup
- Hydrocortisone Ointment: 4 tubes (30 grams each)
- Salicylic Acid: 1 teaspoon (4.8 grams, 2% concentration)
- Zinc Oxide: 1 tablespoon (5% concentration)
Equipment
- Double Boiler or Low-Temperature Heating Method
- Silicone Molds
- Mixing Utensils
Instructions
- Melt the Beeswax:
- Start by melting 1/2 cup of beeswax. Use a double boiler or keep the temperature low to avoid burning. Beeswax melts around 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit, so be patient and stir occasionally.
- Add Hydrocortisone Ointment:
- Once the beeswax is melted, add 4 tubes of hydrocortisone ointment (30 grams each, totaling 120 grams) to match the amount of beeswax. Continue heating gently until the mixture is uniform and fully melted.
- Incorporate Salicylic Acid:
- Add 1 teaspoon (4.8 grams) of salicylic acid to the mixture. This will create a 2% concentration, which helps exfoliate the top layer of skin and reduce inflammation.
- Add Zinc Oxide:
- Finally, add 1 tablespoon of zinc oxide (5% concentration). Zinc oxide is essential for skin healing and provides a protective barrier.
- Mix and Heat:
- Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Maintain the heat around 185 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the mixture from becoming too hot and losing its effectiveness.
- Pour into Molds:
- Turn off the heat and pour the mixture into silicone molds. Let the bars cool and solidify at room temperature.
- Pop Out and Use:
- Once the bars are fully set, pop them out of the molds. They should have a smooth texture and be easy to handle.
Usage Tips
- Application: Apply the lotion bars directly to the affected areas. The white color comes from the zinc oxide, which is crucial for healing.
- Short-Term Use: These bars contain hydrocortisone, so avoid using them on the face, groin, or armpits, and limit use to under a week to prevent skin thinning.
- Customizing: If you prefer not to use hydrocortisone, substitute it with your favorite ointment. Just ensure it’s an ointment to match the consistency and effectiveness.
Why This Recipe Works
- Beeswax: Provides a solid base and helps the bar stay intact while moisturizing the skin.
- Hydrocortisone: Reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin.
- Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates and removes flaky, keratinized skin.
- Zinc Oxide: Essential for skin healing and creating a protective barrier.
Making your own medicated lotion bars is a fantastic way to provide relief for eczema, rashes, and dry skin. This recipe combines effective ingredients in a convenient and easy-to-use form.
Give this DIY a try and experience the soothing benefits of these homemade lotion bars. Your skin will thank you for it!
