Xzema salve

A great all-around moisturizer is the Shea Body Lotion.

            

However, for those who are dealing with eczema and have trouble spots (areas of extreme dry skin, redness, and/or itchiness), this is a soothing and moisturizing salve.

The secret to this recipe is mango butter. This butter is highly emollient, softening and soothing to the skin. Mango butter has protective effects against UV radiation and also helps treat skin rash, eczema, insect bites, and poison ivy. Mango butter can help protect and heal skin from the damage caused by sunburn and frostbite.

Supplies needed:

• Pyrex measuring container
• Glass jars to store the salve
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Hand stick blender
• Stainless steel mixing cup  (Some hand stick blenders come with plastic mixing cups. However, it is better to use one that is stainless steel since you’ll be working with hot liquids.)

It is a good idea to keep these supplies dedicated solely to making creams and kept separate from food.

HOMEMADE XZEMA SALVE
(adapted from this recipe)

• 4 Tbsp Shea Butter (* Update: or Cocoa Butter)
• 1 tsp Mango Butter
• 1 Tbsp Avocado, Grape seed, or Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Jojoba Oil
• ½ tsp Vitamin E oil (optional. If using it on sensitive skin and/or on children, you can opt out of using vitamin E altogether.)
• * Update: 1/2 Tbsp Beeswax

1.     Place the shea butter, mango butter, avocado oil, and jojoba oil into a Pyrex measuring  container.

2.     Put the Pyrex container into a pot of simmering water and let the ingredients melt together. When they are completely melted and mixed, take them off the heat.

3.     Carefully pour the hot liquid mixture into a stainless steel mixing cup. Add the Vitamin E (optional).

4.     Allow to cool to room temperature. If you want to quicken the cool-down process, place the mixing cup into a bowl of ice water.

5.     Blend with a stick blender until well blended.

6.     Put into a glass jar. Since these ingredients are fresh and no preservatives are used, it is best to store in the fridge and use within six months.

7.     Simply apply 2-3 times a day. Works best in conjunction with Waxelene.

* Update: I have switched from shea butter to cocoa butter. I have found that the original recipe has a skin pigment lightening effect. Using cocoa butter instead of shea butter seems to have resolved the problem. I have also added beeswax to the salve and have found it to help the skin to retain moisture better and for longer.

Additional notes:

Shea butter, mango butter, and avocado oil are available at Brambleberry.com and amazon.com.

I have found jojoba oil and grape seed oil from Trader Joe’s at a decent price. Amazon.com also sells jojoba oil.

The Big Boss Hand Stick Blender works great, which is also available at amazon.com.

Target has some great glass jars to store your creams, and they come in different sizes too. Amazon.com also sells these glass jars in larger quantities.

Store your remaining ingredients in a cool, dry place. If you live in a hot area, you may want to refrigerate them. Each of the oils, butters, and beeswax differ in the shelf-life, so be sure to check on them.