Bath, Body, & Massage Oil.

This is the time of year that no matter how much water I drink or how much humidity I add to the house, my skin still feels dry. I know that -25 windchills and days with a high of -2 means the humidity drops, but wow. One way to keep my skin from cracking is to moisturize. I have a favorite fragrance free/allergy safe version for us, but I do love the warm heady aroma and skin feel of a moisturizing body oil. This works best when just out of the shower. Or, it is a great massage oil. The fragrance isn't too strong, but is warm and exotic, reminding me of warm humid places. And my skin loves it. It absorbs quickly without a greasy feeling, and it leaves skin feeling soft. 

Body oils are nice to make, as they give instant gratification for not too much work. A body or massage oil is simply an infused blend of oils, or a blend of base oils with essential oils. These luxurious concoctions are great for a romantic massage, as a body moisturizer after getting out of a warm shower, or to add to a warm bath. This oil would also make a great Valentine's Day gift.
 
This basic blend combines essential oils, which give a warm and earthy fragrance, while also softening and supporting our skin. Apricot kernel oil is good for sensitive or dry skin, and is light and emollient. Avocado oil is a healing oil good for dry and sensitive skin.  While it is thicker and creamier than some other oils, it absorbs quickly, so there is no greasy skin feel. Both are great for dry winter skin. ​ The essential oils in this blend are not only warm and fragrant, but are nice on the skin.

Bath-Body-Massage Oil

​2 ounces/60 mL apricot kernel oil
2 ounces/60 mL avocado oil
13 drops of sweet orange essential oil*
7 drops of cedarwood essential oil
4 drops of ylang ylang
4+ ounce bottle to store the oil

{24 drops in 4 ounces is about a 1% dilution, perfect for a leave-on body oil or massage}
 
Blend your ingredients and pour into a nice bottle. Be sure to label!

Shake before each use. Pour a little into your hand and rub over your arms, legs, and body as you would a lotion, or use as a massage oil. If you can warm it a little in a bowl of hot water before use, it will  feel extra wonderful. 
 
I like recipes that take only a few minutes to make and are not too finicky. It means that I can make small batches often and change things around or  use the base oils I already have in my herb cabinet. Quick and easy!

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*Some citrus essential oils can cause photosensitivity.  If you swap out sweet orange essential oil for another type of citrus oil,  be careful to ensure you are substituting a safe/non-phototoxic type, or avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after use.

Reference:
http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/phototoxicity-essential-oils.asp