I have always wanted to prepare a Calamine Lotion but it got pushed back for one reason or the other. So, here it is finally!
Calamine Lotion is a go-to fix-it-all for a lot of simple skin issues. Bites, rashes, eczema and what not, this seems to work for almost anything. A lot of readers wanted this recipe, so I decided to stop procrastinating and get on with this! So, here we are.
Ingredients
Salt – 1 Tsp.
Baking Soda – 1 Tsp.
Zinc Oxide – 1 Tsp. (Optional)
Bentonite Clay – 1 Tsp.
Lavender Hydrosol – 1 Tbsp.
Rosemary Antioxidant Extract – ½ Tsp. (Optional)
Tea Tree Essential Oil – 3 Drops
Yarrow Essential Oil – 2 Drops
Chamomile Essential Oil – 2 Drops
Distilled Water
Instructions
Run the dry ingredients (Baking Soda & Salt) in a spice grinder or use your blender to combine the ingredients to get a smooth mixture. If you are using crystal salt, run it in your mixer before adding it with the other ingredients.
Now, add the Zinc Oxide and Bentonite Clay (they’re usually soft and smooth so need to run them in your spice grinder).
Mix the ingredients to combine and now, start adding the wet ingredients.
Start with Lavender Hydrosol and Rosemary Antioxidant Extract (if using) along with other Essential Oils.
Now, use as much distilled water is needed to make a smooth paste.
Done! Transfer to a sterilized jar and use as needed.
Shelf Life
Since we’re not using preservatives per se, it’s a good idea to keep this mixture refrigerated and use within a few days after repairing it.
Rosemary Antioxidant Extract is optional and can help with prolonging shelf life of the recipe. However, I recommend smaller batches for best results due to the water content involved in the recipe.
Alternatively, you can stick with hydrosols to prolong the shelf life a little more.
You can also keep the dry ingredients mixed up together and whisk the recipe whenever you need it. This way you won’t have to worry about shelf life.
How to Use the Recipe?
Apply to itchy areas of affected skin areas anytime you need. This lotion is a calming, soothing and healing lotion and used for a lot of reasons when it comes to fixing skin issues like irritation, itching and allergies.
With Zinc Oxide in the mix it’s also used to combat acne, pimples and other skin issues including Eczema.
Tips to Tweak the Recipe
Instead of using Hydrosol or Distilled Water, if you prepare this with Witch Hazel Extract the recipe lasts longer and can be kept for weeks without refrigeration. It’s also ideal to use Witch Hazel especially if you’re using it to deal with acne issues.
You can also use Geranium and Peppermint Essential Oils in the recipe.
Want to make it more healing? Try adding Arnica Tinture or Extract, or Goldenseal Root Extract to this recipe.
If you’re allergic to Zinc Oxide, you can skip it. This works perfectly well without it.
The salt also adds to the shelf life of the recipe besides the obvious benefits but smaller batches are better and since this is an easy recipe, why stuff with preservatives if there’s no need to?
Don’t have time for DIY Recipes? Try Aya Naturals for all your skin & face care requirements.
