My not-so-little brood has seen a lot of fun skin issues through the years. From acne and dry, itchy “chicken” skin (it’s called “Keratosis pilaris” if you’re wondering) to eczema and athletes foot; and of course, having toddlers, we have experienced baby acne, cradle cap, diaper rash and scrapes that come with the territory! We have tried Aveeno Oatmeal baths, expensive eczema and pilaris creams and ointments, diaper rash creams (of EVERY kind!) and been through more athletes foot treatments than I care to admit (a product of several boys in several sports!). Hydrocortizone cream and Cetaphil lotion has been a staple in our bathroom cabinets for a very long time. And through it all, I have learned a few things! If you have dealt with or are currently dealing with these kinds of skin issues, keep reading! If not, you are a blessed and lucky person…pay it forward by sharing this post with your friends because I guarantee you’re in the minority!
I am first going to share this amazing skin salve recipe that has literally treated 95% of our skin issues! Where all the commercial products have failed, this simple, inexpensive and easy DIY recipe has triumphed! From diaper rash and cradle cap on my babies to keratosis pilaris and eczema on me and my older kids, this recipe has never failed me…not ONCE! A little goes a VERY long way so use sparingly. It is also amazing to use on dry skin (like those tree-bark-worthy sandaled feet we Arizonans feel we have to wear with pride!), rough hands from winter weather, cuts or burns and chapped lips from dry climates. It is simple to make and uses only 4 ingredients and 3 different essential oils (4 if you choose to include the optional but amazingly beneficial oil of Frankincense). Remember this has a shorter shelf life due to the olive oil…olive oil expires in about 6 months from opening the bottle so bear that in mind when you make it and use it.
Base Ingredients: (melt in double boiler)
- 1 cup Virgin Coconut Oil
- 1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Vitamin E Oil
- 4 Tablespoons Natural Beeswax
Essential Oil Ingredients (this combination is placed in each 4 oz jar of the base)
- 10 drops lavender
- 6 drops Melaleuca
- 8 drops Lemon
- 6 drops Frankincense (optional but so very beneficial!)
The only condition this recipe has fallen a bit short in treating so far is the ever pervasive athletes foot fungus. While this salve is definitely a part of the healing process, I have one more little trick up my sleeve for dealing with the athletes foot…
This shower foot scrub recipe is literally the BOMB! It will blow up your athletes foot and clear it within a day or two! Especially when used in conjunction with this skin salve recipe!
Athletes Foot Shower Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Water
- Baking Soda (enough to form a paste)
Essential Oils:
- 6 drops Melaleuca
- 8 drops Lemon
- 6 drops Lavender
Other essential oils that would work well:
- Thyme
- Arborvitae
- Rosemary
- Clove and/or Oregano (these are HOT oils so use sparingly! 1-2 drops)
Mix ingredients into a paste. Scrub the feet at least twice a day and rinse clean. Apply skin salve and clean socks after drying feet thoroughly. We have seen results begin after the first day!
Remember, the fungus lives in shoes, on towels and on socks…simply washing infected items will not kill it! Freezing your shoes for 24 hours can be effective in killing it. Also washing clothes in HOT water and add anti-fungal essential oils, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide to kill germs. It would be wise to start with a fresh supply of socks and just toss the infected ones. And remember, you MUST treat the shoes as well! You can take a few drops of Arborvitae or Melaleuca on a cotton ball and insert into each shoe…then place each shoe in a ziploc bag to sit overnight. Here’s a great recipe for a powder you can put inside the shoes as well…
Athletes Foot Powder (also works on stinky feet!)
Ingredients:
- 6 Tablespoons Arrowroot Powder
- 3 Tablespoons Baking Soda
Essential Oils:
- 5-10 drops Melaleuca Oil
- 5-10 drops Eucalyptus Oil
- 10-15 drops Peppermint Oil
Combine all ingredients in a shaker jar (I use an old mason jar with holes poked in the top!) and lightly sprinkle it in your shoes immediately after wearing and once again immediately before wearing.
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