Not Quite Ready To Tackle Making Soap: Here are some of Intermediate Steps to Get You Started

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Many people are afraid to take the first step in soap making because of the large health warnings on the use of lye to use. Finally, it is a corrosive chemical that can be very dangerous if not handled properly. What most people do not realize is that is open with no more dangerous than liquor with liquid Drano in a clogged drain. The same cautions apply.

· Always wear rubber gloves

• Is a safety glasses, goggles and

· Avoid direct inhalation ofSmoke

· Make sure to add the lye to the water and not vice versa.

· Cans, spoons, etc., should be solely for making soap and never again used for any other purpose, because of possible contamination.

If you are still a bit nervous about taking the first step, perhaps you need a gradual introduction to the care of the skin. After all, soap is not the only product you use, and learning some of the natural alternatives to high prices skincareProducts can only be the incentive you need.

For example, if you happen to be anything like me, you probably enjoy the wonderful after-bath oils that leave your skin feels like silk. The problem is that they cost a fortune. However, if you carefully read the label, you will notice that these products are composed of oils that you can just buy at your local grocery or health food store for a fraction of the cost.

After-Bath Oil:

· 3 parts extra virgin olive oilOil

· 1 part almond oil

Blend the oils in a convenient delivery container. Add fragrance, if desired, for example, an essential oil or soap making fragrance, both available at most craft and food shops. Shake well and enjoy.

So now that you're in love with your new after-bath oil, let's move on to making your own bath salts. Bath salts are very easy to mix and can be individually designed to meet your needs. Bath salts neutralize the acidson the skin so that the scent will cling to the body. Salts such as Epsom salt and Dead Sea Salts are soothing to the skin and are excellent for reducing inflammation and muscle pain. Please remember, this is a very simple recipe to get you to start. There are as many variations as there are herbs on the planet, and only your imagination, the types of salts, you can create are limited.

Bath salts:

· 2 cups of Epsom

· 1 cup of Dead Sea Salt or bakingSoda

· 2 Tbsp. Glycerol

· ½ cup dried, powdered herbs such as lavender (optional)

· 10-15 drops of fragrance (optional)

· 5 drops of liquid dye if desired

Place the measured salt into a large bowl and mix well. They take about ½ cup and place in a small bowl. Add the drops of fragrance and color to this small amount and mix well. Add the mixture to a large mixing bowl a little at a time until you are satisfied with the colorand the strength of the scent. Put the salt in a jar with a tight lid. Shop and shake the mixture for each day one week before packaging to prevent clumping. Add ¼ - ½ cup of your salts to a warm bath, sit back, relax and enjoy.