I recently noticed how dry my skin has gotten over the winter months. We have always enjoyed Melaluca Renew bath oil , but when your toddlers insist on dumping an entire bottle for the fun of it, you begin to consider ways to make it a little more cost-effective. In other words, you do it yourself!

Now, I am creative, but I am only that way because I seek out those who were creative before me. So, I decided to consult the Green Living website. While I do not agree with all the content found on this site, I do tend to live a shade of green.

They had many suggestions for various bath oils, but what I went with was a concoction of:
1 ounce carrier oil
15-30 drops essential oil

I first had to decide on what type of container I would use. Since my children had been so quick to dump the squeeze bottle that Renew oil comes in, I decided to go with a container that was less likely to be dumped completely with one flip of the bottle. I just happened to have an empty handsoap pump that fit the bill. The adults could “pump” the perfect amount into the bath water, and the children would more than likely grow weary of pumping before the contents were completely emptied.

Next, I went through my cabinet of oils searching for the perfect carrier oil. I’m not particularly fond of the smell of Olive Oil, and I really didn’t like the idea of soaking in Canola Oil, and I didn’t want to use up my precious, yet dwindling supply of coconut oil just yet (plus, I see no need for an added essential oil if you use coconut oil), so the pleasant and not too overpowering sesame oil won out.

Next, I added an essential oil. In order to best mimic the Renew oil, I went with Tea Tree Oil. I chose to put in about 20 drops because TTO can be harsh on the skin if too concentrated. This left the oil with a pleasantly clean smell.

Now, to decide how many pumps it takes to get to the center of a tootsie pop…oh wait, wrong question…

How many pumps are just enough to make the bath soothing, but not greasy? Well, for us, that magic number is 1.5 pumps.

Note: the oil does pool on the surface of the water…this is normal and okay. ;o)

So, there you have it…the simple and painless way to make your own bath oil. What else can you try? How about plain coconut oil? Maybe a rosemary or orange or peppermint essential oil? How about a soothing oil for nighttime baths like lavender and a wake up oil for morning like lemon? Or how about perusing the many listed on the Green living site: Bath Oil Link

And, if you are wondering, my skin is doing quite well, thank you. It is enjoying the soothing balm of this little luxury.