Save Money and Make Your Own Calamine Lotion
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Hi Everyone! Got an itch?
Calamine lotion is a great way to soothe itchy skin caused by sunburn, insect bites, or other irritants. But did you know that you can make your own calamine lotion at home? It's easy, inexpensive, and you can customize it to your liking.
Here's what you'll need:
- Zinc oxide (non-nano)
- Red Lake
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Airtight container
- Distilled water
Instructions:
- Combine the zinc oxide and red lake in a small bowl.
- Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
That's it! You're now ready to make your own calamine lotion.
Here are some tips for making your own calamine lotion:
- Use non-nano zinc oxide. Nano zinc oxide is a smaller particle size that can be absorbed into the skin and may be harmful.
- Make sure the red lake is food grade.
- Store your calamine lotion in a cool, dry place.
- Apply the calamine lotion to the affected area as needed.
Here is a basic recipe for homemade calamine lotion:
- 1/4 cup zinc oxide
- 1/2 teaspoon red lake
This recipe will make enough calamine lotion to last you for several months.
How much water to add:
You'll add water gradually until you reach your desired consistency for application. You want a pourable or spreadable liquid, but not so thin that it runs off immediately.
Start with about 1/4 cup of distilled water and add more in small increments (teaspoons at a time).
Instructions for mixing:
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Combine the 1/4 cup zinc oxide and 1/2 teaspoon red lake in a small, clean bowl.
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Mix them thoroughly with a spoon or a small whisk to ensure the red lake is evenly distributed and you don't have streaks of pure white.
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Begin adding distilled water (or boiled and cooled tap water, if distilled isn't available) slowly, a tablespoon or two at a time.
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Stir continuously, breaking up any clumps, until you have a smooth, thin paste or a liquid that's the consistency of thin paint or cream.
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Use all the mixture immediately. This is not a recipe using preservative, a preservative is needed for long term storage, this means any leftover mixture should be discarded. Do not store it for more than a few hours, even in the fridge, as bacteria can grow in water-based mixtures. Don't mix the entire powder amount with water unless you plan to use it all immediately.
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For a small portion, mix 1/4 tsp at a time into a small amount of the powder until you have a desired consistency.
Here are some of the benefits of making your own calamine lotion:
- It's cheaper than buying commercial calamine lotion.
- You can customize the ingredients to your liking.
- You know exactly what's in your calamine lotion.
So why not give it a try? Making your own calamine lotion is a great way to save money and get the relief you need from itchy skin.
Additional Information
Calamine lotion is a mixture of zinc oxide and iron oxide. Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Iron oxide is a red pigment that gives calamine lotion its pink color.
Calamine lotion is safe for adults and children to use. However, it is important to avoid getting calamine lotion in your eyes. If you do get calamine lotion in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water.
If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with a healthcare professional.