For lighter legs: diy refreshing gel cream!

Published on June 28, 2021 - Cosmetics

Finally, summer and so much heat! Let’s enjoy every season, but let’s also learn to manage the small discomforts that come with it; like swollen legs!

This condition, technically called edema, is caused by an accumulation of lymphatic fluids in the body, more commonly in the ankles and legs.

To be honest, we should talk about multiple causes because poor dietary habits, spending too much time standing or sitting, wearing unsuitable shoes and tight clothing, and inadequate hydration; all contribute to triggering or worsening swelling in the lower limbs. Add to that a nice hereditary predisposition, and the picture is complete!

By eliminating one or more triggering causes, you will benefit your legs in the medium and long term, but in the meantime, you can help yourself with topical products to find relief.

The first product you can make yourself is the light legs spray that you can find in this article “DIY light legs spray“: put it in the refrigerator and use it as needed!

The second product to make yourself is a refreshing gel cream to be used morning and evening, a classic emulsion that requires a bit of skill but is very easy to prepare. Follow my instructions step by step!

The functional substances you’ll find inside are:

Glycerolic extract of Centella (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.)

Stimulates collagen production, decongests the circulatory system, anti-aging, elasticizing, acts on cellulite and microcirculation.

Glycerolic extract of Ivy (Hedera helix L.)

Draining, stimulating, and toning, useful in case of cellulite, water retention, and swelling.

Rosemary Essential Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)

Stimulates circulation and contrasts water retention.

Clary Sage Essential Oil (Salvia sclarea L.)

Useful in case of arterial hypertension and circulatory disorders.

Thyme Essential Oil (Thymus vulgaris L.)

Useful in case of venous insufficiency.

Refreshing gel cream

I remind you that the formulations to follow are divided into phases, identified with alphabetical letters:

A – identifies the aqueous phase and all the hydrophilic components that need to be dissolved in it,

B – identifies the oily phase and all the lipophilic components that need to be dissolved in it,

C – is the phase that indicates the ingredients to be added after emulsification and cooling (essential oils and some actives).

To prepare about 100 grams of cream, you will need:

PHASE A

54.7 grams of Peppermint hydrosol

12 grams of glycerin

7 grams of Ivy glycerolic extract

7 grams of Centella glycerolic extract

0.8 grams of xanthan gum

PHASE B

8 grams of Coco silicone

3.4 grams of Avocado oil

2 grams of Methyl glucose sesquistearate

0.6 grams of cetyl stearyl alcohol

PHASE C

3 grams of Menthol crystals

5 drops of Rosemary essential oil

5 drops of Thyme essential oil

5 drops of Clary sage essential oil

1 gram of Cosgard preservative

Food alcohol as needed

Lactic acid as needed

Procedure:

Wear safety clothing (in this case, mask and gloves)
Disinfect all tools and containers to be used
Weigh the ingredients of phase B (lipophilic) and let them dissolve in a water bath
Weigh xanthan gum and glycerin and combine them.
Weigh the other ingredients of phase A (hydrophilic), combine them with glycerin and xanthan gum already prepared, and heat in a water bath
When both phases reach a temperature of 60°/65°C, pour the lipophilic phase B into the hydrophilic phase A and mix with a hand blender
Dissolve the menthol crystals in a little alcohol
Let the emulsion between phase A and B cool down to add the dissolved menthol and essential oils, mixing thoroughly.
Add the preservative and mix
Measure the pH and adjust if necessary (it should be 6)
Transfer the cream to a container with a label containing all the ingredients and the date of preparation and store in the refrigerator for a greater “ice” effect. Use within 3 months.