My mother-in-law, who has moderate dementia, loves lotion. We've had to remove it, as well as liquid soaps and mouthwash from her bathroom because she rubbed them onto her face, into her eyes, and into her mouth. I put clear water into an empty mouthwash bottle so she could enjoy the motions of using a lotion. But her face and hands get dry, and she would enjoy using it on her own.
I recently removed the toothpaste after I entered her room to find it rubbed all over her face. I used a warm washcloth to gently wash her eyes, hoping none had gotten into them!
I hate removing these little luxuries from her, but must do so for her safety.
Generally a facial lotion will contain some specific herbs as well as a carrier oil, such as almond oil. I haven't tried making my own b/c the carrier oils are generally very expensive and I'm not ready to experiment yet as I don't have the consistent herbal supplies I'll need from my garden.
Over the last several months I've seen a magazine with herbal remedies in the grocery store magazine section. If you're near a good book store, check it out. Barnes and Noble might have some good books on herbal facial lotions as well. Just make sure that the ingredients are in fact edible.
I had to hide ALL bathroom, kitchen,toothpaste, cleaning supplies- everything.Even the soap. Please put everything in a locked cabinet or VERY high and not let her see you get it.
I switched to baby shampoo and soap because she would get it into her eyes. Childrens toothpaste because it would get swallowed. I would apply the lotion all over everyday.
Some of the natural products (such as the ones I buy) have wonderful fragrances, so they also provide a relaxing experience as they're applied. The lotions with mint in them are extraordinary.
I don't know if J&J has actually removed any of the toxins in products for sale in the US, as it apparently did in Europe, but I would most certainly do some research to find out how toxic baby products still might be.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has provided good information on toxins in cosmetics and baby products.
I wonder if there is anything equivalent to "baby shampoo" for young children who are always at risk for putting things in their mouths?