You know what super sucks?!?!
Getting older…that’s what!!!
It hasn’t been until the last year that I’ve really started to notice a significant change in tautness of the skin on my face. It isn’t horrible, yet…but ladies, I know you know what I’m talkin’ about!
So needless to say, I’m on a mission to hold off the inevitable for as long as possible.
And naturally, I will do that with the help of some of my favorite nourishing ingredients, herbal allies, and plant-based oils.
Each of the ingredients I have chosen for this recipe are known for their ::
- fight against dry, damaged, and dehydrated skin
- ability to minimize appearance of acne scars
- treatment of wrinkles and premature aging
- means to protect against sun damage
- astringent properties
- capacity to heal blemishes of all sorts (i.e. acne, cystic acne, age spots, dermatitis, and hyper-pigmentation)
- anti-inflammatory properties
- potential to even skin tone
Without further ado…here’s the recipe.
Oh, and…you’re welcome;)
Herbal Cleansing Cream
Ingredients
*Choose only organic ingredients. I have linked directly to the ingredients I personally use and recommend.
Oils
- 1/4 cup organic rosehip seed oil
- 1/8 cup calendula herbal oil(orclick here to learn how to make your own herb-infused oil)
- 1 tablespoon organic sea buckthorn oil
Liquids
- 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons liquid of choice, (i.e. aloe vera gel, your favorite hydrosol, or a strong infusionof green teaor calendula tea)
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel extract
- 2 teaspoons raw, organic honey
Waxes + Emulsifying Agents
- 2 tablespoonsbeeswax pastilles
- 1 tablespoonemulsifying wax(you can substitute with these beeswax pastilles if you’d prefer, however, I find that I get a better emulsion by using e-wax)
- 1/4 teaspoon borax (I love thisnaturally sourced and cosmetic grade borax…it does not contain surfactants and/or detergents usually found in commercially-prepared borax products.)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 teaspoon lanolin, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon non-GMO vitamin E oil, optional
*For the highest medicinal value available always choose organic essential oils.
- 15 drops lavender or geranium or chamomile (or any combination of each) essential oils
- 15 drops frankincense essential oils
- 10 drops cedarwood essential oils
Method
- Melt beeswax and e-wax in a small saucepan or double boiler, using low heat.
- Once melted, add the oils + lanolin (if using) to the waxes and stir well to combine.
- Remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly, stirring with a wire whisk, until mixture begins to thicken into a soft, creamy consistency. This should take approximately 5-10 minutes depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
- Meanwhile, heat the liquids (your liquid(s) of choice, witch hazel, and honey) just until warm, then remove from heat.
- Add borax. Stir until dissolved.
- Using an immersion blender(or a kitchen blender), addthe warmed liquids into the oil/wax mixture by drizzling slowly and blending at the same time(think homemade mayo method). Blend until cool, smooth, and thicken.
- Mix in vitamin E oil (if using) and essential oils.
- Stir well.
- Pour into clean glassstorage jars (I use these).
Please remember :: Making any type of cream or lotion at home, in your kitchen, requires the utmost in cleanliness in order to inhibit bacterial growth and prevent mold. This is why it is very important to use aloe vera gel, hydrosols, or purified/distilled water for the tea infusion in the recipe. Likewise, please be sure to use thoroughly cleaned utensils, pans, bowls, and counter surfaces throughout the process.
Note :: This cream should used within 3-4 weeks from preparation. There is no need for refrigeration. However, if you see mold growing, toss it out. Tip :: If you use more than one jar/container feel free to store them in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. And just so you know, I’ve never had any mold grow in mine — ever.
Tips for Use
- Apply a small amount (approx. 1-2 teaspoons) of cleansing cream to your face using a cloth or your fingertips. Note: Feel free to add approx. 1/2 teaspoon liquid castille soap to the cream in your hands for additional cleansing (I love this liquid castille soap from Mountain Rose Herbs).
- Massage into skin for 1-3 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Pat dry. Note: You may follow with a swab of witch hazel or calendula hydrosol
This cleansing cream removes makeup and deep cleans pores…it also makes for a wonderful, stand-alone facial/body moisturizer!
I hope you love it as much as I do!!
Note: Naturally the resultswill bedifferent for everyone. This is by no means a cure-all. I’m just happy to share with you my experience with these plants and/or oils. Please use conventional wisdom and consult with your medical professional prior to using this or any other herbal remedy.And as we know all too well the FDA doesn’t like any type of claim… therefore, take it for what it is, and remember, this information ispurely educational in its purpose.
