Moisturizing Skin Cream Recipes

Placing antiviral essential oils in moisturizing cream is another way to apply medicinal properties topically. The benefit of using a cream instead of oil or ointment is the ability to hydrate the skin. Hydration helps to prevent tissue damage and scarring.

 

While ointments, salves, and balms cover, protect, and help heal damaged and sensitive skin, they tend not to absorb well and aren't moisturizing. That said, they can be soothing, but when the intention is to soften and smooth skin, a cream is required. Why? Because creams contain moisture, they allow for better absorption. However, since oil and water don't mix, creams are made differently from ointments to prevent ingredients from separating.

 

 

Stephanie Donaldson's Moisturizing Cream Recipe

 

The following recipe makes about 3/4 cup of moisturizing cream.

 

  • 1/2 cup rosewater
  • 1/2 teaspoon glycerine
  • 2 tablespoons witch hazel
  • 1/4 teaspoon borax
  • 2 tablespoons emulsifying wax (or white beeswax)
  • 1 teaspoon lanolin
  • 2 tablespoons almond oil
  • 2 drops rose oil

 

Gently heat the rose water, glycerin, witch hazel, and borax in a saucepan until the borax has dissolved. Melt the emulsifying wax (or white beeswax), lanolin, and almond oil in a double boiler over low heat. Slowly add the rosewater mixture to the oil mixture, whisking as you do so. It will quickly turn milky and thicken. Then remove the heat, continue whisking as it cools, and add the rose oil. Pour the cream into glass pots or jars. Cap tightly.

 

Apply a fingertip amount to the face and neck before bed.

 

This recipe comes from Stephanie Donaldson's book, The Country Store, 1996 (Lorenz Books)

 

 

Rosemary Gladstar's Famous Cream Recipe

 

Rosemary Gladstar's famous moisturizing cream recipe uses calendula oil and lavender essential oil, making it gentle enough for babies. Rosemary's recipe is effective for addressing irritated or age-related skin issues. Dryness can cause microscopic tears in the skin, which are open invitations for an outbreak. Using a natural skin cream can help reduce this occurrence. Additionally, you can exchange lavender essential oil for another oil, such as lemon balm, which is known to target herpes, to help prevent a cold sore from crusting and scarring and to shorten the duration of outbreaks.

 

 

Ingredients

 

  • ¾ cup calendula infusion (made with equal parts grapeseed and apricot oils)
  • ⅛ cup cocoa butter
  • ⅛ cup coconut oil
  • 1 rounded tablespoon of grated beeswax or pastilles (wax beads)
  • ¼ cup commercially prepared aloe vera gel (alcohol-free)
  • ¾ cup distilled water
  • A few drops of lavender essential oil (or another oil, such as lemon balm, which targets herpes, to keep a cold sore from crusting and scarring and reduce outbreak time)

 

 

Directions

 

Combine the calendula oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in a saucepan over very low heat, stirring until everything is melted. Pour the mixture into a measuring cup or bowl and let it cool for at least several hours or overnight, until it is firm, thick, and creamy.

 

Scrape the oil mixture into a blender. Combine the aloe vera gel, distilled water, and lavender essential oil in a separate bowl. Turn the blender to high speed and slowly drizzle the water mixture into the oil, continuing to blend until the oil has fully absorbed all the water mixture. The blender should "choke" as the mixture thickens and becomes white and creamy.

 

Turn off the blender and scoop the cream into small jars. Apply the lids and store them in a cool, dark location. The cream will keep for up to a year.

 

 

Uses

 

To alleviate dry and sensitive skin, apply Rosemary's moisturizer to your face and body as often as desired. It can also be used on babies and children. However, if you've exchanged lavender essential oil for another, the cream will no longer be suitable for children under 12. 

 

 

Reference

 

Gladstar, R. (2008). Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. Storey Publishing: North Adams, MA.

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