Making your own face cream is surprisingly easy and allows you to control exactly what ingredients go onto your skin. Here are a couple of simple recipes to get you started:
Recipe 1: Basic Nourishing Face Cream
This recipe uses a blend of oils and butter to create a rich and hydrating cream.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Almond Oil
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
- 2 tablespoons Beeswax pastilles (acts as an emulsifier and thickener)
- 2 tablespoons Shea Butter
- A few drops of Vitamin E oil (optional, acts as an antioxidant)
- Optional: Essential oils for fragrance (lavender, rose, chamomile are popular choices - use sparingly, 1-2 drops)
Instructions:
- Melt the Ingredients: In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a simmering pot of water, combine the almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. Heat until completely melted, stirring occasionally.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly for a few minutes. This prevents the vitamin E oil and essential oils from losing their potency.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in the vitamin E oil and any essential oils you choose to use.
- Pour and Set: Pour the mixture into a clean, airtight container. A small jar or tin works well.
- Let it Cool and Harden: Allow the cream to cool and harden completely at room temperature. This can take a few hours.
- Store: Store in a cool, dark place. This cream should last for several months.
Recipe 2: Aloe Vera Soothing Face Cream
This recipe is lighter and more easily absorbed, thanks to the addition of aloe vera gel.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
- 2 tablespoons Jojoba Oil
- 2 tablespoons Beeswax pastilles
- 1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel (pure, preservative-free is best)
- Optional: Essential oils for fragrance (tea tree for acne-prone skin, frankincense for anti-aging, etc. - 1-2 drops)
Instructions:
- Melt the Oils and Beeswax: In a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over simmering water, combine the coconut oil, jojoba oil, and beeswax. Heat until melted, stirring occasionally.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine with Aloe Vera: In a separate bowl, gently whisk the aloe vera gel until smooth.
- Slowly Incorporate: Very slowly, drizzle the melted oil mixture into the aloe vera gel while continuously whisking. This step is crucial to prevent separation. Using an immersion blender can help ensure a smooth emulsion.
- Add Essential Oils (Optional): Stir in any essential oils you choose.
- Pour and Set: Pour the mixture into a clean, airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the cream for at least an hour to help it set.
- Store: Store in the refrigerator. This cream is best used within 1-2 months due to the aloe vera content.
Important Considerations:
- Hygiene: Always use clean equipment and containers to prevent contamination.
- Patch Test: Before using any homemade face cream, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for allergic reactions.
- Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality, natural ingredients for the best results.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the recipes to suit your skin type. For example, you can substitute different oils or add other beneficial ingredients like honey or avocado oil.
