Skin creams work differently than regular lotions as they are lighter and provide nutritional benefits for the skin. There are many skin creams on the market today but they can be expensive because they promise specific results. Skin creams can easily be made at home and for much less than commercial brands. Does this Spark an idea?
Anti-Aging Cream
Most want to remain young looking and look for anti-aging skin creams. Try a simple but effective dairy-based cream. Milk and honey together provide anti-microbial properties and can give a youthful glow to the skin.
Milk & Honey Skin Cream
2 tsp. plain yogurt or buttermilk
1/2 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
3 capsules vitamin E or evening primrose oil
Combine yogurt/buttermilk, honey and lemon juice. Open the vitamin E capsules, squeeze the fluid out and fold contents into the mix. Leave on skin for 15 minutes. If preparing more than one application, this must be refrigerated because of the dairy products. It will keep for about 5 days before discarding for fresh.
Skin Tightening Cream
Another benefit we look for in a skin cream as we age is for skin tightening. Wrinkles are an anathema in modern society but good anti-wrinkle creams can cost up to $20 per oz.
Lemon Anti-Wrinkle Cream
3 tbsp. dried lemon balm leaves
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 ounce grated beeswax
2 oz. lanolin
1/2 cup wheat germ oil (can be substituted with almond or jojoba oil)
1 tsp. powdered bee glue
Put the lemon balm leaves in the boiling water and allow to steep like tea. After about 10 minutes strain the brew into a clean bowl and dispose of the lemon balm leaves. Allow it to cool. Set a heat resistant glass in a pot of water and slowly bring the water to a boil. Put the grated beeswax and lanolin in the glass and allow to melt together. Stir in your desired oil (1 tsp. of lemon oil can be added as well to give it a nice scent).
Add the lemon balm tea by the teaspoon and stir until well blended. Remove the glass from water and add the bee glue powder to the slightly warm mixture. Stir the mixture until it is completely blended. Allow it to cool completely before stirring thoroughly. Move it to a clean container with tight-fitting lid. The finished cream can be stored for up to 3 months.
Softening Cream
One of the main benefits of a skin cream is to soften the skin. The skin on the face is very sensitive and requires something thinner than body lotions provide. A simple skin cream can be easily and inexpensively made.
Rose & Lavender Skin Cream
2 oz. almond oil (can be substituted with jojoba or coconut oil)
4 drops rose essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
1/2 oz. beeswax
In a double boiler, slowly heat the almond oil, essential oils and beeswax. The more beeswax you add the thicker the cream. After the mixture has cooled, if a thicker cream is desired the mixture can be reheated and more beeswax added. If you find that the cream is too thick, reheat and add more almond oil. Allow the mixture to cool completely and put in a clean container with a tight fitting lid.
Tags: lemon balm, balm leaves, lemon balm leaves, Allow cool, balm leaves boiling, beeswax lanolin, benefits skin