COSMETIC USES

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Several of the above oils, especially sweet almond and grape seed, are used in massage because their fine molecules can penetrate the skin. The larger molecules of mineral oils do not pass the skin barrier and their presence can rob the body of fat-soluble vitamins, two attributes which make them unsuitable for skin lotions. Unfortunately, they are often chosen by cosmetic firms because they are cheaper and have an unlimited shelf life. However, they have a use where a barrier cream is required, such as a protective hand cream or a salve to protect a baby’s bottom from nappy rash.

Creams are made of a combination of an oil, a wax and a water-based liquid mixed together to form an emulsion. This combination, with minor variations, has been the basis of skin creams since the first recipe recorded by the Greek physician Galen. His major contribution was the introduction of ‘polypharmacy’, a system of mixing herbal preparations to treat specific conditions. His recipe for skin cream was made with olive oil, bees wax and rose water and it is still an excellent nourishing cream, though a little ‘heavy’ for modern tastes. In the sixteenth century, the oil used was closed (or rape) and from this came the name cold-cream.