SKIN CREAM BASED ON GALEN’S RECIPE

Monday, March 21, 2011

Used as a cleansing or nourishing night cream (with the addition of an essential oil), this recipe incorporates rose water which benefits the circulation of all skin types, particularly sensitive skins. An essential oil can be added to alleviate specific skin conditions: try sandalwood or chamomile for dry skin, lemon or ylang-ylang for oily skin or frankincense or jasmine to aid rejuvenation (see Chapter 5 for further information). Melt the wax over low heat and warm the oil and beat into the wax. Then warm the rose water, and dribble this into the warm wax/oil mixture beating it as you go. Stir the essential oil into the cream before it has set. Pour into a clean jar choosing one with a wide mouth because the cream solidifies as it cools. Cap and label with your recipe and date. The main benefit of making your own creams is that you control the ingredients. You can choose the finest quality nourishing ingredients and be sure of their freshness and purity. You can add herbal extracts and essential oils to suit your exact requirements and the only drawback I have found with homemade creams is that without special equipment it is difficult to achieve the light whipped effect of modern day creams.

If you have very sensitive or allergic skin you can substitute ingredients and find which are acceptable to your skin. Even the top quality ingredients will still cost a small fraction of the cost of commercial products. To make 75 ml of a moisture cream using the best quality ingredients costs about 35 pence or a little more if a few drops of rose oil are included.