For the last few weeks, I have been looking for a simple way of making my own face cream. I really loved Kariderm’s protective face cream, but I wanted to make my own with simple ingredients. I also like the idea of making a flexible product that I could adapt to my skin’s needs, the season and my mood.
With colder temperatures, I started using pure coconut oil as a night moisturizer and have been reasonably happy with the results. However, I wanted something more unctuous. I also really liked using Shea butter, and so I wanted to incorporate that.
Shea butter has many amazing benefits for the skin. First, it is a great moisturizer. It also contains a lot of vitamin A, E and D and acts as an anti-inflammatory… and it smells amazing!
As I searched the perfect recipe, I noticed that most DIY face cream recipes used beeswax. From what I know, I understood that this was, first, to make the cream thicker and help the cream set to a solid form at room temperature. Beeswax is also known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Also, this product helps keep the moisture in the skin while still letting it breath. Sounds great!
Another thing I wanted to consider is the fact that I have oily, acne-prone skin. To manage this, I decided to include some essential oils: lavender and rosemary. These two essential oils are easy to find, and also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that are great against acne. They also smell great together and help relax, which is great as I will use this cream everyday.
Here is a mix I recently put together which combines my need for moisture, and acne fighting properties:
– 2 tablespoons solid organic unrefined coconut oil
– 2 tablespoons solid organic unrefined Shea butter
– 1/2 teaspoon solid beeswax
– 2-5 drops lavender essential oil (as usual with essential oil, don’t put too much or they will burn your skin)
– 2-5 drops rosemary essential oil
– a small glass container with lid.
Here is what you need to do:
– In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil and sterilize the container you are going to use to store your cream. You can do so by submerging the container for 5 minutes.
– Empty and dry the container, and put it back in the saucepan (you don’t want any water to get into it however).
– Put all the ingredients except the essential oils in the glass container and mix with a wooden spoon as they start melting.
– When all the ingredients are melted, take the container out of the water and add the essential oils. Mix well.
– Put the lid on and wait for the cream to set. You can put it in the fridge, or just let it out.
The feeling of this cream on my face is simply glorious: the smell is relaxing and sweet, the feeling is moisturizing but not clogging, and the moisturizing effect is great for wintertime. This cream is also quickly absorbed by the skin, which makes it a good day cream.
Give it a try!
My Lighthearted Kitchen 