According to herbalist Dina Falconi, in her book "Earthly Bodies and Heavenly Hair," sebum is a protective oily substance that keeps our skin lubricated and moisturized. As you age, your skin loses some of its ability to make sebum--and by making your own hand cream you can add nourishing oils that will help prevent and treat dryness as well as irritation in the skin of your hands.
Step 1
Add all your liquid oils to your 16 oz. glass measuring cup and place it in a small pot filled with water at low heat.
Step 2
Add your solid oils and beeswax to the heating liquid oils and heat until they completely dissolve, stirring constantly with a spoon.
Step 3
Remove the oils from the heat and use this same pot to heat the aloe vera gel and distilled water in a separate measuring cup.
Step 4
Remove the aloe vera and distilled water and let both mixtures cool until they reach body temperature. You can test the temperature with your fingertips.
Step 5
Transfer the heated water and aloe vera gel to your blender and turn it on high speed.
Step 6
Add the oils with a slow drizzle and continue to blend the mixture until it has reached a thick and creamy consistency.
Step 7
Scoop the cream out into a 32 oz. measuring cup and add your essential oils, mixing them well with the spoon.
Step 8
Pour the cream into your 2 oz. glass containers and cap them tightly with their lids. Leave the cream undisturbed for 24 hours to allow the cream to set and cool.
Step 9
Place any of the jars with cream that you won't be using in the refrigerator to keep them from becoming rancid.
Tips and Warnings
- You can alternate essential oils if you wish to have a different scent for your hand cream. Use sterilized containers in order to prevent bacterial growth in your hand cream since you won't be adding any chemicals to preserve it.
- Terminate the use of your hand cream if you experience any type of skin irritation or allergic reaction.
Things You'll Need
- 2 oz. almond oil
- 1 oz. jojoba oil
- 1 oz. peanut oil
- 1 oz. olive oil
- 1 oz. avocado oil
- 1 oz. shea butter
- 1 oz. cocoa butter
- 1 oz. beeswax
- Two 16 oz. heat proof-measuring cup
- Medium size pot
- Spoon
- 2 oz. aloe vera gel
- 7 oz. distilled water
- Blender
- 32 oz. measuring cup
- 1 tsp. sandal wood essential oil
- 1/2 tsp. spruce essential oil
- 1/4 tsp. lavender essential oil
- Ten 2 oz. glass containers with lid.
References
- "Earthly Bodies and Heavenly Hair"; Dina Falconi; 1998
- "The Medicine-Maker's Handbook"; James Green; 2000
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