The pretty jars and packages of commercially available face creams often contain ingredients that may be harmful, not only to your skin, but to your health. Every day, the average American adult uses personal care products that contain 126 chemicals, according to the Environmental Working Group, a consumer watchdog organization. Many of those ingredients are suspected carcinogens, or may cause other problems. When you make your own facial cleansing creams, you control the ingredients and can customize them to suit your skin type and needs, avoiding ingredients that may be harmful.
Normal Skin
Step 1
Let the egg yolk warm to room temperature in a small bowl. Beat the yolk with a hand whisk until it is creamy and thick.
Step 2
Add the lemon juice to the egg yolk, continuing to beat the mixture with the whisk.
Step 3
Add the oil slowly while you continue to whisk the egg yolk mixture. Start with one or two drops at a time, then gradually increase as the egg yolk absorbs the oil.
Step 4
Drizzle the melted butter into the mixture as you continue to whisk it. Store in a covered jar in the refrigerator.
Oily Skin
Step 1
Grind the almonds in a coffee grinder until it resembles coarse corn meal. Use short pulses and check frequently to avoid turning the almond meal into almond butter.
Step 2
Sift the ground almonds in a flour sifter. Return large chunks to the coffee grinder and grind again.
Step 3
Stir the ground almonds and powdered milk together in a small bowl.
Step 4
Add distilled water a little at a time, stirring well after each addition, until the mixture is a spreadable paste. Store the cream in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Dry Skin
Step 1
Place a heat-resistant glass bowl in a pan of simmering water. Put the beeswax into the bowl and allow it to heat without stirring until it is just liquid.
Step 2
Stir the sweet almond oil into the melted beeswax gently.
Step 3
In a second bowl, heat the rose water until it reaches the same approximate temperature as the beeswax mixture.
Step 4
Add the rose water to the beeswax mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly, until the rose water is completely blended into the beeswax.
Step 5
Remove the pan from the heat. Continue stirring the cream steadily until it cools to room temperature.
Step 6
Add rose essential oil to the cooled mixture, stirring it in well. Pour the cream into a clean, glass jar and store it in a cool, dark place to preserve the essential oils.
Things You'll Need
- 1 egg yolk
- Whisk
- Small bowl
- 1/2 cup almond, avocado or olive oil
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. melted butter
- 1/2 cup whole almonds
- Coffee grinder
- Flour sifter
- 1/4 cup powdered non-fat milk
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- Saucepan
- 2 heat-resistant glass bowls
- 1/8 oz. beeswax
- 4 oz. sweet almond oil
- 2 1/4 oz. rose water
- Whisk
- 10 drops rose essential oil
- Glass jar
References
- "The Aromatherapy Bible: The Definitive Guide to Using Essential Oils"; Gill Farrer-Halls; 2005
- "Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 Homemade Herbal Formula for Glowing Skin & a Vibrant Self"; Stephanie Tourles; 2007
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Household Solutions"; Melodie Moore; 1998
- The Nibble: Julia Child's Mayonnaise Recipe
- Environmental Working Group: Exposures Add Up Survey Resuls
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