Cream facial cleanser, also known as cleansing cream, gently removes makeup, dirt, pollutants and bacteria from the skin while adding moisture. Without regular cleansing, the skin may appear dull and lifeless. For the best results, use a cream facial cleanser once or twice daily, followed by a gentle toner or astringent, and a natural, leave-on facial moisturizer. Customize your facial cleanser by using herbs and essential oils that benefit your particular skin type.
Step 1
Bring 1 cup water to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn off heat, add dried herbs, cover, and allow the mixture to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2
Strain the liquid from the dried herbs, and set aside. Discard the spent herbal material.
Step 3
Place the lanolin and beeswax in a glass measuring cup. Place the cup in the center of a medium saucepan filled with about 2 inches of water.
Step 4
Place the pan over medium heat, and bring the water to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, and continue simmering until the beeswax has completely melted.
Step 5
Add the olive oil and vitamin E oil to the melted beeswax mixture, and simmer for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the measuring cup from the pan, and take the pan off of the heat.
Step 6
Stir the oil and wax mixture vigorously with a wire whisk. Add 2 tbsp. of the herbal tea to the mixture, while whisking constantly. Continue stirring briskly until you have a thick, creamy consistency.
Step 7
Add the essential oil, if using, and stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. For the best results, use an essential oil that complements your skin type.
Step 8
Spoon the facial cleansing cream into a glass storage jar, and allow it to cool completely before sealing the lid. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Tips and Warnings
- For the best results, make your cream facial cleanser with dried herbs recommended for your skin type. The Soap Naturally Natural Skin Care Handbooks suggest calendula or comfrey for dry skin, fennel or lemongrass for oily skin, and chamomile or lavender for normal skin. Melt the lanolin and beeswax in the top of a double boiler instead of using the glass measuring cup method, if available. Reserve the unused herbal tea to use as a rinse after applying the cleansing cream. The tea will keep for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, but should be discarded after this to ensure freshness. In his book "Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair, and Skin Care," Erich Keller suggests using lavender or bergamot essential oils for normal skin, rose or neroli for dry skin, and geranium or sandalwood for oily skin. To use the cleansing cream, massage a small amount into the face and neck with your fingertips, using small, circular, upward motions. Rinse thoroughly and pat the skin dry.
Things You'll Need
- 2 tbsp. dried herbs
- 4 tbsp. lanolin
- 2 tbsp. grated beeswax
- Glass measuring cup
- Medium saucepan
- 5 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. vitamin E oil
- Wire whisk
- 1/4 tsp. essential oil, optional
- Glass storage jar with lid
References
- Soap Naturally: Herbal Skin Care Reference Chart
- "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies"; Jude C. Todd; 2002
- "Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair, and Skin Care"; Erich Keller; 1999
- "Spa: Refreshing Rituals for Body and Soul"; Leslie Wolski; 2003
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