Skin Care Tips, Notes & More

Frequently it seems that maintaining healthy skin, a great appearance, and an attractive scent costs an arm and leg. However, it is not necessary to commit a significant sum of money to one's external care. There are alternatives.

You don't have to spend a fortune for a high-quality organic face or hand cream. In fact, you can make your own at home with ingredients from your own local organic grocer. Keep reading for a few fantastic recipes for homemade and organic moisturizers.

Almond-Jojoba Nail and Cuticle Treatment

The oil in this treatment will lock in moisture for dry or chapped hands. The honey will condition and strengthen your nails.

Recipe:
2 tablespoons almond oil
2 tablespoons jojoba oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons organic honey
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil or several vitamin E capsules broken open

Mix together all the ingredients. Soak your nails, hands and feet in warm water for 10 minutes, and then pat them dry. Massage the treatment lotion into your hands and feet, concentrating on the nails and cuticles. Wash your hands and feet again and then repeat, and again after a bath or shower.

This recipe yields enough organic skin cream for 4 hand treatments or 2 hand and feet treatments. To make an organic face cream that's not as heavy, reduce the amount of honey and oil, and then add water.

Apricot Oil Hand Moisturizer

Apricot oil is particularly effective on skin that is prematurely aged, dry, sensitive or inflamed - making it great for anyone combating sun damage.

Recipe:
6 dried apricots
2 cups water, preferably distilled
1 ounce grated beeswax
1 cup apricot oil
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup aloe vera gel
5 vitamin E capsules, broken open

In a saucepan, bring the water and dried apricots to a boil and simmer for close to 20 minutes. Set this aside to cool. Then in a double boiler, set it over simmering water, or in a heavy saucepan set it over a low heat. Combine the beeswax, apricot oil, and coconut oil and then cook them while stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes. Afterward, pour the mixture into a glass container and set it aside.

Pour the water and apricots into a blender, and blend them until smooth. Strain the mixture through a cheese cloth, discard the solid leftovers and put the liquid back into the blender. Add vitamin E oil and aloe vera gel. Blend this mixture at low speed.

Slowly blend the beeswax mixture into the blender and continue doing so until it has the consistency of cake frosting. Pour the hand moisturizer into jars and store them in a cool place. The mixture will thicken as it cools. Apply the final product to your hands every time you wash them.

Sweet Orange Wrinkle Banisher

This recipe is particularly effective against wrinkles caused by overexposure to the sun as the orange oil helps rejuvenate and revitalize your skin. The almond oil in this unique blend will also help replenish the skin's moisture.

Recipe:

2 teaspoons hazelnut oil
1 teaspoon almond oil
8 drops sweet orange essential oil

Combine the oils and massage gently into your skin. Use the mix each morning and night after cleansing. This is a great organic face cream for older skin.