While some people do get depressed or a little mopey during the winter months, the majority are in a pretty good mood. Skin, on the other hand, may turn a little blue when out in the cold weather for any length of time.
Humidity levels drop in the winter months, leaving skin begging for moisture. Exposed skin on the face and hands are more likely to become dry and cracked, sometimes bleeding. Any break in the skin leaves it open to infection.
Because people are still looking for the fountain of youth, there are tens of thousands willing to sell it to them. If a bottle of skin repair lotion is weighed by the ounces and sold by the hundreds of dollars, it must be better than the others, right? Not necessarily. In fact, not even likely.
There are many oils that are good for the skin, as well as anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins. Consuming healthy foods and drinking water is just as important as what is applied topically. Expensive skin treatments may make the skin feel soft and improve the appearance of wrinkles, but homemade, natural treatments often work just as well or better without fillers and chemical preservatives with unpronounceable names.
Choose up to four herbal extracts, one oil, vitamin E and beeswax to make an easy, inexpensive skin treatment.
- Peppermint
- Lemon Balm
- Aloe Vera
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Calendula
- Comfrey
Oils:
- Extra-virgin olive
- Extra-virgin coconut
- Safflower
- Sunflower
- Walnut
- Castor
- Avocado
- Almond
Place one teaspoon of the four herbs chosen into cheesecloth - can use a coffee filter - and secure with a twist-tie. Pour one-half cup of boiling water over the herbs and allow to steep for twenty minutes.
Strain the herbs and pour the remaining water into the top of a double-boiler. Add a half-cup of the chosen oil, two tablespoons of vitamin E and a half-ounce of grated beeswax. Melt ingredients together over low heat, stirring occasionally. Pour the mixture into clean, empty four-ounce jelly jars or other suitable containers.
The homemade skin lotion/moisturizer should keep up to three months in a cabinet. Use it as often as needed or desired. With extra-virgin coconut oil and beeswax, many lip and skin-care products can be made.
Purchased cosmetics or homemade can be breeding grounds for germs. Always use them with clean hands and discard them when past their expiration dates.
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