In skin and hair care, expensive and complicated is not necessarily better.
Here is a recipe for a DIY cream that you will never want to go without. It is extremely versatile, because it can be used both on the skin and on the hair (and even for oral health). It combats wrinkles and sagging or poor tone, refines the texture of the skin, helps against skin injuries, and promotes overall skin health. It naturally nourishes the hair and the scalp; it may even help against hairloss. And it makes a great birthday or Christmas gift, to boot.
What You Will Need
* Castor oil
* Cold pressed coconut oil (and/or argan oil).
OPTIONAL
* Essential oils of your choice (preferably no more than two at a time)
Because of its low molecular mass, castor oil has extraordinary transdermal capabilities, so it will drive the nutrients present in the mixture deeper into the skin and scalp than they could reach alone. On its own, castor oil is an ancient trick to make eyebrows and eyelashes grow longer, thicker and darker, and it is useful against hair loss (especially around the hairline). Read more about it here.
However, it is a very sticky and dense oil which makes it somewhat difficult to apply without stretching the skin. When used for haircare, it can also "tug" on weak hairs, causing them to fall out.
(This is not something to be overly concerned about. It only happens because of the sheer weight of the oil, and the strands of hair that do fall off were too weak to be viable anyway.)
By mixing it with a lighter oil, castor oil becomes much easier to apply, while enhancing the properties of the mixture.
Coconut oil (cold-pressed).
The benefits of coconut oil, for both oral and topical use (e.g. for aching knees and, of course, for cosmetic purposes), have been known for centuries. (Recent research seems to indicate it could even have potential as a cure for dementia and Alzheimer's disease.).
Used together with castor oil, it will penetrate deeper than it would when used alone.
Another benefit of coconut oil is that it does not go rancid, so the mixture is much easier to store for much longer than it is the case with other oils.
Argan oil is one of the recently discovered wonders of nature.
However, it does go rancid when not stored in a dark and cool place, which makes it less practical for use in ready-made mixtures.
How To Make and Apply It
The procedure fpr making this cream could not be simpler.
Take equal amounts of castor oil and coconut oil (and/or argan oil), mix them thoroughly... and apply to your skin and/or scalp and hair. (Make sure you have protected your clothes and other sensitive objects because the mixture is greasy, and castor oil stains can be difficult to remove.)
For hair care, massage the mixture gently into your scalp and hair, then leave it on for two hours or overnight. (Protect your bed linen.) Then simply wash your hair. It will nourish the hair, strengthen it, and impart unparalleled shine and bounce.
For skin care, you can use it as a cleansing cream (castor oils draws out impurities), or as protection against wind, cold and harsh weather, or simply for daily cosmetic care. It will refine the texture of the skin while offering deep nourishment and protection against the elements in all weather conditions.
If you find you have applied too much or that it is too "greasy", simply wait for a few minutes and then gently, without stretching the skin, wipe it off with a tissue.
This cream works very well for body care, including the breasts. It helps prevent stretch marks and improves the skin tone all over the body.
And that is not all: you could even use it as a safe and effective tooth paste.
This mixture works very well alone, but you can add essential oils to give it extra punch and enhance its cosmetic and therapeutic properties.
Which Essential Oils to Use
The first and most important rule is to buy the very best quality essential oils available.
There are reliable resources available, both online and off-line, to read about the specific properties of essential oils, but there are some oils that are more versatile than others. Lavender is a well-known adaptogen. And for skin care, there are few essential oils as effective as geranium. It balances the skin and imparts a healthy glow. Rosemary is another invaluable essential oil, both for skin care and haircare, because it boosts blood circulation. (For use in haircare it can be combined with essential oil of ylang ylang, a wonderfully fragrant antidepressant and aphrodisiac oil that was one of the main ingredients of the popular Victorian concoction called Macassar oil.)
Other very valuable skincare essential oils include carrot seed (against wrinkles), frankincense (Boswellia, against wrinkles; it is also a valuable calming oil), wonderful spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi), and of course rose and jasmine.
For bodycare, you could also try fennel essential oil, which is reputed for its anti-sagging properties.
(Fennel oil is usually listed as potentially dangerous to epilepsy sufferers, because it could trigger a seizure. According to research, the actual odds of that happening seem to be very small indeed; but, by all means, be careful - and this goes for all fragrances.)
CAUTION: Do not confuse "fragrance oils" with essential oils. Most "fragrance oils" are synthetic, made for use in "air fresheners" and similar commercial products. They could only damage both your skin and your respiratory system, not to mention provoke headaches and possible allergies.
Using it Freshly Made
Ready-made mixtures are very practical - and this one can be stored at room temperature (unless argan oil is used) - but nothing beats using it freshly made. Simply take a teaspoon of coconut oil (or a smidgeon of it, if it is hardened, as it naturally is below certain temperatures) and an equal amount of castor oil, add about two drops of the essential oil of your choice, mix well - and apply.
Offer It As a Gift
This cream is so good you can offer it as a classy gift to anyone you know well enough to present them with such an intimate gift. It can even be a gift for someone who "has it all", because nothing quite as good is available ready-made in shops.
All you need is a pretty glass container to package it. Add a bow, perhaps a sprig of lavender or any other pretty dried (or fresh) plant - and voila.
The recipient will soon find out it was one of the best and most valuable gifts s/he ever got.
Helle Hermyan - The world is my home. You name it, I've been there. You name it, I've done it. Now, I want to share it.
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