Cold cream was first developed by Galen, a 2nd century Greek Physician, in his service as an attendant in a local temple to Asclepius, the Greek God of Medicine and Healing.  One of Galen's primary roles was to tend to the Gladiators following "games."  He developed a great many healing treatments, Galen's cold cream among them. 

Galen's cold cream contained olive oil (for softening), water, beeswax (the base of the cream), and rose petals (for aromatherapy). It was called "cold cream" because after it was applied to the skin, its water content evaporated, which left a cool feeling on the skin.  Commercially manufactured cold creams have long since replaced the olive oil with mineral or other oils, which will not spoil as rapidly.

Some recipes for cold cream will contain borax; others will not. Borax is a natural ingredient, and acts as both an antiseptic and a preservative.  A reaction occurs when added to recipes containing beeswax -- it turns the concoction a creamy white color.

Ingredience:

1 ounce grated beeswax or beeswax pellets
6 tablespoons light mineral oil
4 tablespoons distilled water
1 teaspoon borax
2-3 drops of your preferred essential oil 

Method:

In a double boiler or clean class dish in a microwave, combine beeswax and mineral oil.  Gently heat and stir until melted and well blended.  While melting,dissolve your borax in the distilled water and heat itgently -- do not boil. 

Remove both pans or dishes from the heat source, and, stirring constantly, slowly drizzle the distilled water and borax solution into your wax and oil solution.  When fully combined, begin to beat vigorously until it has cooled.  Add your essential oil and continue to beat until your cream is light and airy, with a brilliant white sheen. Store in clean glass jars, preferably in the refrigerator.  The borax is a simple preservative, but your cream will keep best in the refrigerator, for approximately 3-6 weeks.

VITAMIN E CREAM

Ingredience

2 tsp. plain yogurt
1/2 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
3 capsules vitamin E  (equivalent of 300 units)

Method:

Combine yogurt, honey and lemon juice. Open the vitamin E capsules and fold contents into the mix. Gently massage into skin; Leave on skin for 15 minutes.  Shelf life: 3-4 days.

Ingredience

1 tsp apple juice
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lime juice
2 T buttermilk
1 T rosemary leaves
3 seedless grapes
1/4 pear
2 egg whites

Method:

Blend all ingredients in a blender on medium speed for 30 seconds. Using a cotton ball, dab mixture on areas around the eyes and wherever wrinkles have developed. Let dry, then rinse with warm water. Use no more than 3 times a week. Follow with a moisturizer. Cover and refrigerate immediately.  Shelf life: 4 days. 

Ingredience

40g (approximately 1.5 ounces) fresh, good quality cold pressed safflower oil 
40g (approximately 1.5 ounces) ) distilled water 
10g (approximately 1/3 ounce) beeswax pellets or grated beeswax**
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon borax, if a white cream is desired, otherwise, optional

Be aware that some people are allergic to beeswax. Exercise caution.

You will need:

1 heat resistant microwave safe bowl with lid
1 hand whisk or wooden spoon
1 teaspoon or dropper
Kitchen scales
Heat resistant pot (small) to contain the cream
Ice cube trays
Freezer Storage Container

Method:

Combine safflower oil and beeswax pellets or shavings into a clean, dry bowl.  Microwave on low, gently, until the beeswax has melted.  Slowly drizzle the teaspoon of honey into the oil mixture, beating thoroughly.  

A dedicated blender or food processor works fine (dedicated meaning you keep a spare one for craft projects, and you do not use it for food preparation).Using a teaspoon or dropper, slowly drop minute amounts of distilled water into the oil/wax/honey, whisking quickly the entire time.  

Once you have incorporated all of the distilled water into the mixture,  allow your cream to "settle" for at least five minutes.  Water which has not incorporated will settle to the bottom, and the cream layer will rise to the top.  

Drain off and discard this lower layer of water.Gently spoon one teaspoon of "cold cream" into each well of a clean, dry ice cube tray.  

Freeze until solid.  (Optional:  Spread a large, loose piece of plastic wrap over the try for easy removal of the cubes at one time).Remove frozen cubes from the tray and place them into an airtight freezer storage container, or zip lock bag.

To Use:

Each evening, remove a frozen cream cube from your freezer, and place into your "daily pot."  An empty, clean cosmetic pot works well. Thaw overnight, in your refrigerator, and use the cool, chilled cream within 24 hours.  Repeat the process each evening, or, as often as you feel like a smoothing lift. 

This remedy is particularly nice on hot summer evenings when your face needs both a moisture boost, and a cooling treatment. Keep your cold cream frozen and refrigerated at all times, there are no preservatives and this method will preserve the shelf life.

DRY SKIN CREAM

Ingredience

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sesame seed oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
2 tablespoons grated beeswax
3 drops essential oil of grapefruit
2 drops (optional, oil of your choice)
a pinch of borax

Method:

Blend the vitamin E oil, beeswax and sesame oil. Heat on low until  melted. Combine the water, oils and borax. Heat for a few minutes (until warm) but  do not boil. Combine the water mixture with the beeswax mixture. Mix well (at least 2 minutes). For  a fluffier cream, use an electric  mixer or a blender. Pour the cream into a clean container after it has cooled completely.

Ginger invigorates, and oil soothes. Try this double dose for dry skin.

Ingredience

2-inch piece of fresh ginger
2 teaspoons light sesame oil
2 teaspoons apricot kernel oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
½ cup cocoa butter

Method:

Preheat oven on lowest setting. Finely grate the ginger just enough so that you have about an 1/8 teaspoon of ginger "juice." To obtain the juice, squeeze the freshly grated ginger over a small bowl. Place the ingredients (including the ginger) in a glass container and heat just until the cocoa butter is melted and the oils are blended. Pour into a clean, dry container and store in a cool dry place. You can add a few drops of orange or other essential oil for a nice twist.

Note: This recipe will leave a white nose "lifeguard style."

Ingredience

1 Tbs zinc oxide
1 1/2 tsp light sesame oil
1 Tbs rosewater

Method:

Mix together the zinc oxide and sesame oil. Heat the mixture gently, using a double boiler, and stir well to mix. Remove from heat and slowly add the rosewater, as you continue stirring. Allow to cool completely, and store in a clean container with a tight lid, in the fridge. Yield: 2 oz.  Keeps: Up to 10 days in the fridge.