Basic Cold Cream

Excellent for dry skin! The combination of oil and wax provides a cleansing action when it comes in contact with your skin; dirt and oil on the skin surface are loosened and then can be gently wiped off with a soft tissue or cloth. Or it can be left on to soften and smooth skin and relieve dryness. From the book, Natural Beauty at Home.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 8 oz

Ingredients

• 1⁄8 teaspoon  borax (borax is a natural chemical substance found on alkaline lakeshores. Because it is a mild alkali it g)
• 1⁄4 cup mineral water
• 1⁄2 cup  mineral  oil (or use olive oil, which doesn't feel as heavy)
• 2  tablespoons  grated  beeswax
• 3 -5  drops  lavender oil (optional) or 1  teaspoon rose water (optional also)

Directions

1. Dissolve borax in water in a microwave safe cup.
2. Mix oil and beeswax in a microwave safe bowl and cook on med/high heat for several minutes, stirring every minute, until beeswax is melted.
3. (you can also heat in a double boiler till melted) Remove from heat or microwave.
4. When wax is melted bring the borax and water almost to boil in the microwave on high for about a minute.
5. Slowly add the borax to the oil, stirring briskly.
6. Add lavenderor rosewater, if using.
7. I like to add lavender because it helps to regenerate the skin, is a natural antibiotic, and has a calming effect.
8. Pour this cream into a container with a lid.
9. This mixture will last virtually forever.
10. To use, massage a small amount into your skin and then tissue off.
11. This mixture is white and fluffy and will thicken as it cools.
12. Note: For a lighter cream, put in in the blender after it has cooled and blend on high, adding 1 T water at a time.
13. If you end up with excess water do not worry- just strain it off your"fluffed up" cream.