Hand Cream Recipe

I have a hand cream which I make and use on my face and hands in really nasty weather.  I have very dry skin, and it cracks and dries out at the least excuse.

Take a lump of pure beeswax, weigh it, and weigh out about 3 times as much weight of olive oil (doesn't have to be extra virgin, ordinary will do, but check the smell as the cheaper can sometimes be a bit harsh).

Place both wax and oil in a double boiler or a glass bowl over a pan of SIMMERING water - you just want to gently melt them together.  When melted, whisk gently and add additive of your choice.

I have made this by infusing dried marigold petals when melted, gently warming for 30 mins or so, then straining - calendula is very good for healing damaged skin.  Or I have added a few drops of lavender or geranium essential oil - again, both good for skin.

Of course, you don't have to add anything.

Now let it cool, slowly, and as it solidifies whisk it a bit so as to keep it soft.  If you pour it into a pot when it's liquid it will set solid - still usable, but not as nice.  Whisk it when it hardening (think ice-cream making) then dollop it into its pot.

Hope this helps some of you with sore chapped fingers - it's good for lips too.

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