Are you looking for a natural way to soothe your skin? Calendula cream might be just what you need! Calendula, a flower in the Daisy family, has been celebrated for its healing properties for centuries. This vibrant flower is known for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent ingredient for a skin-soothing cream. Plus, making it at home ensures that you know exactly what’s going into your skincare product. Let’s dive into the process of creating your very own homemade Calendula cream.
Ingredients You'll Need
To create a luxurious and effective Calendula cream, gather the following ingredients:
Dried Calendula Flowers: These are the star of the show, providing all the wonderful skin benefits.
Carrier Oil: Olive oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil work well for infusing the Calendula. I used olive oil for this project.
Beeswax: This helps to thicken your cream and provides a protective barrier for the skin. Id recommend using and ecological one.
Essential Oils: Optional, for added fragrance and benefits (lavender or chamomile are great choices). I used 10 drops of Ylang-Ylang
Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl and Pot: For melting the ingredients.
Clean Jars or Tins: To store your finished cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Infuse the Oil
Prepare the Calendula Flowers: Place about 1 cup of dried Calendula flowers into a clean, dry jar.
Add the Carrier Oil: Pour enough carrier oil over the flowers to completely cover them. Seal the jar and shake gently.
Infuse: Place the jar in a sunny window and let it sit for 2-4 weeks, shaking it occasionally. If you're short on time, you can use a double boiler to gently warm the mixture for a few hours instead. I've had mine sit for several months (because I forgot about it ;)
Step 2: Strain the Oil
Strain the Mixture: After the infusion period, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, squeezing out as much oil as possible from the flowers.
Step 3: Create the Cream
Measure Your Ingredients: For a small batch, use about 1 cup of the infused oil, 4 tablespoons beeswax.
Melt the Ingredients: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, combine the infused oil and beeswax. Stir occasionally until everything is melted and well combined.
Cool Slightly and Add Extras: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. If using, add a few drops of essential oil. Stir well.
Transfer to Containers: Pour the mixture into clean jars or tins and let it set completely.
Benefits of Calendula Cream
Using Calendula cream regularly can offer a host of benefits, including:
Soothing Irritation: Ideal for minor cuts, scrapes, and bug bites.
Moisturizing Dry Skin: Perfect for hands, elbows, and other dry patches.
Reducing Inflammation: Helps calm eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Healing Properties: Promotes faster healing of minor wounds and skin issues.
Tips for Success
Quality Ingredients: Ensure that you use high-quality, organic ingredients for the best results.
Storage: Store your Calendula cream in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life. It should last for several months, thanks to the natural preservative properties of beeswax and vitamin E oil.
Patch Test: Always do a patch test before using any new skincare product to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction.
Making your own Calendula cream at home is not only fun and rewarding, but it also allows you to take control of what you put on your skin. With its soothing and healing properties, this homemade cream is a wonderful addition to any natural skincare routine. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and enjoy the process of creating a nourishing and natural remedy for your skin!
Must try! 👍