I originally developed this recipe as a rich face cream with anti-aging and rejuvenating properties but with all the hand-washing we're having to do at the moment, I bet I'm not the only one to have hands that need some urgent care. This recipe is so deeply moisturising, your hands will love you for it.
It's rich yes but not oily so it's good for most skin types. In fact, it's quite beneficial to skins prone to acne or eczema.
You should have enough for at least 2 months as a little goes a long way. Especially if you use it for your face only. No reason not to use it on the whole body, on the contrary! But it won't last you as long of course.
Find out more about its benefits below.
Ingredients:
- 4g Carnauba or Candelilla wax
- 1/4 cup of loose green tea leaves
- 14g Almond oil
- Contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E.
- Rich in vitamin E, Almond Oil is used as a moisturiser and may help hydrate and nourish your skin.
- Can also be used as a gentle skin cleanser.
- An excellent oil for massage (ideal speed of absorption). It doesn't leave a greasy residue.
- 21g Apricot oil (or 14g of Apricot oil and 21g of Almond or Argan oil instead)
- Known for helping balance and moisturise dry and damaged skin.
- Considered by many to be one of the most potent natural antioxidants.
- May help to protect and nourish eczema and dry, irritated skin.
- It is extremely popular for use as a facial massage oil.
- Can be used as a gentle and effective cleanser and make-up remover.
- A great alternative to Sweet Almond and Grapeseed when used for massage.
- Rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E.
- 7g Coconut oil
- Antimicrobial properties important for skin health, as many types of skin infections are caused by bacteria or fungi.
- Studies have shown that coconut oil may relieve inflammation by improving antioxidant status and decreasing oxidative stress.
- The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of coconut oil and its components could help treat acne.
- An effective moisturizer and aid in the treatment of dry skin and eczema.
- Studies have shown that coconut oil may help accelerate wound healing.
- Coconut oil could potentially clog pores. Hence why there's only a small amount in this recipe.
- 14g Argan oil
- Used to strengthen nails and cuticles.
- Moisturiser and conditioner. Anti-aging.
- Rich in Vitamin E and Fatty Acids, this natural oil may help tone and exfoliate your skin, and improve weak and brittle nails.
- May reduce stretch marks.
- May help soothe irritated skin after shaving.
- 1 teaspoon Hemp oil
- Moisturises without clogging your pores. It can even help to balance out oily skin, hydrating it and regulating the skin’s oil production. Dryness can also cause your skin to overproduce oil, which in turn, can stimulate acne. So hemp oil can help reduce acne that’s caused by excess oil.
- Rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can calm inflammation and irritation on the skin.
- Hemp oil has anti-aging properties. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as prevent signs of aging from developing.
- 1 teaspoon vitamin e-oil
- May be used as a moisturiser to prevent or treat dry, flaking skin.
- May alleviate the dryness, itching, and flaking associated with eczema, or atopic dermatitis.
- 20-30 drops Tea Tree, Lavender and Carrot Seed oils
- Antiseptic, antiviral & calming
- Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory
- All properties that may improve skin health and even prevent aging.
Method:
I find that slightly rehydrating the loose tea facilitates the extraction of nutrients during the infusion by basically making the leaves more absorbent. But you can't brew it or you'll lose all the goodness in the water!
It's pretty simple really. Boil a small amount of water. Put the green tea in a mug or bowl, pour the boiled water over it. Count to five.
Quickly strain it. Put back in the mug/bowl, cover it with a small plate. Leave it for 3 minutes or until the tea leaves have slightly softened. Put them on a paper towel to absorb excess humidity and get your oils and wax together.
Combine wax and oils in a double boiler or bain-marie. Let everything melt. That can take up to 30 minutes.
Pour loose green tea in the oil mixture. Let it Infuse on a low to medium fire, for as long as possible. At the very least 60mins. I usually leave mine on a slow fire for a couple of hours.
Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a measuring jug. Let cool for about 30 minutes. Add essential oils and vitamin e-oil.
Mix the mixture with a hand mixer. Pour in a container and voilà!
Tips:
Make it even more healing by infusing the oils with marigold, marshmallow, chamomile or any other herb beneficial for the skin.
Let me know what you think in the comment section below.
Share your own green tea cream tagging @alchimiethe and using #myherbalalchemy