Frequently it seems that maintaining healthy skin, a great appearance, and an attractive scent costs an arm and leg. However, it is not necessary to commit a significant sum of money to one’s external care. There are alternatives.

A great organic face cream or hand cream can be found right in the aisles of your favorite organic grocer. Instead of spending too much on organic skin care products, keep reading for some fantastic recipes that you can make fresh, right in your own kitchen.

Almond-Jojoba Nail and Cuticle Treatment

The oil in this treatment will lock in moisture for dry or chapped hands. The honey will condition and strengthen your nails.

Recipe:
2 tablespoons almond oil
2 tablespoons jojoba oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons organic honey
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil or several vitamin E capsules broken open

Mix together all the ingredients. Soak your nails, hands and feet in warm water for 10 minutes, and then pat them dry. Massage the treatment lotion into your hands and feet, concentrating on the nails and cuticles. Wash your hands and feet again and then repeat, and again after a bath or shower.

This recipe yields enough organic skin cream for 4 hand treatments or 2 hand and feet treatments. To make an organic face cream that’s not as heavy, reduce the amount of honey and oil, and then add water.

Aloe and Rosewater Moisturizer

Rosewater, a byproduct of rose essential oil, has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and toning qualities. Combined with aloe gel, this lotion will leave your skin supple and moist.

Recipe:
? cup organic olive oil
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
3 tablespoons grated beeswax
3 tablespoons lanolin
4 tablespoons organic rosewater

In a small bowl, blend the olive oil and aloe gel, then set each aside temporarily. In a small saucepan, melt the beeswax and lanolin over low heat, stirring them constantly. Remove this from the heat and gradually pour in the aloe and olive oil mixture while continuing to stir.

Add rosewater, and transfer the mixture to a blender to blend until it is very smooth. Pour it all into a jar and refrigerate. This moisturizer will solidify as it cools.

Cucumber Cold Cream

This particular cold cream is very refreshing. Cucumber juice, a mild astringent, is perfect for cleansing sensitive skin. Lanolin, which is more like a wax than an oil, absorbs and holds water next to the skin.

Recipe:

2 small cucumbers, peeled and halved
1 cup lanolin
? cup almond oil
? cup boiling water

Place the cucumbers in a blender, and blend them thoroughly until liquefied. Slowly add boiling water to the cucumber liquid and set it aside to cool. In a saucepan on low heat, melt the lanolin. Remove from the heat and, stirring constantly, gradually add the almond oil. Strain the cucumber pulp through a cheese cloth or strainer, and preserve the juice.

Gradually add the cucumber juice to the lanolin and oil mixture while continuing to stir. Store this cream in a small glass or plastic jar and keep it in your refrigerator. This organic face cream is perfect for replenishing the skin after a hard night or stressful period of your life.