Two weeks ago I discovered a new homemade face cream recipe and I’m hooked! Not only is it keeping my skin soft and hydrated, but it gives me sweet dreams and a better night’s rest. And I love its relaxing fragrance!
Especially at this point in my life, relaxation and a good night’s rest seems hard to achieve. So much ‘To Do’s’ and time flies. Finishing the renovation of our house, planning our move to Cambodia, setting up my volunteering projects… and it doesn’t stop there.
Except for my daily yoga practice, relaxation was not on my list lately. And with that came stressed feelings and I had a hard time to fall asleep because my mind couldn’t stop working…
Two weeks ago a friend of mine gave me this homemade face cream recipe to help me relax and settle for a peaceful sleep. And it worked. Maybe it is all in my head, but even then it is working and worth sharing with you. Maybe it can help you to relax and if not it is a great nourishing and moisturizing night cream that keeps your skin soft and healthy.
What I also found out during the past 2 weeks is, no matter what, make some time to relax before going to bed. So each day I try to stop all activities at least one hour before going to bed. I apply the homemade face cream on my hands and face and take some time to relax with a nice cup of herbal tea and a book or just listen to music.
After 2 weeks I feel less stressed and fall asleep much faster. No more tossing and turning for me!
ALSO READ: How To Sleep Better, 9 Amazing Tips To Fall Asleep Faster
How to Make Your Own Ylang-Ylang Sleep Enhancing Night Cream
Ylang-ylang is by far my most precious and favorite essential oil. I just can’t get enough of its wonderful fragrance. The health benefits of ylang-ylang can be attributed to its properties as an antidepressant, antiseborrheic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, nerve boosting and sedative plant chemicals. It’s one of the best oils to calm the mind and body to find some peace after a hectic day.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. sweet almond oil (or coconut oil or jojoba oil)
- 1 oz. beeswax
- 12 drops Ylang-Ylang essential oil
- 2 oz. jars (2 of them)
How To…
- Melt the beeswax and sweet almond oil in a double boiler over medium heat until liquefied.
- Add 10-15 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil and gently mix again.
- Pour into the jars and let the salve cool completely.
Customize Your Homemade Face Cream
The beauty and fun of making your own salves, creams and lotions are that you can adapt them to your liking.
A good rule of thumb when creating your own cream is to use 1 part beeswax and 3 to 5 parts of the base oil. The more beeswax you add the harder the cream, more oil will make it softer. It is up to you!
If you’ve been following my previous blog posts, you may have noticed that I’m a huge fan of ylang-ylang essential oil. It has a sensual and exotic scent, known for its calming and euphoric effect and works well as an antidepressant, anti-stress and insomnia relief.
Scents are personal and you’re more likely to relax with scents you like the most. So the same recipe can be used, just change ylang-ylang essential oil with the oil of your preference.
Just as with the essential oils, you have the freedom to choose the right base or carrier oil. I love the scent and moisturizing effect of sweet almond oil and coconut oil. If you like a cream with a soft consistency don’t use coconut oil as it makes them harder. Jojoba oil is known for its deep penetrating effect.
What are your favorite fragrances? Feel free to share them with us in the comment box below.
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
Any idea how to say “Ylang-Ylang” ? Almond oil stops up my pores but maybe some Argan oil? I’ll have to check into the Ylang-Ylang essential oil-I definitely have a tough time winding down at night. 🙂 Cambodia? A long way away from Kentucky (that’s where I’m at), much success to you in your move Amy!
Hi Marla!
Ylang-ylang is truly my favorite and worth a try. But like I’ve mentioned, scents are very personal but out of my experience almost everybody loves Ylang-ylang. Check out this website for the pronunciation http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/ylang-ylang :-).
For the base oil any oil will work, olive oil works as well, but I’m not a huge fan of the scent though.
Yeah Cambodia is going to be different, I live in Belgium at the moment. But as a biologist, I’m going to volunteer in wildlife projects and going to set up a small class/school to teach children some math and English to give them a better chance in life…. Really looking forward to it, but still a lot to do and time is flying….
Good luck and I hope the cream does the same for you has it has been doing for me… But keep in mind the whole ritual of relaxing and drinking herbal tea and applying the cream is providing me the success I guess.
Cheers!
Amy Goodrich