The under-eye area features some of the most delicate and easily abused skin on the face. It is dry with very few oil glands, which helps make it one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Homemade eye salves containing moisturizing and soothing ingredients can help this delicate area to look and feel its best.
Natural Ingredients for Eye Salves
Salves typically have a thicker consistency then the average lotion or cream, yet are not as sticky as a gel. One of the best ingredients for all natural salves is beeswax. Though beeswax is used in a wide variety of products, it has been used in beauty products for millennia. It is known for its moisture-attracting and trapping qualities, as well as its soothing abilities.
Olive oil is a source of natural antioxidants and is an effective non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) moisturizer. It is used in facial products and as a carrier oil for plant essences in natural skin care. Olive oil absorbs into the skin and does not spoil easily.
Herbs like calendula, comfrey and lavender are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula and comfrey contain natural compounds like allantoin that soothe irritated skin. Lavender contains a stimulant that helps to rev up skin circulation. Its scent is also used for relaxation. Other soothing ingredients to use in skin treatments include licorice and chamomile.
Clanedula Salve
You can make a calendula salve by covering chopped dried calendula flowers with olive oil and letting it soak for two weeks. After straining the mixture through muslin cloth, add four parts melted beeswax to every ten parts of calendula oil and mix well. Add a few drops of benzoin oil as a natural preservative. Place into a covered container and allow to cool before capping. Keep tightly closed when not in use. Besides under the eye, the salve makes an effective balm for chapped lips.
Comfrey Salve
Comfrey salve is another simple salve to make that is good for a variety of uses. Take one ounce fresh or one half ounce dried each of comfrey leaves, lavender flowers and calendula flowers and add them to two cups of olive oil. Warm the oil mixture for about 30 minutes in a double boiler while stirring frequently. Let the mixture bubble at the edges, but not throughout. Strain the oil through a strainer; discard the flowers and set the oil aside. Melt one half cup of beeswax in the double boiler and add the oil. Stir and blend thoroughly, then pour into a sealable jar or tin. Keep tightly closed when not in use.
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