You can make your own natural moisturizer starting from scratch, but I find it easier to purchase aroma base cream and add essential oils to it. The aroma base creams are specifically formulated to accept essential oils without separating. The one I use is made of rose hydrosols and jojoba with an addition of a small amount of vitamin E. The great thing about having the base cream is that you can use a small amount, and then vary the essential oils used.

It is best to check with your aromatherapist for essential oils best suited for your specific needs. For a good moisturizer with additional properties of healing and preventing wrinkles I use the following recipe:

• 1 ounce of aroma base cream

• 20 drops of Roman chamomile

• 5 drops of sandalwood

• 3 drops of frankincense

• 3 drops of myrrh

Be certain to use only the purest, therapeutic grade essential oils. Combine well, and place in a clean glass container. This can be used as a night cream, by gently smoothing a small amount of the cream on your face. Be sure to label your container with the ingredients. As a precaution, it is not recommended that women use myrrh while pregnant. In this case, simple omit it from the formula.

Another option is to use calendula cream for the base. The herb Calendula (Calendula officinalis) contains high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals. Researchers are not sure what active ingredients in calendula are responsible for its healing properties, but it appears to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. Calendula is not an essential oil, but an infusion of calendula can be made (or purchased). You can also purchase calendula cream, which can be then be used as a base for adding essential oils. Add the selected essential oils and mix well. Sometimes you will get a little separation, but you can stir well to mix it up. The therapeutic benefits of using this wonderful herb are well worth the effort.

Basically there are two types of moisturizers. The heavier moisturizers (higher proportion of oil to water) serve as barriers, locking in moisture over a period of time, such as over-night. They are also protective, such as in a sunscreen. These should be used for short periods, and then washed off so the skin can breathe again. Since toxins are excreted through the skin it is important not to block these passages.

The second, lighter, type of moisturizer (lower proportion of oil to water) allows the skin to breath, but draws moisture into the skin so that it does not become dehydrated. This moisturizer is perfect to use during the day and can be put on under makeup.

Don't forget, men and children, and especially the elderly, also need daily moisturizer.