This is a rich, solid balm that melts upon contact with the skin. It is far more concentrated than a standard lotion and provides a breathable barrier that locks in moisture for hours.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A traditional “heavy” oil rich in Vitamin E and squalene, which mimics the skin’s natural oils.
• 1 tablespoon Dried Calendula Flowers: Known as “Nature’s Gold,” these petals support the skin’s ability to renew its surface layers.
• 1 tablespoon Dried Comfrey Leaf: Contains allantoin, a compound traditionally used to support the “knitting” together of skin cells and connective tissue.
• 2 tablespoons Beeswax Pellets: Provides the structure of the salve and creates a protective “shield” against the elements.
• 5 drops Rose Geranium Essential Oil: Supports the balance of sebum and provides a comforting, floral aroma.

Instructions

1. Infuse the Oil: Place the olive oil, calendula, and comfrey in a small glass jar. Set the jar in a pan of simmering water (a double boiler) for 1 to 2 hours on very low heat. The oil will turn a deep green-gold.
2. Strain: Strain the warm oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh, squeezing tightly to get every drop of the herbal goodness.
3. Melt the Wax: Return the strained oil to the jar and add the beeswax pellets. Place back into the warm water bath until the wax has completely melted.
4. The Set: Remove from heat. Once the mixture starts to cool slightly (but is still liquid), stir in the rose geranium oil.
5. Pour: Pour the mixture into a shallow tin or glass jar. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 hours until it becomes a firm, velvety salve.
6. Usage: Apply a small amount to the backs of the hands, elbows, or any area where the skin feels thin or “papery.” A little goes a long way.

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Benefits and Target Impact

Reinforcing the Barrier Beeswax and olive oil work together to create a “second skin.” For older adults whose skin has lost its ability to hold onto moisture, this salve acts as a barrier, preventing “transepidermal water loss” and keeping the skin soft and flexible even in dry or cold weather.

Stimulating Surface Renewal The allantoin in comfrey is a traditional powerhouse for skin vitality. It encourages the skin to shed old, dry cells and replace them with new ones more efficiently. This helps to reduce the “transparent” look of aging skin and encourages a thicker, more resilient texture.

Soothing the “Mature” Itch As skin thins, it often becomes more sensitive and prone to itching (pruritus). The calendula in this recipe is a gentle anti-inflammatory that calms redness and soothes the “tight” feeling that often leads to discomfort. It transforms the skin from feeling “brittle” to feeling nourished and “cushioned.”