In 2015 I started experiencing perioral dermatitis and this calendula balm saved me. I would break out in this horrible inflamed rash around my mouth, my nose and even around my eyes. I was embarrassed to teach class or go out in public.

The doctors don’t really know what causes perioral dermatitis, but they do know that steroid creams make it worse. I fortunately was warned about using steroid creams, so I never went that route. Instead, I went the holistic route. I changed my diet (goodbye sugar), changed my toothpaste (goodbye flouride, carageenan & SLS), and I changed my skincare routine (goodbye makeup). I said goodbye to a lot during this period. The biggest game changers for me were getting rid of carageenan (it’s in everything… even that “healthy” coconut milk) and using calendula balm on my face.

I originally used Weleda’s Calendula Baby Face Cream, but it was a little too greasy for my skin. Last year I had the opportunity to host a yoga retreat at Itha108 in Greece and the owner made this lovely face balm as a gift for us to take home with us. I now prefer this natural version over Weleda.

This healing Calendula balm blends all the wonderful properties of coconut oil, jojoba (or olive or grapeseed oil), calendula (marigold flowers), beeswax, and lavender essential oil. You’ll want to use the best ingredients that you can afford. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties, calendula is an anti-inflammatory and beeswax soothes while it helps hold moisture in the skin.

Calendula Oil 

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried organic calendula flowers
• 1 cup organic olive oil, jojoba, or grapeseed oil (may need more)

Instructions

1. In a clean mason jar with a proper sealing lid combine your calendula flowers with the oil to be infused. Make sure that the oil completely covers the flowers.
2. Seal up your jar and place it in a cabinet. Allow the flowers to “steep” in the oil for about 2 months.
3. After two months strain the flowers from the oil and discard the flowers.
4. Store your calendula oil in the fridge until ready to use.

Calendula Balm 

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Calendula Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons beeswax
• 5-10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. In a double boiler melt beeswax and coconut oil. Simmer until beeswax has completely melted. This can also be achieved by microwaving the two together.
2. Once the coconut oil and beeswax are melted quickly add in the calendula oil and stir.
3. Add the lavender essential oil last. Stir again.
4. Pour your calendula balm into small clean jars and allow to solidify.

I usually store one or two jars in the fridge and keep one out in the bathroom.You can use this balm daily or as spot treatment. I’ve used it after too much fun in the sun, on bug bites, and cracked skin. One ounce lasts me a couple of months. These are great for traveling or for gifts.

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