Galen pottery

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Cérat de Galien

Cérat de Galien is one of the oldest cosmetic recipes, celebrated for its nourishing and protective properties. This smooth cream, often described as a true beauty elixir, is rich in natural ingredients that give it a pleasant texture and exceptional moisturizing power. It is particularly suitable for dry, sensitive skin, providing an effective barrier against external aggressors while preserving skin moisture. Easy to make at home, this traditional formula combines the efficacy of plants with the softness of oils, making Galen's cerate a must-have for those seeking a natural skin care product adapted to their skin. Find out how to prepare it and incorporate it into your skincare routine for long-lasting comfort.

A little background: Claude Galen, born in Pergamon (modern-day Turkey) in 129 or 131, and died in 201 or 216 AD. J.-C. was an ancient Greek physician. He was one of the founders of medicine and pharmacy, leaving us a legacy of many remedies, including Galen's cerat.

This is undoubtedly one of the oldest cosmetic recipes to have survived to the present day! This protective, moisturizing cream is particularly suitable for dry skin. Enriched with rose hydrosol and essential oil of rose, it offers skin-regenerating properties that are unrivalled in cosmetics. These precious ingredients not only revitalize the skin, but also help reduce the signs of aging, making this cerate a truly timeless beauty treatment.

Ingredients

• 25 g yellow or white beeswax
• 53 g sweet almond oil
• 20 g rose hydrosol
• 2 drops rose essential oil
• 3 drops vitamin E (natural preservative)

Preparation

1. Pour the beeswax and sweet almond oil into a container and melt over a bain-marie, stirring constantly. When the mixture is liquid (it shouldn't be too hot), remove it from the bain-marie and place the container in a cold water bath.

2. Add the vitamin E and stir. Gradually add the rose hydrosol and essential oil, stirring constantly. The mixture should thicken gradually.

3. Before it becomes too pasty, pour the cream into your (perfectly cleaned) glass jar.

Directions for use

Take 1 to 2 dabs of cerate and melt in the palm of your hand. Apply to affected areas for optimum hydration and long-lasting protection.