Frequently it seems that maintaining healthy skin, a great appearance, and an attractive scent costs an arm and leg. However, it is not necessary to commit a significant sum of money to one's external care. There are alternatives.

You don't have to spend a fortune for a high-quality organic face or hand cream. In fact, you can make your own at home with ingredients from your own local organic grocer. Keep reading for a few fantastic recipes for homemade and organic moisturizers.

Rich Coconut Oil Night Cream for Dry Skin

This night cream is rich in lecithin, which helps rebuild and regenerate cell tissue. Combined with the sun-screening properties of sesame oil and lemon's citric acid - which kills bacteria on the skin - the coconut oil will help seal in the skin's moisture and leave your face feeling incredibly smooth.

Recipe:

1 egg
¼ cup organic sesame oil
¼ cup organic sunflower oil
1 tablespoon liquid lecithin
1 tablespoon fresh organic lemon juice
½ cup organic coconut oil

At low speed, blend the egg and sesame oil in a blender. While the blender is still running, slowly add the organic sunflower oil, lemon juice and lecithin. Gradually add your organic coconut oil to the mix and blend it until the mixture is thick.

Refrigerate the skin cream for one hour and then blend it again at low speed. Apply this organic face cream to your face and neck before going to bed. This night cream should be stored in a jar in the refrigerator and may be kept for up to 2 weeks.

Aloe and Rosewater Moisturizer

Rosewater, a byproduct of rose essential oil, has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and toning qualities. Combined with aloe gel, this lotion will leave your skin supple and moist.

Recipe:

½ cup organic olive oil
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
3 tablespoons grated beeswax
3 tablespoons lanolin
4 tablespoons organic rosewater

In a small bowl, blend the olive oil and aloe gel, then set each aside temporarily. In a small saucepan, melt the beeswax and lanolin over low heat, stirring them constantly. Remove this from the heat and gradually pour in the aloe and olive oil mixture while continuing to stir.

Add rosewater, and transfer the mixture to a blender to blend until it is very smooth. Pour it all into a jar and refrigerate. This moisturizer will solidify as it cools.

Sweet Orange Wrinkle Banisher

This recipe is particularly effective against wrinkles caused by overexposure to the sun as the orange oil helps rejuvenate and revitalize your skin. The almond oil in this unique blend will also help replenish the skin's moisture.

Recipe:

2 teaspoons hazelnut oil
1 teaspoon almond oil
8 drops sweet orange essential oil

Combine the oils and massage gently into your skin. Use the mix each morning and night after cleansing. This is a great organic face cream for older skin.