With winter just around the corner, many people will be dealing with the frustration of dry hands. Some suffer with skin that becomes so dry it cracks or even bleeds. Extreme cold temperatures can cause the skin to lose moisture resulting in dry or chapped hands that can be uncomfortable or even quite painful. If left untreated it can also lead to more serious skin conditions.
Unfortunately, store-bought lotions are often ineffective. Your hands may feel better for a short time, but before you know it, you’re back to the same problem – and, you’ve just slathered a bunch of chemicals into your skin, too.
Why not try using natural alternatives? You might just have many of the ingredients already stocked in your kitchen.
Olive oil
Organic, extra-virgin olive oil is practically a miraculous substance with such a wide range of uses, including alleviating dry skin. It’s the base ingredient for many store-bought moisturizers, but using it on its own allows you to avoid chemicals and harsh ingredients that can counteract its benefits.
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants that can help heal dry or inflamed skin as well as repair and prevent damage that may lead to wrinkles. Just apply to dry areas of the skin using a cotton swab and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
For an especially therapeutic treatment, gently massage the oil into your hands before bedtime and put on cotton gloves. Leave it on your hands overnight while you sleep.
Coconut oilÂ
Coconut oil is also amazing, and one of its wonderful benefits is that it’s moisturizing. Just rub it into your skin, applying to problem areas. Adding a spoonful or two to your bath will leave your skin feeling incredibly soft.
Shea butter hand cream
Shea Butter is extremely soothing to the skin. Use it to make this homemade hand cream by melting 4 tablespoons of beeswax with 8 tablespoons of Shea Butter. Add 8 tablespoons of evening primrose oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil; mix together until completely smooth. Place into a jar and allow it to sit until it hardens.
Cocoa butter hand cream
Cocoa butter also works wonders and it smells heavenly too. Melt 4 tablespoons of beeswax and 4 tablespoons of cocoa butter. Add 4 tablespoons of almond oil and blend well. Allow it to solidify in a jar.
Papaya-almond oatmeal hand scrub
Using a hand scrub before applying any type of hand moisturizer will allow it to be better absorbed. This homemade gentle exfoliating hand scrub helps to eliminate dead skin cells and moisturize the skin underneath. Your hands will be nourished and feel extremely soft to the touch.
Mash 1 tablespoon of papaya into a small bowl and add ½ teaspoon of oatmeal, ½ teaspoon ground almonds, 1 teaspoon raw honey, and ¼ teaspoon pineapple juice. Stir together until a paste forms and then place the mixture into the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
When ready, lightly scrub the mixture over your hands, gently massaging it into the skin for about 5 minutes; wash thoroughly with cool water and apply moisturizer.
There is really no reason to spend exorbitant amounts of money – or rub chemicals onto your skin in order to effectively heal your dry hands this winter!
-The Alternative Daily
