7 Home Remedies For Dry Hands And Feet

The cold, dry air of winter months is never good for your skin.

Winter also means cold and flu season, during which you wash your hands more frequently, striping your skin of protective oils.

This can lead to sore, unhappy hands.

In extreme cases, dry skin can even crack and bleed, so it’s very important to keep your skin hydrated and healthy during winter months.

Here are a few all-natural ways to keep your skin healthy all year long!

1. Make A Magnesium Scrub

Experts estimate that 80-95+% percent of adults are deficient in magnesium, and this can have dire consequences.

Magnesium deficiency may contribute to depression, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes,

high blood pressure, pregnancy complications and more.

Thankfully, this important mineral can be absorbed through the skin, and Epsom salt is a great source! via WellnessMama

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of epsom salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil or almond oil
• 1 teaspoon liquid castille soap (optional, but makes the texture smoother)
• Optional: 10-15 drops of essential oil (peppermint works great!)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together, adjust essential oils until desired scent is achieved.
2. Store in airtight container and use a teaspoon sized amount to exfoliate feet or body as needed.
3. Rinse skin after use and pat dry with a clean towel.

2. Wear Socks

When your feet are constantly exposed to trauma, they respond by thickening the skin on your sole.

Walking around barefoot exposes your skin to irritants, which stimulates this process. This thick skin can lead to deep cracks in your heels if you don’t treat it.

Instead, slip into some comfy slippers or lather your feet in cream and slip on a pair of cozy socks.

3. Try A Yogurt Mask

For a natural alternative to chemical cream, coat dry feet and hands in full-fat yogurt.

The lactic acid in yogurt acts as a natural exfoliant to gently remove dead skin while the fats restore moisture. You can also mix it with a bit of honey and lemon juice for an extra hydration boost.

Leave the mask on for ten minutes before rinsing off and patting your skin dry.

4. Whip Up Some Cold Cream

This recipe is super easy to do and lasts about 3 months. via MakingNiceInTheMidwest.

Ingredient:

• 2 Tablespoons of cosmetic grade beeswax pellets
• 1/4 Cup of organic extra virgin coconut oil
• 1/2 Cup of organic extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons of rose water
• a few drops of eucalyptus oil

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together the first 3 ingredients. This should only take a few seconds.
2. Pour into a tempered glass bowl or metal bowl and add the last two ingredients.
3. Whisk together quickly, and as the mixture cools, until it has a creamy consistency.
4. Carefully spoon mixture into an eight ounce container with a lid and store in a cool, dark place.

5. Mash an avocado

Avocados are a great source of healthy fats, which helps replenish protective oils to dry skin. This recipemakes it easy to do!

Ingredient:

• 1/2  an over-ripe avocado
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/8 cup raw brown sugar
• 4-5 drops patchouli essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mash the avocado well, until you have a thick paste.
2. Blend in olive oil completely.
3. Stir well, adding the essential oil drop by drop.
4. Quickly stir in the sugar.

To use:

1. Over the sink, place a generous glob of avocado hand treatment in your hands.
2. Rub your hands together, scrubbing every inch.
3. Leave this on for 30 seconds to a minute, and then scrub your hands together while rinsing off under lukewarm water.
4. Pat with a clean towel until completely dry and finish with the moisturizer of your choice.

Note: This recipe can also be used for your feet.

Store the treatment in a glass container with a lid in your fridge for up to three days. If the sugar in your avocado hand treatment dissolves too much, just add a bit more sugar before using.

6. Slather On Some Vitamin E

“Also know as tocopherol, vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of oxygen free radical damage from the sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. via HowStuffWorks

Because vitamin E helps ward off sun damage, it can reduce the signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots. It’s also known as a wound healer, which is great if your hand are cracked and sore.

Ingredients:

• 3-5 Vitamin E capsules
• 1 spoonful of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Pierce capsules and squeeze the contents into a small bowl.
2. Mix in olive oil and massage into dry patches of skin.
3. Leave on and let your skin absorb every bit!

7. Indulge in a Foot Soak

This bentonite clay soak is the perfect way to end a rough day on your feet. Try it at night as part of your bedtime routine.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• water to thin mixture (if needed)
• 1/2 cup epsom salt
• 6 quarts of hot water (or enough to fill your container)
• A few drops of essential oils(optional)

Instructions:

1. Dissolve the epsom salt in really hot, but not boiling water in a large bowl or foot tub.
2. Set on a towel to let cool.
3. Mix the bentonite clay and the apple cider vinegar to make a paste and add water if needed to make smooth (sour cream consistency).
4. Smooth over feet and ankles and let sit for 10 minutes until it starts to dry and crack.
5. Place feet directly in soak for 15 minutes. The clay will slowly dissolve and fall off.
6. At the end, use a natural bristle brush to remove any remaining clay and dead skin.
7. Rinse with warm water and pat until completely dry.

Bonus Tip: Wear Gloves

Protect your hands  from harsh winter conditions with a good pair of wool mittens or lined leather gloves. You should also wear lined rubber or latex gloves when you’re exposed to irritants or cleaning your home.

If your hands feel dry, moisturize them throughout the day and finish off with a generous amount of cream before bed.