Homemade Hand Care

If you are like me your hands are hardworking and always in need of some extra TLC. I know the secrets and tips to beautiful hands, but for some reason when a weed needs pulling or I am involved in a DIY project that is all forgotten. This may not be the season that we are gardening but we are still outdoors. Winter is the time of year when the air is drier and we all can use a good hand cream. So make sure to place a jar by all your sinks and tuck some inside your tote. Here are some quick tips and few recipes to keep your hardworking hands clean, soft and happy.

Quick Fixes

* Fresh lemon juice can be used to clean and disinfect your hands, cut a lemon in half and rub the fresh juice all over your hands. Leave on for a few minutes then rinse off.

* For clean, soft hands, simply wash your hands and sprinkle with 1 or 2 teaspoons of cornmeal. Massage the cornmeal into your hands to remove dirt, then rise well.

* Strong chamomile tea makes a cleansing and softening soak for your hands. Pour 2 cups boiling water over 2 tea bags and let sit for 20 minutes, then soak your hands for 15-20 minutes.

Rich Hand Cream

3 tablespoons beeswax

1 /2 cup dark sesame oil

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 teaspoon honey

2 T strong calendula or chamomile tea

1 /2 teaspoon baking soda

Combine ingredients in a glass or ceramic container. Heat gently in a pan of water or the microwave (checking every 10-15 seconds) until the wax begins to melt. Stir or blend well and pour into a clean container, you may continue to stir as the cream cools. To use: massage into clean hands.

Yield: 4 ounces

Natural Hand Mask

To smooth and soften extra dry skin, try this honey avocado mask. Mix together 1 /3 cup fresh avocado and 1 teaspoon pure honey until smooth and creamy. Massage mixture into your hands. Let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse well with warm water. Store any leftover mask in the refrigerator.

Makes 3 ounces

For more DIY beauty recipes and treatments -- check out my beauty books that can be purchased at your favorite bookseller or right here on this site.

Have a beautiful day,

xoxo Janice