Do you have a problem with dry hands? It’s not uncommon, and luckily there are some easy tips and tricks to get your hands soft and smooth again. In this article, we explore some of the causes of dry hands and some simple tips for soft and smooth hands.
Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)
Vaseline is known for its powerful moisturizing properties (3). Applying it to your hands regularly can help keep them soft and healthy-looking.
You Will Need
Before going to bed, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your hands and put on a pair of light cotton gloves. This will help your hands stay moisturized overnight.
Coconut Oil
The emollient properties of coconut oil can help improve skin hydration and increase lipid levels on the skin surface. Thus, the topical application of coconut oil can help make your hands softer. Additionally, regular use of coconut oil can help protect your skin from damage and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
You Will Need
- 1-2 teaspoons of extra virgin coconut oil
- A pair of gloves
- A small bowl
- A spoon
What You Have To Do
- Apply coconut oil to your hands and put on a pair of gloves.
- Leave the oil on your hands overnight or for a couple of hours to help it penetrate your skin.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been shown to moisturize the skin and improve its barrier function (5). This means that it can help relieve dry skin, making your hands softer with every use.
You Will Need
- For this recipe, you will need:
- -1 tablespoon of powdered oatmeal
- -½ tablespoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
To make a simple oatmeal hand mask, mix together half a tablespoon of coconut oil and one tablespoon of powdered oatmeal. Apply the mixture to your hands and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. You can also use oatmeal-based moisturizers for a similar effect.
Egg Yolks
Egg yolks are an excellent source of lecithin – an emollient that helps to soothe and soften the skin. Lecithin is commonly used as an ingredient in skin conditioning products (6).
You Will Need
1 egg yolk
What You Have To Do
Whisk the egg yolk well and apply it to your hands. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with mild soap and water to eliminate the foul egg odor. Do this 3-4 times a week for best results.
Sugar Scrub
If your hands are starting to feel dry, it may be because of a build-up of dead skin cells. One natural way to get rid of these cells and improve the overall texture of your hands is to use sugar granules as an exfoliator. The grainy texture of the sugar will help slough away the dead skin, revealing softer, smoother skin underneath.
You Will Need
1 tablespoon of sugar
½ tablespoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
Blend a tablespoon of sugar with half a tablespoon of coconut oil to create a gentle scrub for your hands. Rinse with water and apply a good moisturizer. Do this 1-2 times a week for soft, healthy hands.
