Sometimes it’s hard to say which is more active, your feet or your hands. Both are super busy all day long but your hands tend to be in water several times each day and unless you work at a pool, your feet, not so much.

All that washing and exposure to soap, sun, chemicals, and the super dry air from heaters and air conditioners can quickly make your hands look dry, feel rough, and make you look older than you actually are.

Sometimes, no matter how much hand lotion you use, your hands can still be dry and rough due to medical conditions such as eczema or due to prescription drugs, or even allergies, which can make your skin flake and itch.

Don’t give up hope, however. There are some natural remedies that can give your hands some real nourishment so you can enjoy softer, younger looking hands in a matter of days.

Keep reading so you can spend your weekend holding hands with your loved ones and not be embarrassed about your rough, dry skin.

 

1. Lemon Juice

This might sound a bit strange, but lemon juice is not only a great cleanser, but it will soften your hands as well as lighten up the skin tone, diminishing any age spots you might have.

Mix equal parts of honey, baking soda, and lemon juice. Massage this mixture onto your hands for about 1 minute. Allow it to stay on your hands for 5 minutes so the lemon juice can do its work, and then rinse your hands in warm water. Repeat this two or three times each week for soft, beautiful hands.

2. Olive Oil

This is a popular way to soften up dry hands. Olive oil contains healthy fatty acids and antioxidants that will make your skin super soft because they will be super moisturized. Warm a bit of olive oil (you only need about a tablespoon) and massage this into your hands once each day for super soft and smooth hands.

Another method is to mix equal parts of sugar and olive oil. Gently rub this moisturizing scrub on your hands each night for one minute, then rinse off. Use this method once or twice each week for best results.

3. Overripe Bananas

Don’t throw away those overripe bananas! They are a terrific (although a bit strange) way to help stop dry skin and prevent wrinkles. Mash 1 super ripe banana into a thick paste and massage it into your hands. Allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water.

Another method of using bananas is to mash just ½ of an overripe banana, then add a teaspoon each of olive oil and honey. Mix well and then apply this paste to your hands. Leave on for 15 minutes, and then rinse first with warm water, then cold water.

No matter which of these methods you choose to try, do them at least once each week for best results.

4. Exfoliate

Although most people are diligent about exfoliating the skin on their face, we often neglect our hands. The skin on our hands, especially the back of the hands, is very thin and fragile. Exfoliating your hands will help you to get rid of dead, old, dry skin cell so that the fresh, new cells can shine through the surface.

Take a pumice stone (like the kind you use on your feet) and gently rub it over both sides of your hands. Alternately, you can mix a tablespoon of salt with a teaspoon of sweet almond oil and gently rub this over your hands for a minute or two, then rinse with warm water. Do this twice a week for super soft, younger looking skin in a minute!

5. Oatmeal

This is an old fashioned remedy for rough, dry skin. Oatmeal has super moisturizing compounds as well as proteins that will lock in moisture. This is a great choice for anyone with allergies, sensitive skin, or skin problems such as eczema.

Mix 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal, 1 teaspoon of raw, organic honey, and just a little water until you have a paste. Rub this mixture into your hands and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Try this method once or twice a week for super soft hands you can be proud of.

6.  Cream

There is a reason that people say those with really beautiful skin have a peaches and cream complexion! Cream is loaded with healthy fats that work as a natural moisturizer. Also, the lactic acid in cream will help to exfoliate your skin while maintaining its proper pH level.

Pour some cream into a small bowl and submerge your hand. You can rub your hands a bit to help slough off dead skin cells. Let your hands soak in the cream for 10 minutes, the rinse your hands with warm water. Try this method every other day or until you get the desired results.

7. Honey

Here is a sweet way to lock in moisture! Honey is a well-known natural moisturizer that is loaded with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and humectant compounds. Humectants draw moisture to them, so honey will bring extra moisture to your hands and keep them soft.

Simply take a tablespoon of honey and rub it over your hands. Leave it there for 10 minutes, and then rinse off with water. Repeat this every evening for super soft and younger looking hands.

8. Yogurt

Like cream, yogurt is another naturally hydrating compound that can go a long way towards helping your rough dry hands become soft, beautiful hands.

Apply one heaping tablespoon of plain yogurt on your hands and massage it in for a minute or two. Allow it to stay on your hands for 10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Do this every other day for best results.

9. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel is great for burns and helping skin to naturally heal itself more quickly. One of the great things about aloe vera gel is that it forms a protective layer on the skin, which will help to protect your skin from further damage.

If you have an aloe vera plant, cut off a leaf and squeeze out the clear gel. Rub this gel on your hands and massage it in well. Allow the gel to sit for 10 or 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

If you don’t have a plant, you can buy aloe vera gel at most health food or natural stores. Use aloe vera gel every day for best results.

10. Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil contains a unique combination of fatty acids that are really great for dry skin. It also soothes and protects skin that is exposed to and damaged by the harmful UV rays of the sun.

 

SEE ALSO: Treat 10 Common Summertime Problems With This One Ingredient!

 

Warm a tablespoon or so of virgin coconut oil and rub it into your hands every night before bed for best results.

11. Avocados

Avocados are great for your skin inside and out! Avocados are loaded with monounsaturated fats and vitamins A, C, and E, which are really beneficial for hydrating dry skin. Also, avocados can make your skin look younger by temporarily tightening up saggy or loose skin.

Mix ½ of a ripe avocado with a tablespoon of honey. Rub this paste on your hands for a minute, and then leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. Repeat this two or three times each week for best results.

Alternatively, you can also rub a tablespoon of avocado oil into your hands every night before bed.

12. The Glove Treatment

If you have seriously damaged hands, perhaps it’s time for an overnight deep treatment. Apply a generous amount of coconut oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil to your clean hands just before bed, then put some cotton gloves over your hands and leave them on all night. If you want to soften your hands quickly, try using some plastic bags over your hands and then put rubber bands over your wrists. Leave the plastic bags on for an hour, then remove and rinse your hands with warm water.

Extra Tips:

• Avoid harsh chemicals
• Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes
• Use a humidifier in the winter to prevent dry skin
• Eat a natural diet that is high in vitamins and healthy fats for healthy skin
• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated

References:

Journals.cambridge.org

Onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Ajicjournal.org

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