It’s safe to say that people wash their hands more than ever before. When the weather is dryer and colder during the winter, you’re more likely to experience dry hands. Add the dryness you experience from frequent hand washing or sanitizing, and your hands may look scaly. Nobody wants that!
Fortunately, you can survive the winter with a simple DIY hand cream made from natural ingredients. Not only is it inexpensive, but it’s extremely effective. In fact, it’s probably more effective than any hand cream you can purchase in stores! The secret is to use simple ingredients. Without the addition of additives and preservatives, your skin can easily absorb the moisturizing properties of the essential ingredients. We describe some of the essential ingredients below.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a type of vegetable fat that comes from cocoa beans. It’s a common additive to lotions, creams, and lip balms because it is a powerful moisturizer with anti-inflammatory properties. Cocoa butter contains several polyphenols, which may help protect the skin from drying out. Similar to other moisturizers like coconut oil, cocoa butter has a high fatty acid content. These beneficial fats form a protective layer on the skin, which helps lock in moisture and keep the skin from drying. It’s quite common for people with eczema to use cocoa butter to relieve dryness and itchiness.
Beeswax
Beeswax is one of nature’s wonderful ingredients that various cultures have used for centuries. It exhibits both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and works to moisturize the skin. Many studies found that it’s effective for even the most sensitive skin types. Beeswax is an emollient, meaning that it helps your skin breathe while simultaneously locking in moisture. The skin can easily absorb beeswax, encouraging healthy skin development on a cellular level. Lastly, beeswax has the ability to protect and repair dry or damaged skin.
Shea Butter
Shea butter comes from the extracted fat of nuts from the Shea tree, which is native to West Africa. In fact, almost all of shea butter today comes from this region. Shea butter is rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and triglycerides, all of which contribute to softer, hydrated skin. It’s a powerful emollient and helps to prevent moisture loss. Anyone who uses shea butter knows that it applies smoothly and moisturizes the skin without leaving the skin looking or feeling greasy. It also helps to protect the skin barrier, filling in micro cracks that make skin more prone to dryness.
Homemade Moisturizing Hand Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons beeswax pellets
- 2 teaspoons cocoa butter
- 1 teaspoon almond oil
- 2 teaspoons shea butter
- 15 drops essential oil of your choice
Instructions:
- In a heat-safe glass mixing bowl, add the beeswax, cocoa butter, almond oil, and shea butter.
- Place in the microwave and microwave for one minute and 30 seconds, stirring well every 30 seconds. Add 30 seconds to the microwave if necessary, provided the beeswax pellets don’t melt.
- Remove from the microwave and drop in the essential oil of your choice and mix well. Refrigerate for 10 minutes and then remove.
- Using an electric hand mixer or fork, whip the mixture well. Spoon into a smaller container and allow the mixture to come to room temperature.
- Store in a cool, dry place and use as needed. A small dab goes a long way!
