WHAT A YEAR! My hands have never been so rough!
This is a statement that has become very familiar this year and is a problem that has affected most people so let’s try our best to improve the situation.
Frequent hand washing is here to stay for a long time yet and that, of course, is a good thing.
It’s the frequent use of hand sanitisers which often contain high concentrations of alcohol which seems to be responsible for drying out skin on the hands.
In some cases, this has even resulted in dermatitis on sensitive skins.
We are advised to use sanitisers when we enter shops and other venues so whether you spray or not, the purpose of this blog is to find ways to give your hands some intensive care before the skin gets so dry that it cracks.
Generally, it’s common for us to have a regular routine for looking after the skin on our face but often the hands get neglected.
It should be as important because the skin is fine and has no sebaceous glands which make the hands prone to environmental damage.
Treat your hands the way you would treat your face because neglected hands can make us look older than our faces do.
It’s important, more than ever, to use protective hand creams after hand washing when possible.
Regular use of nourishing hand creams will help to soften and heal the skin and to prevent damage that is caused by the intensive daily activities required during the pandemic.
Your hands would also benefit from exfoliating treatments a few times a week to encourage the growth of new cells.
For maximum effect, do this before going to bed, wash the exfoliant off and apply rich, nourishing hand cream. Slip on cotton gloves and leave on overnight for a deep moisturising hand treatment. Your hands will love it!
EASY DIY RECIPES!
Exfoliating scrub to stimulate the circulation
2 tablespoons medium ground oatmeal
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Mix all the ingredients to make a smooth paste. Massage gently into your hands and rinse off thoroughly.
Hand softener (simple but effective)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons sea salt (grind it if coarse)
10-20 drops of an essential oil of your choice.
Mix all ingredients together and store in a screw top jar
Massage well into hands for several minutes and rinse off (you need very little to be effective)
Don’t forget to apply a rich hand cream following the exfoliation.
These are just a couple of examples of very simple recipes you can make for yourself but, if you prefer to have it made for you, there are some wonderful handmade products waiting for you at www.mellowskincare.co.uk.
The product I’m finding invaluable during these times is the Gardener’s Hand Butter because it is made solely from fats which are a real treat for your hands, particularly if you apply it at night and cover with cotton gloves.
If you have used Mellow products before, you will know that they are made from natural ingredients where possible and suitable for all skin types as well as very sensitive skins that are prone to reactions.
If you have any questions regarding any Mellow products, contact me at info@mellowskincare.co.uk and I would be happy to help.
FINALLY…
To care for those delicate hands, always remember to wear gloves when washing up those dishes.
Mellow liquid hand soaps are very kind to your hands and suitable for frequent handwashing. The detergents do not contain any sodium laureth sulphate or parabens and are available in three wonderful fragrances with essential oils.