Home Remedies for Dry Hands Part 1

Long time no blogging!  and long weekend also.  That meant a full house here and really not much time for blogging.  I really hope that you had a nice weekend,I did.

I am guilty of neglecting my hands :(  Specially during Fall and Winter Seasons.  I am constantly washing my hands and have dry or chapped skin.    The little lotion bottle in my purse or next to the sink just won't do.  I am determined not to let it happen this Season. 

So I searched on the internet for some home remedies to moisturize and soothe hands. All of these remedies combine common kitchen ingredients which is the best part!  Some of these remedies I've heard or tried them before.  

I will be sharing with you. This is part one, I didn't try them all, I will tell you why and will let you know my opinion in red italics under each treatment.  

1. • 1.  Prepare an olive oil bath. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water. Add 4 Tbsp. olive oil to the water. Soak your hands in the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse your hands with tepid water. Pat your hands dry until just damp. Apply a light moisturizing lotion.

     
     

     Yes I did this one.  No I didn't wait 10 minutes.  Here I go with neglecting myself and not making time for me,  10 minutes is such valuable time!  I tried it I was soaking my hands and I got the maaaaaaa!  yell.  Somebody needed me.  Even though shortened I liked the treatment very much.  Very soft hands.
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     2.  Apply a coating of petroleum jelly to your hands before bedtime. Cover your hands with thin cotton gloves or cotton socks. Go to sleep and say goodbye to dry hands.

     To be honest I did not even try this one, I know petroleum jelly works wonders but the idea of covering my hands at night just doesn't appeal to me :/
     
     I tried the petroleum jelly and plastic gloves while I painted some clothespins for a custom order on my etsy shop (notice the subtle advertisement here).  I've also done this before while washing dishes.  Very soft hands afterwards. 
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     3.  Steam your hands. Cover your hands in petroleum jelly. Run hot water in the bathroom sink. Place your hands in the resulting steam and keep them there as long as is comfortable. Rinse and dry your hands.

     I tried this one in the sink and in the bathtub.  The water was boiling hot but I didn't feel the steam, so I covered my hands with towel.  It works great, my hands felt very soft.
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     4.  Buy an aloe vera plant. Cut off one of the leaves. Rub the leaf onto your dry hands to smooth and soften your skin. This is also a great home remedy for burns.

     
     

     I have an aloe vera plant  compliments of my mother.  Everytime I call her for advice on skin conditions she tells me 'put some aloe vera'.  I've never heard of its moisturizing properties.  The instructions just say rub it on your hands.  I instantly thought common sense tell me to rinse them.  But as I rubbed and rubbed the slobbery liquid started to dry off.  My hands smelled like plants afterwards but not noticeable and it didn't bother me at all.  My skin felt definitely very soft.
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     5.  Use an egg yolk mask to moisturize dry hands. Scramble the yolk of an egg and apply it to your hands. Leave the mask on your hands for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of dryness. Rinse your hands with lukewarm water. Pat dry. 

     
     

     Since I was running out of eggs (breakfast is much more important right?), I didn't try this one either.  But again 15 to 30 minutes???  and the smell of egg yolk does not appeal to me either.  Maybe some day I will try it.

     
     

     Next week I will come back with part 2

     
     Let me know if you have tried any of these remedies and if you liked them?  Do you know any other way to moisturize hands using kitchen items?
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