Exfoliation, mask, cream, anti-brown spot or anti-breakage solutions for nails effectively treat damaged hands. Did you know that your kitchen cupboards are full of ingredients to fix them? Sugar, honey, lemon and vegetable oils will become your best health allies!

A scrub to remove dead skin

Before applying a moisturizer, it is important to prepare your hands well to receive it. A scrub, at least once a week, eliminates dead skin and then allows the nourishing cream to soak in more effectively. 

Here are two easy recipes for “homemade” scrubs:

– Sugar and lemon juice to fight against dark spots

You can mix a teaspoon of sugar (5 g) with a little lemon juice, then apply in a circular fashion to the skin. In addition to having disinfectant properties, lemon is rich in antioxidants which effectively fight against skin aging. No more unsightly brown spots!

– Sugar and honey for particularly rough hands.

Add two teaspoons of sugar to one tablespoon of honey, then bind it all together with an egg yolk. Honey has healing properties that will heal cracks and soothe your skin. 

Good hydration against cracks and dry skin

Abrupt temperature changes and repeated washing are hard on the skin. From the first tightness or cracks, it’s time to draw a hydration hand ritual … To avoid the crocodile skin effect, vegetable oils are of great help. Argan, coconut, avocado or sweet almond oil have many softening and nourishing benefits. Be sure to choose them pure, organically grown and cold pressed in the food or cosmetic departments. You can also use oleo-limestone liniment which deeply nourishes the skin.

Another natural treatment, raw shea butter effectively protects the hands from the cold and the sun. In bath (to be melted in hot water) or in massage, it restores suppleness and softness to the most damaged skin.

A mask for dry skin

When the skin is rough, it is recommended to apply a nourishing mask liberally and then leave it to act overnight. Under the effect of heat, moisturizers are released more effectively. If you want to make your own mask, mix a mashed potato with a tablespoon of olive oil. Be careful though to wear cotton gloves so as not to stain the sheets!

Practical, gloves impregnated with cream are available in perfumery or drugstore to treat your hands, while continuing an activity. Leave on for at least 15 minutes. A clever reflex!

Protection against pigment spots

When you do not take sufficient care of your hands, they quickly betray the age of the person. Visible signs of skin aging, brown spots gradually appear on the skin. To fight against these unsightly effects, total sunscreen is essential for each sun exposure. Regularly rubbing the skin with lemon juice is recommended to repair pigmentation damage. Vitamin C depigmenting treatments also help to remove dark spots. The most effective solution is to make an appointment with the dermatologist for a laser session. 

An SOS treatment for soft and brittle nails

When the hands are weakened, the nails are damaged, broken or split into two… A miracle ingredient, olive oil nourishes them in depth and strengthens them.

Express recipe: dip your fingertips in a bowl of olive oil for 5 minutes, then massage the nails to soak them in the oil. Using a stick, you can then gently push back the softened cuticles. 

For perfectly groomed hands, all that’s left to do is get started with a pretty manicure!

Laetitia d’Hérouville

Read also: Hand care: our homemade cream recipes