Natural Solution For Hardworking Hands
Chances are you or somebody you know has hard-working hands. Over time without proper intervention, hands can suffer.
(Read all the way to the bottom for DIYs and product recommendations.)
Why do hard working hands get so dry?
The most common cause of dry, cracked skin is a compromised outer layer. Our skin is created to hold moisture and naturally rejuvenate itself. Unfortunately, with repeated exposure to the sun, cold air, wind, dirt, chemicals, and more our skin becomes gradually damaged, causing it to no longer properly hold onto moisture.
…And if that weren’t enough, sometimes the things we do to “help” the problem actually make things worse.
Luckily for us, there are natural solutions for damaged skin that can help protect our skin from environmental pollutants and UV radiation, both of which can accelerate dryness and aging!
Did you know that those of us who consistently have to wash our hands or immerse them in water throughout the day end up experiencing a loss of moisture? That’s because all that water steals the skin’s natural moisturizing oils away!
Chemicals are a no brainer. Of course, they mess up your skin…those who work with chemicals on a daily basis, or who regularly use chemical-based household cleaners, often have severely chapped hands. Even soap and lotions meant to “help” can be damaging if you don’t pay close enough attention to the labels. Chemicals rob our skin of its own moisture, and that damage to the outer layer of skin leaves it vulnerable to all kinds of problems.
Not all bars of soap are created equal either, and some may even be the root of why you are experiencing dry skin in the first place. Many of today’s commercial cleaners and hand soaps also disrupt our skin’s integrity, which slows the natural process of skin repair and creates dryness and cracking.
Other factors, such as medical skin conditions, allergens, and certain medications can also contribute to dry, cracking skin.
What can we do to be preventative?
- Wear gloves
Yeah, yeah, yeah…This may be something you already do, but sometimes we forget. The best treatment is always PREVENTION, so whether you’re out on the job, gardening, or simply washing the dishes, gloves will help protect your hands from damage.
Tip: Avoid using vinyl gloves. They have a tendency to make the skin even drier. Try using cotton or leather instead.
- Avoid soap… if you can
Like we mentioned above, avoiding products with synthetic fragrances, preservatives, parabens, and sulfates is a major key to preventing dry hands. Antibacterial soaps can even strip your skin of its own natural oils if you're not careful. Choose moisturizing cleansers instead, and be sure you rinse thoroughly.
Try using our foaming soap with organic virgin coconut oil and NO PARABENS!
- Exfoliate
Don’t neglect your hands - they need exfoliation just as much as your face and body do. If you’re severely dry and calloused this is the set you don’t want to miss.
Check out a couple of our recipes for homemade exfoliating and moisturizing scrubs that will work great on any pair of hard-working hands.
- MOISTURIZE!!!
Okay. This one may be a no brainer for some but it really is the most important step. Not just once a day, not twice…ya’ll need to be moisturizing your hands EACH and EVERY time you wash your hands. Period. Carry moisturizer with you EVERYWHERE!
Try one of our amazing lotions or creams made with organic virgin coconut oil! Lavender Garden cream, enhanced with the repairing and healing Lavender essential oil, is a great choice.
- Avoid hot-air dryers
While this one may sound a bit strange, these things are becoming more and more popular because they save money, reduce waste, and help the environment. While we love these facts, what we cannot deny is that they can easily dry out our hands. Instead, try patting your hands dry with some toilet paper or simply just shake them dry…then put on your lotion!
- Wear gloves to bed…?
So this one may sound weird, but damaged hands need some serious moisture, so why not take it to the next level and treat your hands at night when we do our best healing.
Try applying a super thick moisturizer like our Unscented Cream mixed with some Jojoba oil, or vitamin E! Customize with essential oils of your choice then go put on some cotton gloves or wool socks and go to bed. Rinse off in the morning.
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