Scenes of snow and the scent of pine overwhelm our senses during the winter months. But the frigid air bites more than just cheeks and red noses. Our hands and nails dry and break, and the skin on our feet cracks under the pressure of the cold. Here are some natural remedies to keep things smooth and clean this season.
Hands and nails
As we cozy up to a fire and crank the thermostat, our skin loses the humidity it needs to stay silky. The best solution is to moisturize your hands at least twice a day. Look for products containing shea butter and oils such as jojoba, coconut, and olive. Apply one of these oils to your hands and feet, slip on cotton gloves and a warm pair of socks, and let these natural remedies do their magic while you’re cuddled up on the couch. Jojoba and olive oils also offer some sun protection, so you can feel good about rubbing these oils into your hands before going outdoors. Remember, the beach isn’t the only scene where you need sunscreen.
Rough hands? Try scrubbing your hands with sugar and warm water. It’s not just your face that needs attention and exfoliation! For yellowing nails or weak nail beds, mix lemon juice and a spoonful of olive oil and soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes twice a week.
As for the often ignored and sometimes chewed cuticles, there is hope. Attentive cuticle care also serves as nail care, because cuticles protect the area the nail grows from. Rub in nail oils made with jojoba or olive oils and with antimicrobial and antifungal ingredients like tea tree or neem. For the final decorative touch, look for polishes without ingredients such as toluene, xylene, formaldehyde, or acetone, risky chemicals that can strip natural oils and weaken nails as well as posing health risks.
Collagen gives skin its elasticity and firmness, naturally reducing the look of wrinkles and age spots. In one study, collagen supplements taken over a 12-week period resulted in firmer skin and reduced signs of aging. To raise levels of collagen in the skin of your hands, you can also take hyaluronic acid, a trigger for the body to produce its own collagen, or apply collagen cream or gel directly to the hands.
