How to get smooth hands and feet

The skin is exposed to daily swings, from the sun and wind to chemicals and drying soaps. The hands and feet are particularly prone to dryness and cracking, especially in the winter months when the skin can become stressed and hardened by dry, cold air. Smooth and soften these body parts weekly with natural and healthy ingredients that you can find at your local pharmacy and around the house.

Soak your feet and hands in warm water. You can take a bath or fill a small container with warm, soothing water. Avoid hot water, because it can dry the skin. Add a few drops of lavender or rose essential oil in the water to create a relaxing sensory experience. Soak your hands and feet for about 10 minutes.

Dry your hands and feet with a soft, clean towel.

Cut a lemon in half and place one half in a small amount of regular sugar. Use the half lemon with sugar to clean the rough areas on the hands and feet. Check the fingers and toes also with gentle circular movements. If you have particularly hard areas on your feet or hands, use a pumice stone or a foot file to soften these areas.

Rinse hands and feet with warm, dry water with a towel.

Pour a small amount of natural oil, such as coconut, almond or olive oil, into a small cotton ball.

Apply oil to your feet, making sure to pass the cotton ball around and between your fingers. Re-apply oil to the cotton ball as needed until your skin is covered lightly.

Put on a pair of clean cotton or plush socks to keep your feet clean while the oil does its job.

Repeat the process by applying oil to your hands and put on a pair of clean cotton gloves.

Leave your socks and gloves on for at least two hours and, if possible, about eight hours. Spend time for this process around bedtime so that the oils can absorb into your skin while you sleep.

Repeat the exfoliation process once a week. You can apply the natural oil to your skin as often as every day.

Advice

Be aware of any allergies or skin sensitivities you may have before applying lotion or oil.

Purchase a deep moisturizing lotion for daily use between oil treatments in order to keep your skin happy throughout the day. Reapply after washing hands or washing dishes.