The sensitive skin of our hands has been in a state of extreme discomfort lately, in our effort to follow the basic principles of cleanliness, for the non-dispersion of the corona-virus. Proper use of soap and much more antiseptics and alcohol is one of the main reasons for the dryness of our skin.
Before we look at some natural ways to deal with dryness, we will look at what exactly happens to the skin of our hands.
Our skin
Our skin consists of three levels. The skin is the top, outer layer, which acts as a shield for the skin and subcutaneous tissue, from various environmental factors.
This outer shell provides waterproof protection while removing pathogens from our bodies. It also protects against ultraviolet radiation and acts as a barrier to the absorption of pollutants, chemicals and toxic substances.
So when our hands are dry and damaged it means that this outer part of our skin is not so well shielded.
What do we do to rejuvenate our dry hands?
1. Exfoliation
Initially it is good to help our skin eliminate dead, useless cells by rubbing your hands with an exfoliating scrub every week. Here are two natural recipes to get you started:
•. Cup baking soda + ρύ coconut oil cup
• ¼ cup brown sugar + έξ extra virgin olive oil cup
A gentle massage on your hands for about half a minute and just enough to absorb the mixture, will soon bring the desired result. In the end, always rinse with warm water.
2. Moisturizing cream
Here is a recipe to make your own cream. Try this: 1 tablespoon honey + 8 tablespoons 100% pure and organic melted beeswax + 1 cup almond oil + ρο rose water cup.
In addition, avocado, cocoa butter and shea butter are excellent natural choices.
We all know and understand the value of a moisturizer. But it is good to know what the most effective materials are, to know what we are looking for.
Thus, there are moisturizing ingredients that absorb water from the air on the surface of the skin and some of them are aloe vera, honey and lactic acid.
They also contain ingredients that form a waterproof surface on our skin, so that its moisture does not evaporate into the environment. Beeswax and lanolin are some of these substances. Finally, the moisturizing ingredients regenerate the cracks and crevices between the skin cells, to create a soft effect.
3. Body hydration
Consumption of water is - among many other benefits - an important part of our effort for a healthy, glowing skin. About eight glasses a day is essential to remove toxins and hydrate your entire body.
At the same time, as we have repeatedly pointed out, food also plays a very important role in hydration. Some of the substances, and consequently foods, that can play an important role in hydrating your skin are:
• Omega-3 fatty acids - Fish, flaxseed and cod liver oil.
• Vitamin E- Nuts, seeds, avocados and spinach.
• Vitamin A- Carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, broccoli, eggs and apricots.
• Zinc- Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, mushrooms and yogurt.
4. Essential oils
Essential oils have an important role in the healing of damaged skin. Among the most effective are:
• Lavender
• Sandalwood
• Geranium
• Incense
• Neroli
• Roman chamomile
A few drops of these oils in moisturizers work as a catalyst to restore our damaged skin.
BY Dr Angel,
Aggeliki Koskeridou
Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
MSc Health Psychology
insta: dr_aggelikikoskeridou_official
