DIY Hand Cream for Covid-19 Dry Hands

     As we now frequently wash our hands and use sanitizers, our skin dries out and dry skin can be uncomfortable, sometimes painful or cracked and not so pretty. Of course, washing your hands is a good thing and can keep you safe but having clean and hydrated hands is even better! There are a lot of different hand creams that you can get from the store but have you ever thought about making your own?

     A hand cream that is homemade, thick and soothing, sounds awesome, doesn’t it? Unlike many hand creams you can purchase in stores, homemade ones use natural ingredients that are not filled with preservatives that get absorbed into your skin. You can use your favorite essential oils to make this hand cream more personal to give you more of that feel good vibe. Here are a few of our favorite essential oils that we definitely recommend:

. Rose, which is a beautiful floral scent, helps to soothe the skin with its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that keep infection away. 

. Grapefruit essential oil can be antimicrobial (something suppresses the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi) and the fresh, citrus scent may lift your spirit.

. Lemongrass contains citral, an anti-inflammatory compound, and the fresh citrus scent is great at refreshing your senses. 

. Lavender has antibacterial properties and can reduce inflammation, cleanse the skin and reduce irritation while the scent helps to calm.

. Jasmine has been found to be excellent for dry skin and is also great for sensitive skin due to its soothing properties and the fresh floral scent leaves a soft and airy note.

     Aromatherapy can be very effective in nourishing drier skin and essential oils are extracted from plant materials with distillation, they are very fragrant and can be relaxing but be sure to use a carrier oil to dilute the potency of the essential oil.Though essential oils have a lot of health benefits and are cautiously extracted from its plant, when applied directly to the skin, it can cause irritation. So, the carrier oils, which are typically unscented, make them applicable; avocado, grape-seed and apricot kernel oil are examples of carrier oils.

     Beeswax is one of the important ingredients and is fantastically hygroscopic, which means it attracts moisture. It seals the moisture in and protects from environmental pollution but it doesn't clog the skin and actually gives the skin some room to breathe, which is what makes it so wholesome. However, for those who find they are allergic to the beeswax, candelillla wax is an excellent, vegan alternative. Candelilla wax is derived from plants and is also considered to be a water-proofing agent, which will prevent moisture loss. Regarding the difference between the two waxes, Candelilla wax is twice as dense so whatever amount is needed for the beeswax, you'll need to halve it for the candelilla wax.

     Another essential ingredient is shea butter, which is extracted from the seeds of a tree and is certainly an excellent and well-known moisturizing agent. If not, another widely known alternative is cocoa butter, a butter that is extracted from cocoa beans but both have the same effect on skin- regenerate, soften, moisturize and heal.

    Now with some background information to inspire you, let's take a look at this recipe, which is easier than you would've thought! 

You'll need...

. 4 Tablespoons of either shea butter, or cocoa butter.

. 2 Tablespoons of a carrier oil of your choice.

. 2 Tablespoons of beeswax or 1 Tablespoon of candelilla wax.

. 15-20 drops of any essential oil of your choice.

Step 1: Using a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water, melt the butter of your choice, the beeswax or candelilla wax and the carrier oil that you chose together, stirring with a wooden utensil. 

Step 2: When all your ingredients are melted, remove the glass bowl and allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes. 

Step 3: Next, add your personal blend of essential oils and be sure to stir well into a whip before pouring into a small container. It will take several hours for the mixture to harden into a cream but the wait will certainly be worth it.

     This hand cream recipe will give you moisturized skin that won't be greasy and with familiar ingredients without the unnecessary chemicals. Since the scent from the essential oils are personalized and suited for your taste, it'll be a pleasant pick-me-up that also helps to heal your dry hands. 

     Remember to sanitize your hands, wash them and moisturize!