Damaged hands are the result of constant exposure to harmful factors. Aggressive detergents, frequent washing, cold wind, dry air, solar radiation – this is the inglorious list of the most important causes of hand skin dehydration and accelerated aging. Is there a home treatment that will deeply moisturize, firm, and improve the color of damaged hands after just one use? While it will be difficult to eliminate defects that have accumulated over the years, there are several ways to quickly and temporarily improve the appearance of your hands. If you maintain regularity and use one of the suggested treatments at least once a week – your skin will regain its silky smoothness.
The first step to regenerating damaged hands is to eliminate factors that dry and irritate the delicate epidermis. If you wash your hands frequently, make sure to use mild preparations free of SLS and SLES. The best choice will be emulsions and gels dedicated to people with atopic and allergic skin, which do not disrupt the hydrolipid barrier. Always remember to wear gloves – rubber ones, protecting against the drying effects of household chemicals, and winter ones, which protect against icy wind. It is also worth developing the habit of creaming your hands after every wash, which will quickly replenish lipid stores and inhibit moisture loss from the epidermis.
And what if damaged hands demand immediate renewal and hydration? Here are some home treatments that will bring you relief and smooth your hands in just a few minutes.
Regenerating Oatmeal Mask with Honey
This DIY mask combines the best skincare practices passed down through generations by our mothers and grandmothers. You'll love it because it moisturizes while very gently exfoliating your hands, helping to reveal smoother, brighter skin. You surely have all the ingredients for it in your kitchen. How to make an oatmeal mask for damaged hands? Pour the same amount of warm milk over two tablespoons of oatmeal and wait for it to soften slightly. Add a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of almond oil to the mixture – they will act like a balm for irritations. Apply the ready paste to your hands and wait 15-20 minutes. Finally, gently massage the mask into the skin and rinse off.
Rejuvenating Retinol Mask
Damaged hands show signs of aging faster. Simply moisturizing them won't work wonders in this case and won't smooth out existing wrinkles. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A that stimulates collagen production, will help combat them, thus firming and smoothing the skin. You can find this ingredient in the ready-to-use Handy Lab Extreme Retinol hand mask, which comes in the form of regenerating gloves. In addition to retinol, it also contains vitamin C – which improves skin tone and plays an essential role in the synthesis of new collagen fibers. Meanwhile, jojoba oil and argan oil will strengthen the damaged hydrolipid barrier and restore lost elasticity to the hands. After just one use, the mask will leave your hands in perfect condition – a 20-minute session will make them visibly softer, brighter, and velvety smooth. However, to fully exploit the anti-aging potential of Handy Lab masks, use them at least once a week. Such a treatment will provide thorough renewal and rejuvenation of the skin on your hands. It's best to stock up on a month's supply of 4 masks for this purpose.
Soothing Flaxseed Bath
Flaxseed is a true treasure trove of unsaturated omega-3 acids, which have health-promoting effects on the entire body – including the skin. They replenish lost lipids, have anti-inflammatory, regenerating properties, and accelerate the healing of small wounds and irritations. If you are looking for a hypoallergenic, soothing S.O.S. treatment for damaged hands – a flaxseed bath will be the ideal treatment, acting like a medicinal dressing. Simply pour 2 tablespoons of brown flax seeds into a bowl and cover them with hot (not boiling) water. Let it cool, stirring the mixture occasionally, so that the seeds release their valuable ingredients faster. After 10-15 minutes, a characteristic suspension will form – immerse your hands in it for several minutes to soften and moisturize dry skin. Massage the remnants of the mixture into your hands and finally apply a moisturizing cream.
Lemon Peel for Discoloration
Damaged hands are also hands with uneven skin tone, with darker spots and freckles. The remedy for this defect is a brightening scrub based on sea salt and lemon. Note – this natural cosmetic is quite potent and can only be used on healed hands, without open wounds or cracks. To make it, combine 2 level tablespoons of coarse sea salt with one tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Gently massage the mixture into the skin of your hands and wait 2-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, then apply cream. Such a treatment performed once a week will help you get rid of brown discolorations on your hands.