Natural Ways To Protect Your Nails And Hands From Winter

Our hand and nails take a beating during the winter months with the frigid air that not only turns our cheeks and noses red but dries out our skin.  Our hands and nails get dry and break and the skin on our feet crack under the pressure of the cold. If you have kids you know how bad their hands can get especially when they love to play outside in the snow and cold weather. But not to fear I have some natural remedies and ways to protect you and your family’s nails and hands from the winter’s harsh weather that can work wonders.

You don’t have to buy loads of creams that contain toxic chemicals which can cause many health risks. Plus think of the money you can can save by using natural and organic remedies that you probably already have in your house. Most of all you have the peace of mind knowing that you are making a healthy and responsible choice that will help you and your family on the road to living a healthy and green lifestyle.

Health Risks of Commercial Hand Lotions:

• A great many of the hand lotion contain toxic chemicals which accumulate in the liver and fatty tissues, causing  health concerns through accumulation from long-term use.
• Many of the common chemicals used in hand lotions are known to cause skin dryness, and skin irritation from extended use. As you hands get dryer you become dependent on the lotions.  I highly doubt this is by accident! Think about it! The more you need and use, the more they sell, and the more money they make. It sure is a great marketing tool or trick.
• Common ingredients in commercial hand lotions include parabens (propylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben), alcohols, mineral oil, other petroleum products, fragrances, and aluminum.  These are absorbed into the skin and are usually absorbed directly into the blood stream. These ingredients have linked to cancer, Alzheimer, allergic reactions, and so much more.
• Another sad truth about cosmetic products is they are not regulated by any agency so they are free to add any toxic ingredient in that they choose. There is no watch dog that is looking out for our health or safety.
• These chemicals can cause many health risks (Please read — through prolonged use and sometimes be the worse thing to use for dry hands and destroy overall health. Your health could depend on it.

Cuticle care also serves as nail care because the cuticle protect the area that the nail grows from. These natural home remedies for your cuticles and hands can give you beautiful soft hand all year-long.

Natural Remedies for Dry and Chapped Hands and Cuticles:

• Sugar and Water – If your hand are rough try scrubbing them with organic sugar and warm water. This is a great way to exfoliate just as you would your face.
• Vitamin E – Has natural healing powers.  You can use alone by taking capsule of vitamin E and punching a hole in it, drop a few drops on your cuticles then rub it in thorough throughout the entire nail.
• Olive oil and lemon juice  – This is great for yellowing or weak nails. Make sure you use organic cold pressed olive oil so that there are no additives or toxic ingredients that can be absorbed.  Mix lemon juice and a spoonful of olive oil and soak your nails for 10–15 minutes twice a week. You will be amazed at the difference it can make and how lovely your nails will look.
• Jojoba oil – This is a great healing treatment alone or added in conjunction with Neem oil or Tea Tree oil.
• Sesame seed oil  – Among the amazing health benefits of sesame seed oil is its ability to heal and soothe the skin.
• Coconut oil – Organic raw cold pressed organic coconut oil can be used by itself or with the healing oils below. Coconut oil is one of my favorite remedies for all over health. I love using it to cook and well as using it on my body for its great moisturizing qualities.
• Neem and Tea Tree oils – These herbal oils are wonderful healing treatments for you cuticle and nails because they contain antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties and can be added to plant butters.

DIY Honey and Sesame Cuticle Restoring Balm Recipe

• 5 tablespoons grated Beeswax
• 5 tablespoons Sesame Oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil

Directions: Melt the beeswax and Sesame oil, in a double boiler. Add the honey and carefully stir until dissolved and then add vanilla essence and Vitamin E oil – continue to stir until mixed thoroughly. Pour into containers for storage while the mixture is still hot. You can store up to 12 months.

This DIY Sesame Balm is a great gift for your friends and family for any time of the year. Just pack into small tins or jars.

This pleasant smelling balm is not only great for cuticles but can be used for chapped lips, cracked feet, or other areas of the body that are dry or chapped. It will relieve and soothe the discomfort and restore the natural moisture to your skin.

For extra dry or damaged hands or feet try putting on organic cotton gloves or socks on after applying the balm or one of the other natural remedies, if you prefer, and leave them on all night. This can help restore the natural moisture and heal your skin faster.

Live Green, Live Natural, Live Organic, Live Long!

Other Sources: Green Beauty  Author: Julie Gabriel

Shared on OIL ME UP WEDNESDAYS!

This Blog Post Was Shared On WILDCRAFTING WEDNESDAYS!

About the author

Marla

Website

Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog! I believe in living green, organically, and natural in every aspect of our lives. My mission is to help educate you on how to live green, help save our environment and to help you and your family live a happier, healthier life!