In this article, I want us to discuss something that we often neglect in our busy lives, and that is handcare. Did you know that your hand deserves as much care as your face and every other part of your body?
Think about it: how often do you touch different surfaces, handle various objects, or do chores that can damage your skin? Probably a lot, right? How often do you wash your hands, moisturize, exfoliate, or massage them? Not so often, I guess. And that’s where the problem is.
Our hands are one of our body’s most exposed and used parts, yet we rarely give them the attention and pampering they deserve.
As insignificant as it may seem, your hands can reflect your health and hygiene and reveal much about your age, lifestyle, and habits.
For example, dry, cracked, or discolored hands can indicate dehydration, aging, or exposure to harsh chemicals. On the other hand, smooth, soft, and radiant hands can show that you are well-hydrated, youthful, and careful with your skin.
There are several ways to maintain handcare, such as regular washing of the hands, using hand creams and moisturizers, and having hand massages once in a while (or whenever you can).
However, one of the easiest and most effective ways to take care of your hands is to use hand scrubs, preferably homemade hand scrubs.
Let me tell you about it.
A hand scrub is a mixture of ingredients that you can apply to your hands to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and impurities and to moisturize, nourish, and rejuvenate your skin.
Compared to their over-the-counter alternatives, homemade hand scrubs are better because you can customize them according to your preferences, needs, and budget. You can also use natural, organic, and inexpensive ingredients easily found in your kitchen, pantry, or garden.
And that’s not all; you can also add your favorite scents, colors, and textures to make it more fun and enjoyable.
But why do you need to use a homemade hand-scrub in the first place? Let’s talk about that.
Why do you need a HomeMade Hand Scrub?
First, and probably the most important reason for using hand-scrubs is that they prevent and heal dryness, cracking, peeling, and flaking of your skin, which can cause pain, discomfort, and infections. They also soften and smooth your skin, making it more elastic, supple, and resilient.
Likewise, hand-scrubs brighten and even your skin tone, reducing the appearance of spots, scars, and discolorations. They protect and repair your skin from the damage caused by cold, heat, and chemicals.
Handscrubs also enhance and prolong the effects of your hand cream, lotion, or oil, by allowing them to penetrate deeper into your skin.
And of course, it saves you money and gives you the opportunity to choose your ingredients.
In the remaining part of this article, I’m going to share with you some of the best DIY hand-scrub recipes that you’re definitely going to love.
Talk of fragrance, aesthetics and results, these homemade scrubs for hands and feet are the real deal. Plus, they are easy, quick, and fun to make, and will leave your hands and feet feeling and looking amazing.
After using any of these recipes, I doubt you will ever want to go back to over-the-counter scrubs again.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Homemade Hand Scrub Recipes
Lemon and Sugar Hand Scrub
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 10 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
Instructions
– In a bowl, combine the sugar and coconut oil. Then, mix well until the sugar is evenly coated with oil.
– Add the lemon juice, zest, and essential oil, and stir until thoroughly combined.
– Transfer the scrub to an airtight container. This will keep it for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Tips
This scrub is excellent for brightening and refreshing dull hands. The lemon juice in it has antibacterial and brightening properties, although you may need to adjust the amount of lemon juice to your desired level of exfoliation.
Coconut and Brown Sugar Hand Scrub
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dried shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
– In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and melted coconut oil. and stir until they’re well-mixed.
– Add the honey and vanilla extract, and mix again. Also add the dried coconut.
– Transfer the scrub to an airtight container. This should last for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Tips
This particular scrub is nourishing and leaves your hands feeling soft and smooth. The coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that moisturize and protect the skin, while sugar gently exfoliates and smooths the skin. The vanilla extract also adds a pleasant scent.
Honey and Oats Hand Scrub
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oat
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
– In a blender or food processor, grind the rolled oats into a fine powder.
– In a bowl, combine the oat powder with honey, olive oil, and lemon juice, and mix well. If you’ll be using cinnamon, add it as well, and stir again
– Transfer the scrub to an airtight container. It will keep it for up to 1 week at room temperature.
Tips
This handscrub is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. Honey is a natural humectant that helps hydrate the skin. So use raw honey in order to enjoy all the beneficial properties. Cinnamon also adds a warm and inviting scent
Avocado and Sea Salt Hand Scrub
Ingredients
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coarse sea salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 drops rosemary essential oil (optional)
Instructions
– Mash the avocado in a bowl until smooth.
– Add the brown sugar, sea salt, olive oil, and essential oil. Then mix well until they’re well-combined.
– Transfer the scrub to an airtight container. This will last for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Tips
This scrub is incredibly hydrating and nourishing for dry hands. The avocado provides vitamins and essential fatty acids, while rosemary essential oil adds a refreshing scent and has antiseptic properties.
Almond and Honey Scrub
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup finely ground almonds
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 5 drops almond extract (optional)
Instructions
– In a bowl, combine the ground almonds and honey. Mix well until the honey coats the almonds evenly.
– Add the olive oil and yogurt, and mix again.
– If desired, add a few drops of almond extract for a stronger scent.
– Transfer the scrub to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature.
Tips
This is an exfoliating and nourishing scrub, great for removing dead skin and leaving your hands soft and smooth. Blanched almonds will make the scrub finer and gentler, and yogurt adds extra moisture and a soothing effect.
Brown Sugar and Vitamin E Oil Scrub
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- 5 drops essential oil of your choice (optional)
Instructions
– In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted coconut oil, olive oil, and honey. And mix well until thoroughly blended. Also stir in the Vitamin E oil and essential oil.
– Transfer the scrub to an airtight container to keep it for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Tips
This is an antioxidant-rich scrub which helps to soften and hydrate dry hands. For richer aroma and better exfoliating effect, use dark brown sugar. Also, use an essential oil based on your desired effect, such as lavender for relaxation or peppermint for invigoration.
Coconut-Lime Body Scrub
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 10 drops grapefruit essential oil (optional)
Instructions
– In a large bowl, combine the shredded coconut, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, olive oil, lime juice, and lime zest. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
– Add the grapefruit essential oil and stir again.
– Transfer the scrub to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature.
Tips
If you need something to exfoliate and revive dull skin, this is it! This scrub is great for your entire body, not just your hands. When toasted, the citrus adds a bright and refreshing scent, and the shredded coconut gives it a deeper flavor and aroma.
How to Use Homemade Handscrubs
To use any of these homemade hand scrubs, you need only scoop a small amount, massage your hands for a few minutes, and rinse with warm water.
Remember to test a small amount on your skin before applying the full scrub to ensure you don’t have any sensitivity to the ingredients.
Also, depending on your skin type and preference, you should only use the scrub once or twice a week, so be careful not to make too much.
Before you go….
Your hands can be a means of expressing yourself and communicating with others. Remember, you use these hands to gesture, write, type, draw, and even play.
You also use them to touch, hug, shake, or hold hands with other people. Therefore, having clean, healthy, and beautiful hands will protect your overall health and boost your confidence, self-esteem, and social skills.
So be sure to pick one of these DIY handscrub recipes and start from there.
I’ll see you in the next one!
