While many of you are already watching flowers bloom and birds returning from migration, I am still fully experiencing the cold and dryness that Colorado offers, especially with this being my first winter living here. My hands are the most dry that I can remember them ever being. Regardless of how much water I drink, regularly running a humidifier, having a morning ritual of abhyanga (oil massage), or eating hydrating foods, nothing seems to help. I have tried several different hand creams, but they either contain ingredients that I do not want to use on my skin, or I am not too crazy about the way they smell. After having enough of playing "product tester," I decided to make my own hand cream.
For this hand cream, I used the things that I already had at home, and that I knew were deeply nourishing to the skin. One ingredient, shea butter, is not only moisturizing, but it also has healing properties for those who suffer from skin issues. Cocoa butter is a wonderful source of healthy fatty acids and great for naturally healing dry skin. Coconut oil is a top choice for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, it is also good for adding moisture to the skin. Olive oil is another ingredient that I added due to its ability to not only provide hydration, but also for the skin-loving antioxidants that it offers. I am a lover of rose, so I added rosewater for both the fragrance and for it's ability to further hydrate the skin. For more fragrance and nourishing benefits, I added lavender and roman chamomile essential oils. Lavender is notorious for supporting healthy skin, and has great cleansing and healing properties. Like lavender, roman chamomile is known for its gentle nature and the ability to treat skin conditions. When used together, the rosewater, lavender and roman chamomile smell light and fresh, and truly divine!
After combining all ingredients and allowing the mixture to cool and set, I whipped it up to add a nice light texture. You will need an air tight container/jar to store the hand cream, which is another way to help reduce your plastic use! One thing to keep in mind is that as it sits, some of the air that was added when whipping will be released. The mixture will harden slightly over time, but should still remain smooth and easy to use.
Nourishing Hand Cream:
For this hand cream, I used the things that I already had at home, and that I knew were deeply nourishing to the skin. One ingredient, shea butter, is not only moisturizing, but it also has healing properties for those who suffer from skin issues. Cocoa butter is a wonderful source of healthy fatty acids and great for naturally healing dry skin. Coconut oil is a top choice for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, it is also good for adding moisture to the skin. Olive oil is another ingredient that I added due to its ability to not only provide hydration, but also for the skin-loving antioxidants that it offers. I am a lover of rose, so I added rosewater for both the fragrance and for it's ability to further hydrate the skin. For more fragrance and nourishing benefits, I added lavender and roman chamomile essential oils. Lavender is notorious for supporting healthy skin, and has great cleansing and healing properties. Like lavender, roman chamomile is known for its gentle nature and the ability to treat skin conditions. When used together, the rosewater, lavender and roman chamomile smell light and fresh, and truly divine!
After combining all ingredients and allowing the mixture to cool and set, I whipped it up to add a nice light texture. You will need an air tight container/jar to store the hand cream, which is another way to help reduce your plastic use! One thing to keep in mind is that as it sits, some of the air that was added when whipping will be released. The mixture will harden slightly over time, but should still remain smooth and easy to use.
Nourishing Hand Cream:
- 1/4 cup of shea butter
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa butter, grated or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of rosewater
- 15 drops of lavender
- 10 drops of roman chamomile
- In a double boiler, add the shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter and olive oil. Stir frequently to allow the mixture to evenly melt. Note: I use a mason jar placed into a pot of simmering water, rather than a double boiler. I find this to be useful when making my own products so that the clean up is easier. Either way the results will be the same.
- Once the oils have melted remove from the heat and let cool for just a few minutes. After cooling slightly, add your rosewater, lavender oil and roman chamomile oil. Stir well so everything is well combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool. I like to place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once it is almost completly cooled, but not fully set, use a mixer (hand, stand or immersian blender with whisk attachment) and whip the mixture until light and fluffy.
- Use hand cream anytime you need a little extra love to your hands. My favorite is to rub some on before I go to bed. Be sure to apply around your cuticle and between each finger.
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