Beauty Treats for Hands and Feet :: Beauty :: Skin Care

Beauty Treats for Hands and Feet
by author Sonya Bass, CH

January conjures up visions of winter holidays, white ski hills and evenings curled up by the fire. But cold weather also brings beauty challenges that we seldom think about–dry skin, sore wind-chapped hands and painful feet that have suffered in hot sweaty boots.

Winter air is drying, especially when whipped to a frenzy by freezing winds. Heating in homes and offices is also a villain for dehydrating the skin. A white appearance on the surface of the skin is an alert signal of dehydration. Dry skin can become inflamed and sore, developing tiny cracks that weep and bleed if left untreated.

Prevention is the most important word in skin-care treatment. The body constantly loses fluid and it must be replaced. If a cool glass of water is not appealing when you come in from the cold, a warm cup of herbal tea would be a great second choice. Try to drink several cups a day. If you are travelling, a flask of herbal tea will travel better than a flask of coffee. Organic rose hip tea is naturally sweet yet deliciously tangy and has the added bonus of being packed with vitamin C. Squeeze an organic lemon into a cup of hot water with a dash of honey for another great winter drink.

Prevention from the inside can also come in the form of skin-care supplements. New and exciting nutrient combinations specifically formulated to nourish the dermal cells of the skin are now on the market. These supplements contain herbs and vitamins for promoting healthy cell growth for the skin. As the top layers, or epidermal layers, are shed, healthy toned cells come to the surface.

After prevention comes protection. Always wear gloves not only outdoors to protect your hands from the cold, but also indoors when cleaning to protect them from household cleaners and washing liquids. If detergents can remove the oil from a frying pan, imagine what they can do to your hands!

For foot protection choose boots and shoes made of a breathable fabric. Apart from leather, there are many waterproof and breathable fabrics on the market that will allow excess perspiration to evaporate. A buildup of moisture in footwear is a breeding ground for athlete’s foot. Socks that fit well and allow perspiration to dissipate will keep the feet most comfortable.

Finally, the fun part: pampering. A quiet winter’s evening is the perfect time to treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. Be sure to remove dead skin on heels and under the balls of the feet. Don’t forget to attend to broken or split nails. A foot scrub is a great treat and there are many natural products to chose from. Take a few minutes each evening to wash hands and feet with a mild pure soap and after towelling them dry, massage in a natural, penetrating lotion.

Lotions are generally lighter than creams and more readily absorbed. The ingredients are the most important factor when choosing a lotion or cream. Look for recently released organic lines and read the labels. It’s important to remember that every ingredient will be absorbed through the skin. Choose only products from reputable manufacturers and don’t be shy about asking questions of the salesclerks.

Here are some tips to help you understand the ingredients. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) will remove the dead cells from the surface of the skin. This can be a bonus when the dead cells have accumulated. Once removed, a fresh, glowing complexion is revealed. However, common sense should prevail when using AHAs on a skin surface exposed to the extremes of winter weather. The skin-care lotion you choose should be rich in vitamins E and C and herbs that help to hold moisture in the skin cells, including camomile, calendula, rose hips and aloe vera.

Emu oil is another ingredient to look for. It’s of similar composition to our own skin oil and is rapidly absorbed. CoQ₁₀ has recently been added to skin-care products and has been heralded as the elixir for youthful skin. Ask the store clerk for samples to try at home. The lotion or cream should leave the skin feeling smooth and soft, not oily or sticky. Keep a small tube of moisturizer handy at work and home so that you can apply it to your hands after washing and when needed.

When you are ready to head out to the winter hills or that unexpected party, not only will you look good from fingertips to toes, but you will feel great, too.

Sonya Bass is a chartered herbalist with 20 years of experience in the natural products industry. She lives in White Rock, BC.

Source: alive #231, January 2002

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