Summer is just around the corner and the last thing you want to do is head to the pool and show off your callused, dry feet. Frankly, it’s gross. But luckily, there are easy ways to make your hands and feet smooth and summer-ready.
Moisturizing is one the best things you can do for your skin with all the UV rays, pollution, and other harmful chemicals it’s exposed to on a daily basis. Plus, it’s known to reduce the look of wrinkles.
Web MD interviewed a number of experts on ways to reduce the look of wrinkles and spoke with Robin Ashinoff, MD, a dermatologist at the Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey who said:
“Women, especially, are so concerned with anti-aging products they often overlook the power of a simple moisturizer. Skin that is moist simply looks better, so lines and creases are far less noticeable,” says Ashinoff.
In addition to the ‘power of a simple moisturizer,’ the Mayo Clinic states that,
“Moisturizers can protect sensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture, and mask imperfections.”
You get the point. Moisturizing your skin is not only important for health reasons, but for your self-confidence as well. I used to be very lazy about using lotion but after noticing that my hands were much drier than usual (yes, in May), and I took to a method my mother taught me years ago.
Growing up, my mother was always a ‘home remedy’ kind of lady – most all Eastern European parents are. She had an answer for everything, which I can now appreciate in some regards.
Nonetheless, her beauty tricks had a pretty high success rate and one of my favorites was her method for dry hands and feet.
The lotion she swore by was AHAVA, which makes an intensive hand cream that is exactly what it says it is: intense. But you could use any thick lotion, such as cocoa butter, and it works while you sleep so breathe.
Supplies you need:
• Cheap pair of gloves (for dry hands)
• Pair of socks, preferably longer vs. ankle socks (for dry feet)
• Lotion (the thicker, the better) such as cocoa butter or intensive hand/foot cream
Before bed, simply take a generous amount of lotion and apply to dry hands or feet. Then, put on your gloves/socks over the area and remove when you wake up.
Yep. That’s it. This may seem too easy, but I promise after 2 or 3 nights of intense moisture, you will see a major difference. And like I said before, you don’t need to get to the point, like me, where you wait to do this when they’re already dried out. By moisturizing your skin, you’ll improve its texture and skin tone and is sure to boost your confidence knowing you’re showing off smooth hands and feet.
Another beauty trick? According to The American Academy of Dermatology, sleeping on your back avoids ‘sleep lines’ that may not go away after you wake up. Everyone wants radiant skin, so take that little extra step and make your skin glow overnight. I promise, it’s worth it. What are your favorite moisturizers?
Maya Szydlowski is the founder of The Chic Bean, where she blogs about all things fashion, beauty, coffee and everything in between. Tweet her @maya_szydlowski or connect on Google+.
Great advice! I apply moisturizing lotion to my hands and feet every night (almost), but as to the sleeping on my back part…well, I always find myself waking up on my sides, so I guess my body naturally shifts to its preferred position, which I can’t really help 🙁
Great post, very informative 🙂 Don’t we all want perfect radiant skin!
Thanks for the sweet comment – it’s something most of us forget but is as important as applying makeup in the morning!
If you want it to be even more effective, put on a pair of plastic gloves (like you would wear when dying your hair) under the other gloves. Or wrap your heels with plastic wrap, yes from your kitchen, before putting on the socks.
Carol’s Daughter Love Butter is a great choice too.
Linda and all the other people who find themselves waking up on their sides: this may sound silly, but which side is it usually? Try falling asleep on the OTHER side. You see, waking up on your side while you fall asleep on your back usually means you move (a lot) during sleep and it kinda becomes a pattern. By falling asleep on your other side, your body has to roll over twice and you usually wake up on your back. I have no idea why this works but it has worked for me. For some reason my body’s too lazy to roll over twice hahaha.
BTW: great skincare tips Maya!
Love this! It’s funny how it’s always the simple things that lead to the most results.
Thank you, Ely!
Great advice! Will definitely follow it. Thanks for sharing!
I still think that sleep is the best remedy for good skin. A moisturizer also helps and sunscreen in the morning, even if you stay indoors.