DIY hand scrubs

With its cold temperatures and harsh conditions, winter can play havoc on our skin making it dry and chapped. This is often especially the case when it comes to the delicate skin on our hands which can take a battering in the winter months.

One way to help keep skin smooth is by treating yourself to a hand scrub. There are many hand scrubs available to buy in shops, but why not make your own? Here are three easy recipes for effective hand scrubs:

1) Lemon and ginger hand scrub

The ginger in this hand scrub will give your skin a radiant glow, while the acid in the lemon will gently exfoliate the skin. The epsom salts will remove dead cells and revive your skin. Once you’ve made the scrub, massage it into your hands using small circular movements and then rinse with warm water.

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup epsom salts
• 1 inch peeled and finely grated ginger.

 Method: Combine in a bowl and store in a cool, dark place.

 2) Coconut and coffee hand scrub

The coffee here will gently exfoliate and revive the skin, while the coconut oil will moisturise and soften. Perfect if the skin on your hands has become hard, you can use this scrub on the rest of your body too.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coffee grounds (allow to cool and dry before use)
• 1/2 cup softened coconut oil.

Method: Combine coffee grounds with the coconut oil and allow to firm up. Store in a cool place or in the fridge.

3) Lavender and honey scrub

As well as being an antiseptic and anti-fungal, lavender is also incredibly relaxing, making this scrub feel like a real treat. Honey is known to accelerate healing, which will be especially helpful if you have cracked or damaged skin.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup finely granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4-5 tablespoons coconut oil
• 10 drops lavender oil.

Method: Stir all ingredients together and store in a cool, dark place.

If your hands need a professional touch, you can use Beauty Resource to find a manicurist in your local area.