Our hands are constantly in motion; we are always doing something. Hands are the mirror of our age, so caring for them is important, both from the point of view of health but also aesthetic – especially for women. Essential oils can help you keep your hands looking their best. For those who work with chemically active substances, or even only with water, hand care is very important. This article provides different recipes using essential oils for the care of hands, nails and cuticles.
A. Gel hand wash
Composition:
– 300 ml of boiled water
– 120 ml of witch hazel extract
– 120 ml of glycerin soap
– 2-3 tablespoons of pectin
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 g borax (optional)
– 10 drops of essential oil (lavender or myrrh oil for chapped and damaged skin)
– 10 drops chamomile essential oil
Preparation:
Heat the water with the addition of the witch hazel. Gradually add the borax and stir. Add the soap to the mixture and let it melt. Heat about 2-3 cups of water separately and slowly add the pectin. Stir until it is completely dissolved. Add the dissolved pectin to the soap mixture, stir and cool. When the composition reaches body temperature add the honey and essential oil and mix thoroughly. For convenience, pour the mixture into a bottle with a pump for dispensing. In a few hours the mixture will be ready to use. If the gel is too thick, add water.
B. Aromatic liquid hand soap
Composition:
– 120 ml of Castile liquid soap for the base (fragrance free for children or babies)
– 40 drops of essential oil of your choice: orange, bergamot, lavender, lemon, juniper, niaouli, rosemary, pine, tea tree, clary sage or eucalyptus
Preparation:
Mix components and place in a bottle with a pump for dispensing the mixture.
C. Salt compositions for hand washing or hand bath
Compositions:
6 tablespoons of sea salt
1. stimulant for tired and hurting hands
– 10 drops of peppermint oil
– 10 drops of rosemary oil
– 5 drops of lemon grass oil
2. disinfectant, antifungal, muscle relaxing
– 10 drops of tea tree oil
– 10 drops of lavender oil
– 5 drops of Melissa oil
3. relaxing and soothing for tired and strained hands with irritated and inflamed skin
– 10 drops sandalwood oil
– 5 drops patchouli oil
– 5 drops nutmeg oil
– 5 drops of chamomile oil
Preparation:
Place salt in a jar suitable for storage. Add the essential oil, stir to mix, close the jar and shake until mixed thoroughly.
Storage:
The bottle should be of dark glass or opaque. Do not store near sources of heat or in the sun.
Application:
For soaking add 1-2 teaspoons of composition in soapy water for one hand bath.
Recommendations:
Salt can dry the skin and it is recommended that you use a moisturizer after each bath.
D. Hand bath only with essential oils
For the basin:
1. Caring for aging skin
– 2 drops each of chamomile, benzoin and sandalwood oils.
2. To soften the skin
– 5-7 drops of jasmine oil
3. To improve blood circulation (Good to use in winter)
– 3 drops of black pepper and ginger oils
– 2 drops of geranium oil
4. arthritis
– 2 drops each of marjoram and lavender oils
– 1 drop each of juniper and incense oils
Preparation:
Use a relatively hot soapy water for cleaning your nails before a manicure, or water without soap. For a hand bath add 5-8 drops of essential oil or a blend.
Recommendations:
Keep your hands in the bath for 10-15 minutes. Use every day for 3-4 weeks. Support the regime and continue to use once or twice a week.
E. Oils for hand care
(1 session of care)
1. Mediterranean recipe (to soften and moisturize the skin)
– 1-2 teaspoons cold pressed olive oil
– 1 drop of lavender oil
2. Islands of the South Seas recipe (for softening and cooling the skin)
– 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil (it will melt on hand, cooling)
– 1 drop of rosemary oil
Preparation:
Mix components.
Storage:
Recommended using a bottle made of dark glass. Do not store near sources of heat and in the sun.
Application:
Massage the hands with the prepared composition.
F. Butter cream for hands
Composition:
– 4 tablespoons of lanolin
– 6 tablespoons of olive oil or jojoba oil
– 10 drops chamomile oil
Preparation:
Melt the lanolin in a water bath and stir thoroughly to mix. Remove from heat, add selected oil, stir and cool. When the composition is almost cooled, add essential oil and stir the composition to mix. Pour into storage container.