How to Pamper Dry Skin on Hands and Feet

Keeping the skin of your hands and feet soft and supple can be a chore. Try this simple technique once a week just before bedtime, and keep your skin in great shape.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Buttermilk
• Vitamin E oil
• Petroleum jelly
• Clear plastic gloves (not latex) or plastic wrap

1. Place 2 cups of buttermilk in medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat just until warm to the touch.
2. Soak hands or feet for 15 minutes.
3. Without rinsing, massage a small amount of vitamin E oil (approximately 6 to 8 drops) into your skin.
4. Top with a good coat of petroleum jelly, including between toes or fingers.
5. Wrap hands or feet lightly in plastic wrap.
6. Cover with white cotton gloves or socks.
7. Remove gloves or socks, along with plastic wrap, in the morning. Wash with mild soap and water.
8. Soft skin is not just for your benefit. In between treatments:
   • Use dry skin moisturizer specifically made for hands or feet.
   • Avoid scratching your skin, as this causes damage.
   • Use a humidifier in your home to help circulate moist air.
   • Cover up when going out into the cold for more than 20 minutes.
   • For overall skin health, eat a proper and nutritious diet; don’t smoke, but do wear sunscreen.

Tips & Warnings

• Exercise caution when walking or handling objects. The petroleum jelly makes hands and feet slippery.
• Do this treatment just before bedtime, as the combination of petroleum jelly and plastic wrap makes the bottom of your feet slick. Be sure to wash feet with mild soap and water before getting into the shower.
• If your skin becomes seriously dry, see a dermatologist, as this condition can lead to dermatitis. Inflammation of the skin is usually treated with a topical corticosteroid (cortisone), a topical calcineurin inhibitor, or an immunomodulator prescribed by a doctor.