Milk can heal dry, chapped hands from inside out!

Your hands can get dry due to dry weather, excess exposure to water and even washing your hands with hot water. Yes, you can use your lotions and moisturisers to heal dry, cracked hands, but something as natural as milk can provide you with some relief. The lactic acid in milk can help moisturise the skin while scrapping off the dry, dead skin [1]. Here’s what you should do to heal the dryness and restore moisture.

Step 1: Pour two cups of milk in a microwave-safe bowl and heat the milk for 40 to 45 seconds until warm. You can also heat the milk on a stove until warm. Make sure that you use whole milk rather than skimmed milk or toned milk as full-fat milk can provide more moisture.

Step 2: Then place both your hands in the bowl such that your dry and cracked surfaces are completely submerged. Keep your hands soaked in the milk for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3: Then slowly rinse your hands in cool water and pat them dry with a soft towel before you apply a moisturiser. Do this about once a week.

You can also add three tablespoons honey and your choice of essential oils for added moisture. Honey is a soothing beauty ingredient rich in natural antioxidants. It helps in keeping the skin well-hydrated and protects it from harmful UV rays. Here are 5 home remedies for sensitive skin. 

Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day is an excellent way to ensure that your hands are dry less often. Since dehydration could be one of the plausible causes of dry skin; drink a glass of water on waking up and another before sleeping apart from increasing your water intake during the day. Also, consume a diet full of vitamins that come from fresh vegetables and fruits as well nuts and seeds, to keep yourself hydrated. Here are 7 foods you must eat to heal insanely dry skin. 

Reference:

[1] Shenefelt PD. Herbal Treatment for Dermatologic Disorders. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 18. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92761/