All that hand-washing to ward off cold-causing germs can leave skin dry and cracked. Before bed, slather hands with a few drops of both coconut and lavender oils, then put on a pair of cotton gloves. Coconut oil's lauric acid repairs and moisturizes, while compounds in lavender oil calm skin and encourage the growth of new skin cells.
Four Winter Skin Fixes, From Dry Hands to an Itchy Scalp
Winter can be tough on our bodies. Chronic cold, dry weather can cause itchy, cracked, red skin, brittle nails, and dry, flaky hair. A few simple treatments you can do at home will help fix all of those problems and have you looking and feeling like a spring chicken.
Dry, Cracked Hands
Hangnails
Dry, ragged cuticles not only snag and bleed, they leave nails unprotected. Try soaking nails in a mixture of 1 tablespoon jojoba oil and 1 tablespoon almond oil for five minutes. Jojoba's wax esters mimic the natural oil skin produces to replenish lost moisture, and vitamin E-packed almond oil repairs the skin's barrier.
Rough Spots
Petroleum jelly is perfect for treating the thick, dehydrated layers of skin commonly found on elbows, knees, and heels. It creates a heavy film that traps moisture in the upper layers of skin, which softens tough, built-up layers and helps repair any painful cracks that come with them.
Dry, Itchy Scalp
Apply 1/4 cup olive oil onto a damp scalp and cover with a shower cap. Let sit 15 minutes, then rinse with shampoo. The oil's vitamin E locks moisture onto the scalp so it's hydrated and healthy, which promotes the growth of stronger hair that's less prone to breakage.
Got a handy tip of your own?
Reply and let us know, we love hearing your tips.
This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive — 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →