Homemade Hand Cream for Dry Hands: The Best Cracked Hands Remedy
This homemade hand cream for dry hands is the best cracked hands remedy I’ve found when nothing else worked.
We recently moved back to the South after living nearly a decade in the Midwest. I have to say it’s late October, and we don’t care in the world about the winter ahead. And I couldn’t be happier because there’s nothing like having extremely dry, cracked hands due to the harsh cold weather.
If you struggle with dry skin, then I can imagine you’ve tried almost everything to find the best hand cream for dry hands. My husband certainly did. Every winter that I can remember in Illinois, his hands were so severely dry that they would crack and bleed, as did his fathers and other friends and family members.
Fortunately for me, my hands never got that dry, but my heels came pretty close. I know how much of a relief it was when I figured out how to make a cracked heel balm stick two winters past. This led me to develop a homemade hand cream for dry hands that worked when nothing else did.
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How do you make hand cream for dry hands?
If you want to make the best hand cream for cracked hands, you’ve got to choose your ingredients wisely!
Look for ingredients that are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and superior moisturizers. Nutrient-dense body butter and carrier oils, for example, help repair vulnerable skin with vitamins and minerals.
Finding the right combination will put an end to all your dry skin woes!
Here’s a look at the key ingredients in this hand repair cream recipe that do just that, significantly improving dry skin.
The Best Hand Cream Ingredients for Dry Skin
Shea Butter
If you’re after a superior moisturizing ingredient – shea butter is it!
Shea butter contains fat-soluble antioxidants,, such as Vitamin E, which is powerfully regenerative. In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamins A and F help to provide exceptional relief for dry skin conditions.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that 74% of patients with dermatitis (severe dry skin) reported significant relief with regular application of shea butter.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another effective ingredient for dry, cracked skin, according to a clinical trial published in the International Society of Dermatology.
It contains vitamins K and E that help repair broken skin. Coconut oil also contains high amounts of fatty acids, including lauric acid, which help reduce irritation, itchiness, and discomfort caused by dry skin.
Not to leave out coconut oil’s antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties have been shown to decrease the dry, brittle skin characteristics found in eczema-prone skin.
Vitamin E Oil
When applied to the skin, vitamin E oil helps to provide dry skin relief. You see, it boosts new cell growth by speeding up the process of cell regeneration. It also lubricates cell membranes, bringing back softness to rough, dry skin.
I’m sure you can see why these ingredients are especially great for DIY hand cream!
This recipe only requires these three ingredients, though I recommend adding anti-inflammatory essential oils such as lavender, known for its soothing abilities, as noted in the National Library of Medicine.
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How do you repair damaged hands?
For best use, scoop a small amount of this homemade hand cream into your hands. A little goes a long way, as the cream melts a bit when applied to the skin. Gently rub it into dry, cracked, or flaky areas.
For those with extremely dry, cracked hands, apply this cream before bed and put on a pair of soft gloves for overnight relief. You may also want to use it immediately after a shower to help nourish vulnerable skin.
Even though this recipe contains intense moisturizers, I find it is light and creamy when applied. And my hands always feel silky smooth after.
Homemade Hand Cream Recipe for Dry Hands:
This home remedy for dry, cracked hands was formulated with the intention of providing lasting dry skin relief with an easy-to-follow recipe.
You won’t need a double boiler or any other specific equipment or skills to make it. And the ingredients are natural and easy to find.
Most importantly, we’ve found this hand cream recipe to be more effective than any other cream or lotion. Ready to give it a go? (grab a printable recipe below)
DIY Hand Cream Ingredients & Supplies:
This recipe yields 6 to 8 ounces of hand cream.
How to Make a Homemade Hand Cream:
- In a glass mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of coconut oil, ¼ cup of shea butter, and ⅛ teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Using a hand mixer, whip ingredients together for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Next, add 6 drops each of lavender and cedarwood essential oil.
- Whip once more with the hand mixer until the hand cream has a creamy consistency.
- Then, scoop the hand cream into an airtight glass jar.
NOTE: It’s best to make it in small batches and store it in a cool, dry place.
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Homemade Hand Cream for Dry Hands
This homemade hand cream for dry hands is the best cracked hands remedy I’ve found when nothing else worked.
Materials
- ¼ cup coconut oil, virgin unrefined
- ¼ cup shea butter
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
- ⅛ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 6 drops cedarwood essential oil
Instructions
- In a glass mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of coconut oil, ¼ cup of shea butter, and ⅛ teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Using a hand mixer, whip ingredients together for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Next, add 6 drops each of lavender and cedarwood essential oil.
- Whip once more with the hand mixer until the hand cream has a creamy consistency.
- Then, scoop the hand cream into an airtight glass jar.
Notes
- It’s best to make it in small batches and store it in a cool, dry place.
Recommended Products
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Between my husband and I, we’ve tried all kinds of lotions to keep our skin moisturized. But nothing has worked better than this DIY hand cream for cracked skin.
(I’m so glad it’s easy to make because everyone keeps asking me to whip up another jar for them.)
Don’t miss my Soothing Oats + Chamomile Soap Recipe and DIY Bath Bombs for Dry Skin!
Did you make this?
To share your creation on Instagram, mention @lifenreflection or tag #lifenreflection! What did you love most? Leave a comment below!
Thank you for this recipe. It’s straightforward. I’m looking forward to giving it a try. My hands are like sand paper at the moment. Glad I found your site, too.
Awe thanks Pamela, I hope it works for as well it does my husband.
Thank you for this recipe I live in Utah my hands are dry cracked and bleeding I am glad I ran across this recipe I will be making it today.
I hope your hands are feeling better quickly!
hi. do u have a shea butter u recommend?
Yes, unrefined shea butter I use is linked in the article and ingredients.