During summer or periods of heavy labor, hands and feet often suffer from dryness. Although commercial creams are available, they can be costly and contain harsh chemicals. Fortunately, you can create your own hand and foot cream at home. For optimal results, apply before bedtime.
Procedures
Making Use of Coconut Oil and Shea Butter
Prepare a Double Boiler: Fill a saucepan with 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of water and place it on the stove. Position a heat-resistant glass measuring cup in the water and heat until simmering.
Mix together coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Prepare 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of shea butter, and 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of cocoa butter.
- If you lack any of these ingredients, feel free to substitute with what you already have.
Heat the ingredients until they melt, then remove from heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting. Once melted and combined, use a potholder to take the measuring cup off the heat. Place it on a heat-resistant surface and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Blend in some aloe vera juice and a liquid oil of your preference. You'll need 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of aloe vera juice and 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of liquid oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond. Regular olive oil works fine too.
- If aloe vera juice is unavailable, aloe vera gel is a suitable alternative.
- Consume within three days. If not, replace aloe vera juice with another tablespoon (15 milliliters) of liquid oil.
Include 5 to 10 drops of essential oil if desired. Though optional, it enhances the cream's fragrance. Choose from lavender, rose, or peppermint for delightful scents.
Transfer the cream into a small jar. Opt for a jar capable of holding 6 to 8 ounces (180 to 240 milliliters).
Allow the mixture to solidify before usage. This process typically takes several hours. If you're in a hurry, you can expedite it by refrigerating the jar. Note that in hot climates, the cream may remain liquid; in such cases, refrigeration is recommended.
Utilizing Shea Butter and Beeswax
Prepare a makeshift double-boiler. Fill a saucepan with 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of water. Place a heat-resistant glass measuring cup inside and bring the water to a simmer.
Incorporate shea butter, sweet almond oil, and beeswax. You'll require 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of shea butter, 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of sweet almond oil, and 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of beeswax pellets. For a lighter consistency resembling lotion, reduce the amount of beeswax.
- You can also experiment with shea butter, cocoa butter, and/or coconut oil combinations.
- In the absence of sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or olive oil can serve as alternatives.
Melt the ingredients, then remove from heat and allow to cool. Stir continuously during melting to ensure even distribution. Once liquefied and well-blended, use a potholder to lift the measuring cup out of the water. Place it on a heat-resistant surface and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Blend in 10 drops of myrrh and 10 drops of cedarwood essential oil. These oils provide excellent skin nourishment and soothing effects. If unavailable or unsuitable, consider alternatives like frankincense, geranium, lavender, sandalwood, or rosehip seed oil.
Transfer the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to solidify. Choose a jar with a capacity of approximately 4 ounces (120 milliliters). Pour the mixture into the jar and let it solidify, which may take a few hours. Alternatively, speed up the process by refrigerating the jar.
Apply the salve to your hands and feet before bedtime. Store the lotion at room temperature, but if your environment is warm, refrigeration may be necessary to prevent liquefaction.
Creating a Whipped Cooling Cream
Prepare a double-boiler. Fill a saucepan with approximately 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of water and place a heat-resistant glass measuring cup inside. Bring the water to a simmer.
Combine shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and avocado oil. Prepare 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of shea butter, 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of cocoa butter, and 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of avocado oil.
Melt the ingredients, then remove from heat. Stir continuously for even melting. Once fully liquefied and smooth, use a potholder to remove the measuring cup from the heat and place it on a heat-resistant surface.
Allow the mixture to cool and solidify. This process may take several hours. Once solid, proceed to the next step. To expedite, refrigerate the cup.
Incorporate vitamin E oil and essential oil. You'll need 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil (approximately 12 capsules), ¼ teaspoon of tea tree essential oil, and ¼ teaspoon of peppermint essential oil. If bottled vitamin E oil is unavailable, use vitamin E oil capsules. Pierce them with a pin and squeeze out the oil from about 12 capsules.
- For additional fragrance, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract.
Whip everything together using a hand mixer. The resulting lotion should be light and fluffy, resembling buttercream frosting. If a hand mixer is unavailable, a stand mixer or a food processor with whisks can be used instead.
Transfer the cream into a glass jar and store it in a cool location. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the whipped cream into a glass jar. You can leave it fluffy or smooth it down. Keep the jar refrigerated to prevent melting.
- Opt for a glass jar with a capacity of 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 milliliters). Using a larger jar may be inconvenient.
Helpful Tips
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Avoid using large mason jars as they may be too deep for the cream, making it difficult to reach.
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Create a label for your jar using a blank sticker. Decorate the lid with an attractive sticker label.
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Enhance the lid by gluing small rhinestones around it for a more elegant touch.
Warnings
- Avoid using this mixture if you have allergies to honey, bananas, lemons, or margarine!
Essential Supplies
Utilizing Coconut Oil and Shea Butter
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of shea butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of cocoa butter
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of aloe vera juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of liquid oil of your choice
- 5 to 10 drops of optional essential oils
- Saucepan
- Glass measuring cup
- Spoon or mini whisk
- Small glass jar
Using Shea Butter and Beeswax
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of shea butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of sweet almond oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of beeswax pellets
- 10 drops of myrrh essential oil
- 10 drops of cedarwood essential oil
- Saucepan
- Glass measuring cup
- Spoon or mini whisk
- Small glass jar
Creating a Whipped Cooling Cream
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of shea butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of cocoa butter
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil (approximately 12 capsules)
- ¼ teaspoon of tea tree essential oil
- ¼ teaspoon of peppermint essential oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract (optional)
- Saucepan
- Glass measuring cup
- Spoon or mini whisk
- Hand mixer, electric mixer, or food processor
- Rubber spatula
- Small glass jar
Creating a Hand and Foot Mask
- 1 banana or any fruit
- 4 tablespoons (90 grams) of honey
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of margarine
- ½ teaspoon of aloe vera