Beauty Treatment: The World's Best Hand Treatment

As an Aesthetician, I've done more than a few manicures and pedicures. I've also tried various products to soak or rub on dry skin (herbal fusions, salt glows, mud, peppermint masks). All of these treatments either for the hands or feet are quite nice, but if you suffer from dry chapped hands, (men or women) or cracked skin then this is the best treatment you can give your hands:

Brown Sugar Manicure:

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp Olive Oil (you can substitute the oil with Grapeseed, Almond Oil, etc - or leave it out entirely)

This treatment is a little messy so it should be done over a plate, a flat-shaped bowl or if you're like me, I stand over the kitchen sink.

Directions:

• Add the oil to the brown sugar and then massage it into your hands for 3 to 5 minutes.


• When done, rinse your hands in warm water and pat dry.


• Finish by massaging 1 tsp of your favourite hand cream.

To make this a spa treatment, I follow it up with a warm paraffin dip (I believe Sears sells a little electric paraffin warmer).

Your hands will feel incredibly soft. Seriously, try it and then let me know what you think.

Why does this work? The sugar acts as an exfolliant that gradually rubs off the dry flaky skin cells from the surface of your hands, but unlike sand, the sugar melts as you rub it in which is why it won't irritate your skin. It's that dry flaky skin on the surface that prevents the hand creams from penetrating to moisturize your skin.

Enjoy!