HANDS DOWN this is the BEST WAY TO CARE for YOUR HANDS!

The skin is the body's first line of defense. It keeps out many would be attackers, just as it protects delicate organs. Breaks in the skin, the largest body system, put the entire body and all of its systems at risk. A simple cut in the skin can result in body wide infection, potentially leading to death. Therefore the proper care and the maintenance of its health is of great importance, yet we often forget to provide that care in a meaningful way or on a regular basis. Now that you've faced your face care needs and managed the five steps that will help you maintain your lovely face, it's time to move on to your hands. The hands are often the first skin part to express the signs of everyday wear and tear. They take a beating daily as they are exposed to heat, cold, sun, wind, harsh detergents, soaps, and water, so it should not come as a surprise that they tend to exhibit signs of aging faster than any other skin on the body. *CARE TIPS* First and foremost, it is very important to replenish the skin's surface with moisture and nutrients, from both the inside and the outside. Dehydration depletes the skin's elasticity and compromises its integrity, not to mention the effects on other bodily systems. It is important to drink plenty of water (limit caffeine intake, as it is a diuretic) and use a moisturizing lotion, oil or cream daily, at minimum. When your skin is chapped, irritated, or suffering from over-exposure it may be necessary to apply a moisturizing treatment multiple times in a day. Beside frequently moisturizing, be sure to cover exposed skin, including the hands, with an adequate sun screen when venturing outs of doors. UV rays damage and burn skin, not to mention the fact that they are a leading cause of premature aging and skin cancer. A sunscreen with a spf of 20 or more is a simple, yet effective way to protect your skin and your life! Use protective gear as much as possible. In other words, use gloves in the cold, gloves when using cleaning solvents, gloves when submersing your hands in water, and gloves when peeling citrus fruits. To avoid the potential rash, use gloves with natural fiber lining rather than those with synthetic liners. Because we use our hands so much during the course of the day, night time is the best time for hand treatments. Applying a moisturizing lotion or cream on your hands, then immediately covering them with gloves, either before going into the cold, or before cotton gloves for best results. You may also apply a rich moisturizer to your hands, then cover with plastic wrap for 30 min. for a deep treatment. Make sure to clean your rings frequently. Using a solution of white vinegar with distilled water will not only work well , but will keep you from exposing your skin to harsh chemicals. Use a hand mask one time a week. Massage hands once a day. Use your fingers, a commercial massager or an avocado pit. Make sure you exfoliate, cleanse and moisturize.

*Recipes for you to make at home*________________________________

*HAND EXFOLIATOR*

1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh is best) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 Tbs. apricot kernal oil Combine all of the ingredients and immediately rub the mixture on the hands. Be sure not to press too hard. Instead, rub in a gentle, circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. The apricot kernal oil serves as a natural lubricant, moisturizer and skin rejuvenator, while the sugar is abrasive and cleanses the skin as it stimulates.

*CUCUMBER WASH*

This mild wash works well for irritated skin, as cucumber juice is a mild astringent and relieves puffiness and helps to heal abrasions. 1 small cucumber, peeled 1 Tbs. witch hazel After you peel the cucumber, put in the blender and blend until it is liquefied. Add the witch hazel to the the cucumber juice, then wash your hands in the liquid and pat dry, the moisturize.

*LAVENDER HAND WASH* also can be used as a foot wash

Works great to relieve reddened and inflammed hands and feet. 1/2 cup dried lavender flower buds 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh sage 2 cups water 8 drops lavender essential oil Place the lavender and sage in a saucepan and cover with the water. Simmer, covered, on a low heat for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and strain the mixture through a cheesecloth . Save the liquid and throw out the solids. Allow the liquid to cool. After the mixture is cool, add teh lavender essential oil., then put on the hands and feet with a wash cloth. Repeat as neccessary.

*AVOCODO HAND RUB*

This recipe will deep cleanse, exfoliiate, and moisturize the hands. 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted (remember to keep the pit for a massage tool) 3/4 cup oatmeal (old fashioned kind not instant) 1/4 cup almond oil 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup water (or less) Place the avocado, oatmeal, almond , and olive oil in the blender, blending until smooth. Put the blender on low and, while it's still running, remove the lid and add the water slowly, until the mixture becomes a thick pudding consistancy. You may not need all of the water. Once you have the thick pudding consistancy, rub over, and massage into your hands in circular motions. Rinse off with tepid water and pat dry. Using this formula twice a week will help to maintain optimal results.

*HEALING HAND TREATMENT*

This recipe works well for irritated hands, especially those with paper cuts or ones that are itchy. 1 cup fresh chickweed, crushed 1 cup grapeseed oil 30 drops lavender essential oil

Place the crushed chikweed in a glass jar and cover with the grapeseed oil. Store this in a dark place for three weeks, occasionally rolling jar around in your hands, then returning to the dark place (see May post on how to make your own essential oils). After the three weeks, strain oil and throw out the chickweed pieces. Add the lavender essential oil and stir. Then apply to affected areas with a cotton ball as needed.

*HAND MOISTURIZER*

This is especially good for dry, sensitive, inflamed, and prematurely aged skin. 6 dried apricots 2 cups distilled water 1 ounce grated beeswax 1 cup apricot kernal oil 1/2 cup coconut oil 1/2 cup aloe vera gel 6 vitamin E capsules Put the dried apricots in a saucepan and cover with the water.Bring to a boil over a medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool. In a heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt the beeswax and coconut oil. Add the apricot oil. Make sure to stir constantly, cooking for 10 minutes.When finished, set aside. Take the now cooled apricot water and pour it into the blender and blend until smooth. Then strain through a piece of cheesecloth, throwing away the solids and putting the liquid back into the blender. Take the vitamin E capsuls and break them open. Add this liquid and the aloe vera to the liquid in the blender. Blend at low speed. While the blender is still running, slowly drizzle the beeswax misture previously set aside, into the blender, continuing to blend until the mixture is the consistancy of frosting. You may not need all of the beeswax mixture. When the mixture is the correct consistancy, pour it into a jar (you may need more than one, depending upon size) and store in a cool spot. The mixture will thicken as it cools. Apply it to your hands each and every time after you wash them.