Rescue remedies for winter hands and feet

ivillage.co.uk/uk_en/a_ukpix/100x100/feet_2_100.jpg
" hspace="2" vspace="2" width="100" height="100" border="0" alt="protect hands and feet" align="right">
Try these simple remedies for cracked, chapped and sore winter hands and feet. Say bye-bye to dry hands

To soothe dry hands, make a honey paste to use overnight. Stir together one tablespoon each of ground almonds, ground oatmeal (use a spice mill or coffee grinder), zinc oxide paste and honey, plus one egg yolk. Rub the mixture over your hands, and recruit someone to help you into a pair of cotton gloves. Leave the gloves on overnight. In the morning, rinse your hands with cool water - and feel the softness.

Home-made hand cream
It is always important to keep your hands moisturised. For a natural hand moisturiser, combine wheatgerm oil with a favourite essential oil. Keep an energising blend handy during the day and a calming blend nearby at bedtime.

Chapped hands
Moisten dry, chapped hands with a sandalwood, chamomile or rose essential oil that has been mixed with a hydrating base oil such as hazelnut, avocado or evening primrose.

Best foot forward
Cracked heels are uncomfortable, not very pretty and during the summer months they seriously cramp your sandal-wearing style. During the winter you can hide them, but cold weather and indoor heat sap away essential moisture. Your best bet is to exfoliate daily while you're in the shower - pumice stones or foot files (they're like nail files, only bigger) are great for softening calluses. Then carefully pat them dry and immediately apply a rich moisturising cream. Before bed, slather on a lot and slip on a pair of socks for intense healing while you sleep.

Turn tough skin soft
Use a rich emollient cream (aloe vera is especially softening) on your feet every night, massaging the cream in well. Try a foot massage cream with a touch of mint or a hint of menthol for a soothing, fresh feeling. You would also do well to start the day with a dab of the same cream.