Aloe Vera for Hands, Feet, and Nails

Posted on July 03, 2017

Written by Katherine Barrington, Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach

If the skin on your hands is dry and cracked or your feet have unsightly calluses, aloe vera can help hydrate and heal your skin. Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer which can rehydrate dry and rough skin, soothe irritation and inflammation, and speed healing. Learn more about the cosmetic benefits of aloe vera and to receive some recipes for homemade skin care products.

What Are the Cosmetic Benefits of Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant, the leaves of which contain a thick gel. Aloe vera gel has natural anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties which makes it a powerful ingredient for cosmetics and skin care products. Here is an overview of the benefits of aloe vera for hands and feet:

• It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and aging
• It soothes and moisturizes dry, cracked skin
• It heals and soothes sunburn
• It speeds healing for insect bites and wounds
• It nourishes the skin from the inside out

There are a variety of different ways to use aloe vera for cosmetic purposes, but skin creams and lotions are the most popular options. These creams can be expensive if you purchase them at a boutique salon, however, so consider making your own – you’ll receive some recipes in the next section.

Using Aloe Vera for Hands, Feet, and Nails

When it comes to the benefits of aloe vera for hands and feet, there are a few important benefits to consider. The main benefit of aloe vera for hands is that it contains natural moisturizers that help to hydrate and soothe your dry skin without leaving a greasy residue behind. Aloe vera is an excellent solution for dry skin because, not only does it moisturize, but it also stimulates healing. This gel can also be used to soften the hard skin on your feet and it may even improve the strength and quality of your nails. Here are some wonderfully simple recipes to harness the benefits of aloe vera for feet and hands:

1. Soothing Aloe Vera Moisturizer

This all-purpose moisturizer can be used for your hands, feet, or face to soothe irritation or inflammation and to rehydrate dry skin.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup jojoba oil
• 1 ounce beeswax granules
• 1 cup aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 6 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops neroli essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the jojoba oil and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, shea butter, and essential oils.
3. Once the ingredients in the double boiler are melted, pour them into a blender and allow them to cool to room temperature.
4. Add the aloe vera mixture and blend on low speed until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
5. Pour the lotion into a clean jar and store in the refrigerator.

2. Aloe Vera Hand Cream

These hand cream features cooling aloe vera and mint to soothe and moisturize dry skin.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup organic coconut oil
• ¼ cup beeswax granules
• ½ cup alow vera gel
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat.
2. Heat until the ingredients are melted then remove from heat and whisk in the aloe vera gel and essential oil.
3. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, about 3 to 4 hours.
4. Beat the mixture with a hand blender for 30 seconds until fluffy then spoon into jars.

3. Aloe Vera Foot Cream

This foot cream harnesses the moisturizing benefits of aloe vera for feet – simply massage it in and it will soften and soothe dry, tough, and cracked skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic coconut oil
• ½ cup aloe vera gel
• 18 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

1. Spoon the coconut oil into the bowl of a stand mixer.
2. Add the aloe vera gel and essential oils.
3. Stir on low speed until combined then beat on high speed for 5 minutes or until whipped.
4. Spoon the mixture into small jars then massage a small amount into your feet until fully absorbed.

4. Aloe Vera Nail Conditioner

If your nails are brittle and they tend to break easily, you can condition and strengthen them with this aloe vera nail conditioner.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 4 drops olive oil

Instructions:

1. Spoon the aloe vera gel into a small bowl.
2. Add the olive oil and stir until well blended.
3. Use a cotton ball to soak up the mixture then smooth it over your nails.
4. Allow the mixture to soak in and repeat up to three times daily.

When it comes to aloe vera for hands and feet, this amazing plant offers many benefits. In addition to soothing irritation and inflammation, aloe vera gel also has the power to moisturize and speed healing. If you’re tired of spending money on expensive boutique cosmetics and skin care products, consider purchasing some organic aloe vera gel and try making your own.

Aloe Vera for Hands, Feet, and Nails
~ Written by Katherine Barrington, Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach

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