Get softer, smoother hands and feet this season

With the onset of winter comes a host of skin problems. One of the biggest issues we face is dry skin, cracked heels and chapped lips. While we pay plenty of attention to our face and invest in a lot of expensive lotions and facial oils, we often tend to neglect our feet and hands. Exposure to harsh chemicals can result in excessive drying of hands and feet. Here’s how you can take care of them without spending a bomb on pedicures and manicures…
Use gloves while doing dishes
If you do dishes regularly, make sure you use gloves to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals as, they tend to dry the skin. Chemicals from the dishwashing soaps will rob your skin of its natural oils.

Use a natural, chemical-free scrub
Scrubs are an important part of any skincare regime, as they remove dead skin, resulting in smooth and soft skin. You can use a scrub on your feet and hands, but do not rub it too hard onto your skin.

Say goodbye to cracked heels
Cracked heels are often a sign of neglected feet. To avoid getting them, use a pumice stone or a foot scrub to remove dead skin. Follow this up with a cream for cracked heels. For best results, wear socks after you apply the cream and repeat the process till your heels become smooth. If possible, wear closed footwear. Also, using a foot file on a daily basis as part of your bath regime will result in smoother feet.

Replicate the pedicure/ manicure process at home with simpler ingredients
If you don’t wish to spend on a pedicure or a manicure, you can try and follow the same steps at home, with simpler ingredients for a similar effect. Pedicures/manicures have similar steps — scrub, use a pack, and follow it with a moisturising cream. You can also use a scrub, and finish off with a soothing pack. Another tip is to use your face pack and wrap your feet/hand in cling film for a few minutes, before washing it off. Follow this with a moisturising hand/foot cream.