Winter is upon us and my hands look like I have been dead for a very long time. My hands are dry and my skin at times looks like prune skin.

I have been using Avon's Planet Spa African Shea Butter. The ninth ingredient is Behenyl Alcohol. I know that alcohol works as a moisture reducer, but being the ninth ingredient, I don't think that it is a factor.

What moisturizing cream do you use and highly advocate?

__________________
Imagine all the people living life in peace,...John Lennon

I was thinking the other day that oil baths might help. I use St. Ives hand lotion many times during the day and Physicians Formula moisturizer morning and night on my face. I think your weather is more harsh than it is here in the northwest. I also think that car heaters and indoor heat in the winter help dry the skin. I also think wearing gloves at all time outside helps.

__________________
InterfaithForums.com-Where your ideas and beliefs count.

I experience the same problem living on a farm working outside in the weather. I have tried different products and have had the best results with the Dead Sea Salt Scrub and Mary Kay's Satin Hands. I think the sea salt works better, but in a hurry or pinch I use the satin hands. Snowman1

I think it would help to run a humidifier in the house during the winter months.

__________________
InterfaithForums.com-Where your ideas and beliefs count.

I use sath and bodys sugar scrub, which is basically an exfoliator but i just dip my fingers into the oil and make sure i hit my elbows knees, heels andhands with it towards the end of a shower. Also it helps to ease up on the heat in the shower because even though the hot steamy air feels fabulous and opens up all your pores, if you live in a drafty old house like mine it sucks the life right out of your skin. Instead of buying expensive "body oils" I also use olive oil, still an oil but just cheaper and you know its safe... even butter works in a pinch.
Other than that, Im pretty good at making sure I get covered head to tow with a good body cream once a week.
At work we have a giant bottle of cocoa butter lotion, means we all smell good and have soft hands as handling money and clothing dries you out fast.

__________________
- Wisdom comes when you stop looking for it. -
"If God were alive today, he'd be an atheist" - Kurt Vonnegut

Please visit my foster dog blog: The Colbert Report.

It isn't difficult to make your own skin moisturizer. I'm including a few recipes for this, but I wanted to mention that when you buy Corn on the cob, if it still has the shucks, SAVE the corn silk. It makes a very superior moisturizer.

This recipe gives you a basic cold cream/moisturizer, which you can add to as you like with scented oils, as well as corn silk or the like.

1 egg yolk, beaten
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Combine egg yolk and lemon juice and stir with a wire whisk, gradually adding oils until mixture thickens.
If it's too thick, add more lemon juice.
----------
Herbal Hand Cream

3 tbsp mashed almonds
2 tbsp comfrey root (dried)
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 egg
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp glycerin

Mix almond meal, comfrey root and parsley in a small bowl and set aside.
In another bowl, mix egg, honey and glycerin. Stir in 3 tbsp of the almond mixture.
Rub the mixture gently into your hands, letting it penetrate for 20-30 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
Refrigerate mixture between uses.
------------------
Facial Cream

1 egg
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 tbsp honey
Beat the egg in a small bowl.

Add the coconut oil and honey slowly, beating until it's the consistency of mayonnaise.
Spoon mixture into a toilet paper roll, sitting upright in a small bowl.
Set in the freezer overnight.
To use, peel away the top of the cardboard roll and smooth the frozen stick over your face.
Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
Keep the stick covered with plastic wrap and freeze between uses.
---------------
Herbal Facial Mask

1 tbsp honey
1 egg
1 tsp crumbled dried chamomile flowers
1 tsp finely chopped fresh mint

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
Apply the mixture to your face and neck.
Let dry (10-15 minutes) and rinse off with warm water.
--------------
Lemon Moisturizer

1 beaten egg yolk
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp lemon juice

Combine egg yolk and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Stir with a wire whisk while adding both oils until the mixture thickens.
If it's too thick, add more lemon juice.

-------------=
Strawberry Skin Moisturizer

1 tbsp each: olive, coconut and vegetable oils
2 tbsp mashed strawberries (Optional)
1-2 drops Vitamin E oil

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
Store in the refrigerator in a covered jar between uses.

Thanks for the great ideas my friends. Rev Rex, I particularly want to try the frozen facial cream. I bet it would be just wonderful in the summer months too! Cool moisture on a hot summer day....OH YEAH !

__________________
Imagine all the people living life in peace,...John Lennon