My History With Dry Skin
Back in middle school (2007), I was diagnosed with psoriasis on the palms of my hands and soles of my feet. Although I never believed that's what it was, I was treated for it regularly by my dermatologist. After a couple years of treatments, my skin was no better than it was prior to any treatments. My skin would literally just peel off, it was extremely dry for multiple layers, and my skin was really red from it.
If you can imagine, I was extremely self-consious of it, especially being in my middle school phase at the time as well. I would constantly keep lotion on my hands and feet and nothing ever lasted long enough to hydrate my skin. Because of all of the lotion, my hands always felt sweaty and sticky. I eventually stopped going to the doctor because it wasn't helping and just kept wasting my time.
In addition to using lotion constantly, I also tried the "Ped Egg" that was popular during that time. While it did help to remove excess layers of dry skin from the soles of my feet, it didn't treat the problem or make it any better over time. My heels would get so bad that they would crack open and bleed.
Becoming An Adult
Fast forward to becoming an adult and my skin didn't peel as much, but it was still dry and my feet weren't any better. I was embarrassed to get pedicures if I didn't "prep" my feet to the best of my ability before hand. I always found though that the rasp they would use while I was there would help to soften my feet tremendously. In an effort to keep them softer longer, I found one that at the store that I loved! The blades stay sharp, the skin stays in the back so it's not making a mess wherever you use it, and it's easy to use. Using this rasp has been become a part of my once a month shower.
Sensitive Skin In My Kids
I have never thought about myself as having sensitive skin on my body (other than my face) until after having my children. I'm now realizing that I do, in fact, have sensitive skin that gets irritated by MANY products. My daughter has also been blessed with this and we have had to find things that help her skin.
Dealing with diaper rash was horrible with her. Any product we purchased from the store would end up causing the rash to get worse and end up causing blisters on her private areas. In an effort to help us both with our skin, I decided to try my hand at making some homemade lotion. Let me tell you, THIS HAS BEEN A GAME CHANGER!!!
Making My Homemade Lotion
After tons of research on the best products that are great for sensitive skin, I found Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Essential Oils was the perfect combination! I have found that using this every night on my hands and feet has helped them to stay hydrated, not be sweaty, and has drastically reduced the redness.
In regards to our daughter, I started putting this lotion on her diaper rash and within a day or two, her rash would be completely cleared up and the blisters also went away! Thinking this might have just been a fluke, I sent some over to my sister. Her son is just a year older than our daughter and he was also prone to diaper rashes. She found the same results with him! It would clear up his diaper rash but also made her skin super soft.
What's great about this homemade lotion is that it's made with natural ingredients that can be used on any part of the body! In addition to my hands and feet, I also use it on my stretch marks from having my kiddos. I use it on all of my skin to help me always feel smooth and firm my skin! The essential oils are added sparingly so the fragrance is NOT overbearing but subtle and light.
Want To Try This For Yourself?
If you want to try this for yourself, you can order it here! A little bit goes a long way so you don't need a ton, it's also velvety soft when it's applied and rubbed in!
Keep an eye out for another blog in coming months on how you can make this on your own as well!