Healing hand salve
During lockdown, I found myself experimenting with a solution to help my youngest daughter. Her hands were dry and cracked from the harsh sanitiser used at her school. Little did I know, the homemade salve I created back then would become a staple in our household—a remedy for dry, cracked hands that even I can’t live without it.
It all started with the constant need for hand sanitiser, which wreaked havoc on my daughter's sensitive skin. Her hands were sore and red, and I wanted to find a natural solution that I could feel good about using. After some research and trial and error, I began making a soothing salve that has since saved not only her skin but mine as well!
What makes this salve so effective is the simplicity and purity of the ingredients. I use wax reclaimed from our own beehives, which brings a deep sense of satisfaction and sustainability to the process. The calendula flowers that I grow in our garden are known for their skin-healing properties, and I infuse the oil with them to add an extra layer of nourishment. The best part? There are no chemicals, no synthetic additives—just wholesome ingredients that are kind to the skin.
I’ve also carefully selected essential oils that promote skin health and healing. Each oil serves a purpose, helping the skin repair itself more effectively. The result is a salve that feels luxurious, smells divine, and works wonders on dry, irritated skin.
In the winter, my hands used to crack and bleed from the cold, making everyday tasks painful. Now, as soon as I feel the tightness in my skin, I reach for this salve. It absorbs quickly, and within minutes, my hands are soft and hydrated again. This little jar of salve has become my go-to fix for any dry skin, from hands to elbows.
1/2 cup of Shea butter
1/4 cup of Calendula infused oil
2 Tbsp Beeswax
20 drops of each of Ceaderwood and Myrrh essential oils
10 drops each of Frankincense and Palmarosa essential oils
- Start by placing the shea butter, beeswax, and infused oil in a heatproof bowl or pan.
- Set the bowl on top of a pan with simmering water (a double boiler) and let the ingredients melt completely.
- Once melted, remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Add in the essential oils and stir well.
- Quickly pour the mixture into clean containers, leaving the lids off until the salve has solidified.
- Once it’s solid, put the lid on and store the containers in a cool place.
How to Use: To use, simply rub a little salve into your hands—or anywhere that needs some TLC—and let it soak in. Unlike some moisturisers, this salve absorbs quickly and won’t leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy. It’s perfect for those cold, dry winter days when your skin needs extra hydration and care.
One of the things I love most about this salve is knowing exactly what’s in it. There are no unpronounceable chemicals or unnecessary additives—just pure, natural ingredients that nourish the skin. It’s a small but meaningful way to care for myself and my family, using ingredients we trust from our own garden and bees.
If you’re looking for an easy and effective remedy for dry skin, give this DIY salve a try. It takes just minutes to make, but the relief it provides is lasting. Plus, there’s something so rewarding about using simple, homemade skincare products that truly work.
