Last time we talked about steps you can take to keep your hands looking beautiful. Today we’re going to have some fun with five luxurious DIY hand masks for seniors’ hands.
Why hand masks?
Hand masks do for your hands exactly what face masks do for your face: A more intensive treatment for specific skincare issues. But when it comes to masks, it’s not only about the treatment. It’s about the experience. There’s something pampering and relaxing about masks that’s a whole benefit all on its own.
That’s where spas make their money – on the experience. But you don’t have to shell out your hard-earned money at a spa if you don’t want to. With some basic ingredients, you can create the same experience right at home.
So light a fragrant candle, put on some relaxing music, and let’s get started with these hand masks for seniors.
1. Peel-off hand mask
There’s something very satisfying about peel-off masks. This one has just two ingredients: gelatin and milk. Yes, vegan gelatin is fine. You can use this mask 2-3 times a week.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon gelatin
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Put the gelatin into a small pot. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk in 20-30 second intervals (depends on the strength of your microwave) until it’s warm but not very hot.
Pour the milk over the gelatin and stir until the gelatin dissolves.
Now take a spatula or a mask brush (if you have one). Gently apply the mask to your hand, leaving the fingertips free so you can apply it to your other hand. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes or until it’s dried.
Peel off the mask. Rinse off any excess (no need for soap) and pat your hands dry. Finish off with your favorite hand cream.
2. Long-wear oatmeal mask
The skincare benefits of oatmeal and honey are well-known. In this hand mask they combine with milk and you leave it on your hands for quite a while. It’s great for relaxing before you go to sleep or for an early-morning me-time session.
If you do it early in the morning, put a cucumber in the fridge the night before. Before you make the hand mask, slice the cucumber. Apply the mask to your hands, then lay the cucumber slices on top of your eyes. Then smile and feel like a million dollars.
You can use this mask every other day.
Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons oatmeal
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon milk
Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until a soft paste forms. Coat your hands with the mixture. Put on a pair of gloves (rubber dishwashing gloves work great) and leave the mask on for 30-60 minutes.
Rinse with warm water. Pat dry and apply hand cream.
3. Cucumber slice rub.
If you like hand massages, do this one with a friend or an older granddaughter. If possible, use organic honey for best results.
Ingredients:
- Cucumber slices
- Honey
Cut the cucumber into slices and dip each slice in honey. Pick up a slice and gently massage your hand with it, switching slices when they fall apart. Repeat for at least 5 minutes. When you’re done, rinse your hands to get rid of any stickiness. Then pat them dry and apply hand cream.
4. Anti-redness hand mask
Did you know that potatoes are great for your skin? Well, they are, especially for irritation and redness. If the scent of olive oil bothers you, substitute with an equal amount of milk.
This mask is safe for everyday use.
Ingredients:
- 1 small potato
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or almond oil
Boil the potato until it’s soft. Set aside to cool, then mix well with the oil. Apply the mask to your hands and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse it off and pat dry – and moisturize, of course.
5. Ultimate hand mask and soak for seniors’ hands
This 2-step treatment is super-easy, super-relaxing – and effective to boot. You really will find yourself wondering why people pay for this.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- Milk (for the soak)
Mix the lemon juice, honey and baking soda in a small bowl. Then, with gentle, circular motions, rub the mixture onto your hands until they’re coated. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes (less if your hands are sensitive).
Rinse your hands.
Fill a large bowl with enough milk to cover both your hands. Submerge your hands in the milk for 15-20 minutes. Pat your hands dry and moisturize.
Finally, while all of these hand masks target skincare issues that come up as we age, don’t think these hand masks for seniors are only for the over 60’s. Have a “girls’ night” with your granddaughters or great-nieces and see if they don’t love the experience as much as you do.
Enjoy!