How to Make a Hand Mask

When you have dry, rough hands, lotion and cream alone may not be enough to heal your skin. Using a hand mask can deliver more intense hydration and allow soothing ingredients time to really calm irritated skin. You don't need to purchase an expensive mask from the store, though. Make your own at home with ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. You can create a simple mask with just two ingredients, mix up one that helps lighten age spots and other discolorations, prepare a highly moisturizing mask with avocado, or use oats to create an exfoliating hand mask.

Method 1

Preparing a Nourishing Potato Hand Mask

1. Boil the potato. Place 1 small potato in a medium stockpot and cover with water. Place the pot on the stove on high heat to bring it to a boil. Allow the potato to boil for 5 to 10 minutes, or until you can easily pierce it with a fork. Remove the pot from the heat, and drain the potato.

After draining the potato, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes, or until you can comfortably touch it.

2. Mash the potato and add the oil. Place the cooled potato in a small bowl, and use a fork to mash it. Next, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil and mix it with the potato to form a thick paste.

You can substitute sweet almond oil for the olive oil if you prefer.

3. Apply the mask to your hands and allow it to sit. When the potato and oil are mixed, carefully cover both of your hands with the mixture. Let the mask sit for at least 15 minutes so it has time to penetrate and soothe the dry, irritated skin.

When you apply the mask, gently massage it in in a circular motion for the best results.

4. Wash the mask off with water. When it’s time to remove the mask, rinse if off with warm water. Pat your hand dry with a towel, and apply a hand cream to ensure that your hands stay soft and smooth.

Method 2

Whipping up a Brightening Lemon Hand Mask

1. Combine all of the ingredients. In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons (14 g) of honey, and 2 teaspoons (10 g) of baking soda. Stir the ingredients together until they are fully combined.

The citric acid in the lemon helps lighten dark spots and other discolorations on your hands. You can substitute lime juice if you prefer.

2. Massage the mixture over your hands and let it sit. When the ingredients are fully mixed, carefully apply the mixture to your hands, rubbing it in in a circular motion. Once your hands are both covered, allow the mask to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

Be sure that your hands are clean before you apply the mask.

3. Rinse off the mask with water. When you’re ready to wash off the mask, run your hands under warm water to remove it. Pat your hands dry, and apply a hand cream. You can repeat the process up to twice a week to help get rid of discolorations on your hands.

If you’re going out in the sun after using the hand mask, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to your hands to protect them.

Method 3

Creating a Moisturizing Avocado Hand Mask

1. Mix all of the ingredients. Add ½ avocado, 1 egg white, 2 tablespoon (11 g) of oats, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of lemon juice to a small bowl. Use a fork to completely blend the ingredients and form a thick paste.

Because the mask recipe calls for so little avocado, it’s the perfect use for any leftover fruit that you may have.

2. Cover your hands with the mask and leave it on to penetrate. Once the mask is mixed, slather it over your hands. Massage it in gently, and allow it to sit on your hands for 20 minutes so the avocado and other ingredients have a chance to hydrate and soothe the skin.

3. Wash the mask off with water. When the 20 minutes are up, use warm water to rinse off the mask. Dry your hands with a clean towel, and follow up with your favorite hand cream to lock in the moisture.

You can use the mask 1 to 2 times a week to keep hands soft and hydrated.

Method 4

Mixing Up an Irish Oat Hand Mask

1. Grind the oats in a food processor. Place 2 tablespoon (11 g) of oats in the bowl of your food processor. Process the oats until they have a powdery texture, which should take 10 to 15 seconds.

If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle.

2. Combine the oats and the honey. Once the oats are ground, mix them with 1 tablespoon (5.5 g) of honey. Stir well until the ingredients are fully combined.

Raw honey typically works best, but you can also use processed honey.

3. Mix in enough yogurt to form a thick paste. When the oats and honey are fully blended, start adding in 1 to 2 tablespoons (18 to 36 g) of yogurt. Stir in just enough yogurt to create a thick paste.

For best results, use plain yogurt for the mask.

4. Massage the mask over your hands and allow it to sit. When all of the ingredients are fully mixed, carefully apply the mask to your hands. Cover both the front and back of your hands, and let the mask sit for 10 to 20 minutes.

5. Use a wet washcloth to remove the mask. When you’re ready to rinse off the mask, wet a clean washcloth with warm water. Gently run it over your hands to take off the mask. Rinse your hands under the water, and pat dry with a clean towel.

To keep your hands soft and smooth, apply a hand cream after you rinse it off.