Beeswax Balm for Chapped Hands

This was designed to help moisturise and protect broken, cracked skin so that it can heal itself. I regularly go for walks through the parks near where I live, but my hands suffer in the cold weather. As a person with an array of practical hobbies, having chapped hands can be quite painful and debilitating so I concocted a soothing balm to help. It is particularly good on sore knuckles and dry cuticles.

In a world where we are constantly washing our hands or using hand sanitiser, I find my skin is now a lot drier and prone to cracking than before. I keep this next to the sink and apply it to problem areas after hand washing. The ingredients used are naturally antimicrobial so applying a layer can help to block out nasties that could slow down the healing process. (*This is not an antibacterial cleaning product and in no manner, shape or form does this replace the use of soap and antibacterial cleanser! Always adhere to government hand washing guidelines.*)

You may have seen me write before that I like to use things that I have lying around, but what may not have been clear was exactly how well stocked my house is. I make a lot of bath products and natural moisturisers, so I genuinely do just happen to have these things. All of these ingredients are quite easy to find online. Look for raw, unrefined products, since some processed ingredients will also have the goodness stripped out.

What's in it?

• Beeswax leaves a protective layer behind. I got mine in pellet form because it melts quickly and evenly.

• Coconut oil lowers the melting point of the beeswax and softens. Coconut oil melts at body temperature so this will help the balm spread.

• Shea butter is incredibly moisturising and great for skin conditions such as eczema. There is some evidence to show that it also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help to soothe irritated skin. Shea butter will add a creamier texture to the balm and also melts on contact with skin.

• Argan oil is great for healthy skin. It is moisturising and boosts the elasticity of the skin so that it is less prone to cracking. I have also made a version that used jojoba oil instead of argan oil with excellent results.

• Olive oil is fabulous every day item that has various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. This is in the recipe to make sure the balm does not set like a rock.

Beeswax

Coconut Oil

Shea Butter

All of these things have antimicrobial properties that will help to keep your skin free from nasties as it heals.

Unrefined shea butter can have quite a potent smell that is almost resinous to me. I don't mind it, but if you find it offensive then you can find unscented versions available. Otherwise, you could easily add a few dashes of non-irritant essential oil, such as sandalwood or lavender. If you have trouble sourcing shea butter, then omit it from the recipe and instead increase the amount of coconut oil to 60g.

This Beeswax Balm will set into a solid that melts on contact with body temperature. It is not something you should scoop out of the pot, but instead allow it to melt on your fingers before applying where needed. This ensures that you get a nice, thin layer and do not end up with overly greasy hands.

THINGS YOU NEED

- A tin; I have a stash of incredibly useful 100ml tins. I recommend using something shallow because the balm is more likely to set smooth and flat.

- Saucepan (preferably with a pouring spout).

INGREDIENTS

50g Beeswax pellets

35g Shea Butter

35g Coconut Oil

20g Argan Oil (or Jojoba Oil)

30g Olive Oil

*optional essential oils

1) Place your solid ingredients (beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil) into a small saucepan and melt together on a gentle heat. It will look like a clear, neon yellow liquid.

2) Now add the olive oil and argan oil and stir the mixture for a few minutes to combine.

* If you are adding essential oils, they go in now as well.

3) Pour the mixture into a tin. Try to do this on one long, slow, continuous pour. The mixture will want to separate slightly, so stir it with a skewer several times as it cools. Only stir the wax when it is liquid and stop after the the wax starts to harden. Do not stir to vigorously because you want to avoid bubbles forming.

4) Allow the wax to cool completely at room temperature in a place where it will not be knocked or disturbed. Now your balm is ready yo use!