Rough, dry and cracked skin is one of the biggest complaints clients have when it comes to their hands and feet. Paraffin treatments are an easy and temporary fix to treat this complaint. Paraffin is a waxy substance that helps to coat and seal in moisture to the skin. Not only does this substance act as an emollient but it also soothes the skin of the hands and feet with its warmth and aromatic fragrances. The fragrances that are added to paraffin can either be in the form of essential oils or botanical infusions. To enhance the treatment, massaging in a shea butter cream or other lipid emulsions to the hands and feet before applying the paraffin will push the cream or emulsion further into the skin, adding a supple and soft texture.
Eczema and psoriasis are more severe than just rough, dry and cracked skin and should be treated with extra care and attention. Eczema is an inflammation of the skin and is sometimes characterized as atopic dermatitis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease and is particular with its formation, having white scaling on the top of the inflamed hardened skin that lies underneath. Since these two skin conditions consist of hardened cellular skin turnover, products that have an enzymatic ingredient will be the best option. Enzymes help to eat away the skin chemically by reacting in a Pacman-like fashion. Once the skin has been treated, enzymes stop their response to stay active. Due to the sensitive nature eczema and psoriasis cause, enzymes do not increase extra sensitivity like a mechanical exfoliant would. Papain and bromelain (papaya and pineapple) are two historically used enzyme ingredients that were used in clinical treatments and delivered substantial results on the skin. Once the skin is treated with an exfoliant, a paraffin treatment would be a great addition to soothe the skin.
Hyperhidrosis is a more difficult condition to treat with products. The excessive sweating on the palms and the bottom of the feet can be caused by many variables. Hormones, overactive metabolism, neurological responses, anxiety and other factors can cause hyperhidrosis which makes the treatment more of a challenge. Extreme cases of hyperhidrosis can receive Botox® treatments to combat the condition. Botulinum toxins, used to treat wrinkles, have also been found to aid in the inhibition of sweat production and are injected into the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This is an expensive alternative to treat hyperhidrosis but has been proven to work. A less expensive alternative is the use of eucalyptus, lavender and sage essential oils. These oils can be infused with a cream and then applied to the hands and feet. Using the tea bag of these herbs placed directly on the skin after being steeped in hot water will offer a similar effect to the skin. Another option that could be used to treat hyperhidrosis would be the use of products that contain the ingredient aluminum sulfate. This ingredient is used in antiperspirants that help to reduce sweat. Although, there is some debate regarding its safety for humans since we are unable to flush the aluminum from our system.
Businesses have many different options catered expressly to hand and feet products. By simply providing a consumer with an option to hydrate, soothe and/or treat their hands and feet from a product or as a provided service, they are able to increase revenue. When we interact with other people, we primarily feel with our hands out of all of the other touch sensory areas on our anatomy. If our clients are not confident with their hands and/or feet, then we as skin care professionals must do what we can to make sure that they are. Clients do not want to have a harsh touch and they will pay for the right products to help their hands and feet stay gentle, supple and soft. It is up to your business to provide clients with the right treatment that will provide client satisfaction.

Amra Lear is a licensed massage therapist and aesthetician. For 16 years, she has worked for two of the most prestigious spas in the world. Her clientele consists of the stars, moguls and people alike. She has been trained by Japanese shiatsu masters and the founders who pioneered such wonderful modalities such as ashiatsu, mother massage and lulur. Skin is her ultimate passion and she has dedicated the last six years to research and education of biochemistry to better understand the biochemical response to products used on the skin.

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