A new leather jacket or purse does look cool. However, new skin often feels stiff and hard, which can interfere with your appearance and comfort. Fortunately, tough skin can be softened easily using a few simple techniques. By scrubbing new skin with a special skin conditioner, reapplying a vital moisturizer, or treating it manually, you can leave skin looking and feeling soft in no time so that it feels natural to use.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Skin Conditioner
Step 1. Purchase a quality leather conditioner
The oil in the conditioner will lubricate the porous skin so that it stretches and bends to your body shape easily. In addition, in contrast to simple oils, the durability of the material does not decrease or leave an oily patina.
- If you have extra cash, get a complete skin care kit. These devices usually contain other products that are used to increase the life of the leather, such as neatsfood oil, leather milk, and beeswax to make it waterproof.
- Stay away from natural alternatives like olive or coconut oil. Over time, this oil can naturally discolor or cause more severe cracking.
Step 2. Dab leather conditioner on a clean cloth
Fold the fabric over your fingertips so that there is only one small corner. Use this angle to apply a small amount of conditioner to the skin. That way, you can ensure the right dose.
- The standard rule in handling leather products is " less is more " (a little better). You simply rub a little on the surface of the skin, and not licking it.
- Do not apply the product directly to the skin. The result is not only messy, but the product is also difficult to apply consistently.
Step 3. Spread the conditioner on the surface of the skin
Gently and slowly rub the conditioner into a wide or circular motion over a larger area. Wipe until the surface of the skin is covered with a thin layer of conditioner. The skin should be somewhat radiant and not appear wet or drenched.
- Leather conditioner is safe enough to work on the exterior of any leather item, but you need to focus on where you need it most, such as the elbows of a jacket or the toe or heel area of a shoe.
- You only need a thin layer of conditioner. If the excess, the conditioner will only accumulate on the surface of the skin.
Step 4. Condition the leather item regularly
Repeat the process at least once a month to keep clothes and accessories in top condition. With each stroke, the stiff leather material becomes more supple.
- If you live in a warm, dry area where your skin will be exposed to many elements, it's a good idea to use conditioner more often, about once every two weeks.
- Leather furniture only needs to be conditioned once per six months because it is in a controlled climate environment.
Method 2 of 4: Soften Skin with Water
Step 1. Fill the spray bottle with water
Moisturizing the skin is a great way to soften new skin. Fill a bottle with cold tap water, or pour a bottle of drinking water. Make sure you close the spray bottle cap tightly so it doesn't fall apart.
- If possible, use distilled water. Thus, spotting and mineral deposits due to hard water can be prevented.
- If you can't find a spray bottle, wipe the skin with a damp cloth.
- This method will not be very useful on waterproof skin. The water will just flow over the skin.
Step 2. Spray the entire surface of the skin
Spray water from top to bottom until it just condenses. The water will soak in and soften the stiff skin. Meanwhile, you can put on the leather item and move it around to help it feel more comfortable on your body.
- If not, try to get out of the house for a while when it's raining. Just make sure you don't linger so long that your skin gets drenched.
- Excess water is not good for the skin, while a little water will soften the skin without causing serious damage.
Step 3. Wipe off excess water
Take a clean microfiber cloth and pat it against the skin. If you have, air the skin in a dry and cool place. The remaining water will evaporate from the skin.
- You can't let the water stagnate. Drenched skin will crack and fade giving it a dull and rough appearance.
- Don't forget to dry all metal components so they don't rust.
Step 4. Follow up with a quality leather conditioner
The protective layer will restore the skin's vital moisture and prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle. This step will be important, especially after using other substances (such as water) to soften the skin.
Method 3 of 4: Soften Skin with Heat
Step 1. Put the leather object in the dryer
If you're in a hurry, soften the skin with a dryer on a medium setting. The combination of heat and continuous impact from the engine revs resembles the effect of wearing a leather object for a long time. Make sure the leather item is only 10-15 minutes in the dryer so it doesn't shrink or burn.
- This method should only be used on new accessories that do not bend or flutter as the heat will remove moisture from the used leather.
- The skin should be dry or slightly damp when you put it in the dryer. Should not be washed and dried leather objects like ordinary clothes.
- For better results, place a pair of sneakers or tennis balls in the dryer. The added friction will soften the skin more evenly.
Step 2. Leave the object in a warm and damp place
Place a leather object under the windshield to expose it to the midday sun, or in the bathroom while taking a hot shower. The key is not to let the skin sit for too long. Over time, direct heat will cause the skin to fade or dry out.
The steam from the hot water will also moisturize the skin making it twice as effective
Step 3. Use a hair dryer
Using a hairdryer will have the same effect as a hot room or a tumble dryer, only you can target the toughest areas of the skin. Aim the heat at the creases, hem, and areas of the skin where you want more softening. When the skin is nice and supple, wear it until it cools down.
- Only use a low heat setting and keep the hair dryer away from your skin so it doesn't burn.
- Make sure you finish the softening process with a thin layer of leather conditioner.
Method 4 of 4: Soften Skin Manually
Step 1. Roughen the skin
Take a wooden hammer, baseball bat, or similar object and strike it against the leather object. Beat with medium force and smooth over the entire surface of the skin. Imagine that you are tenderizing the meat before cooking the steak.
- All skin types can be softened manually, regardless of age, type, texture or model.
- Try not to hit the skin too hard until it breaks.
- Do not hit fragile areas such as seams, pockets, buttons, straps, and zippers.
Step 2. Massage the skin by hand
Gather the skin of the object into your grip, pull it, and squeeze it like you would stretch a ball of bread dough. Vary the movement so that the material stretches in all directions. Little by little, the skin will soften.
- If the leather item is a belt or similar item, roll it into a ball, then open it and roll it back the other way.
- You can work while watching television, waiting for an appointment, or taking a long car ride.
Step 3. Soften the skin naturally
If you don't want to roughen your skin to soften it, you can simply use the right way from time immemorial: use it until it's soft. Wear leather items whenever the opportunity arises. You will be surprised at how quickly the skin softens.
- Frequent wearing of leather items is not only good for the texture, but you will also become more likely to wear them.
- Don't be afraid to slightly dirty the skin. You can clean it so it looks like new.
Tips
- Try applying a few different methods to get that perfect natural skin feel in no time.
- Gently relax the skin until it gets perfect softness.
- Always test leather conditioners and other products in hidden areas to see how they react to the skin.
- Read the manufacturer's recommendation label for complete leather care instructions.
Warning
- Never press the skin with sandpaper, steel wool, or other similar tools. These tools will only damage the outer surface of the skin and increase its softness.
- Do not take actions that can damage the skin permanently. If it's already, you can't fix it.
- This method is intended for genuine leather, and the results are not the same for faux varieties.
- Chemicals such as rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and Windex can cause skin color to fade and damage.
