We use our hands for everything. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep, our hands are constantly in motion. We use them to eat, to work, to play, to express ourselves. But we often take them for granted, only realizing their importance when they start to show signs of lack of care.
Dryness. Cracks. Itchiness. Maybe even premature age spots. These are some of the signs your hands are asking for some TLC. Show you care by following these simple tips to pamper and protect your hands:
Understand What Makes Hand Skin Different
The skin on your hands isn’t like the rest of your body. The back of your hands is thin and has very little fat underneath, making it prone to dryness and wrinkles. The palms are thicker but they lack oil glands, so they struggle to stay moisturized. Add exposure to sun, water, and chemicals, and it’s clear why hand care is essential.
So, to keep your hands soft and healthy, you need a routine that protects and hydrates—just like the one below:
Clean Gently
Washing your hands is vital for overall skin health, but how you do it matters, too. Harsh ingredients can strip your skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. So, use a gentle cleanser or hand soap—liquid or otherwise— with natural ingredients.
Remember to wash with lukewarm water. Hot water might feel good and relaxing for muscles, but it dries out your skin. Then, when you're drying your hands, be gentle. Pat them dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing them vigorously.
If you use hand sanitizers often, choose one with emollients. The alcohol in these sanitizers, while effective at killing germs, can also dry out your skin. Some common emollients found in hand sanitizers include glycerin, aloe vera, and vitamin E, which help create a protective barrier and keep your skin moisturized. If you can't find a hand sanitizer with emollients, apply a moisturizer to your hands after using hand sanitizers to help replenish any moisture that's been lost.
Moisturize Frequently
If you want soft, smooth hands, then you should focus on moisturization. Apply some lotion or cream every time you wash or sanitize your hands. Look for ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid, which hydrate and repair the skin.
Use moisturizer while your hands are still slightly damp to seal in hydration even better. Keep a bottle of your lotion or cream handy—next to the sink, in your bag, or on your desk so you always remember to moisturize. For an overnight treat, slather on a rich hand cream and wear cotton gloves to let the moisturizer deeply nourish your skin as you sleep.
Don’t forget to care for your cuticles as well. Nourish them with cuticle oil or cream to keep them soft and healthy. Avoid biting or picking at your cuticles to prevent infections. Instead, gently push them back after a shower or applying cuticle oil.
Pamper Your Hands
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, leaving your hands smoother and more receptive to moisturizers. Use a gentle scrub once or twice a week; you can even make your own by mixing sugar and coconut oil. Massage this concoction onto your hands, rinse with lukewarm water, and follow with a moisturizer.
If you are able, get regular manicures. They aren’t just for looks, they’re also a great way to keep your nails and cuticles in top shape. A simple hand massage using lotion or oil can also work wonders. It boosts circulation, relieves tension, and leaves your hands feeling pampered.
Protect Your Hands
Your hands are as exposed to the sun as your face. UV rays cause dark spots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. So, apply sunscreen to your hands daily and reapply throughout the day, especially if you're outdoors. Look through our collection of sunscreens for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula for optimal protection.
Gloves are also a simple but effective way to protect your hands from a variety of hazards. You have a wide variety to choose from, depending on the situation.
- Warm gloves made of wool, fleece, or other insulating materials are designed to keep your hands warm in cold weather and prevent chapping from exposure to cold, dry air.
- Rubber gloves are designed to protect your hands from harsh chemicals and other irritants when doing household chores like washing dishes or cleaning the bathroom.
- Work gloves are made of leather, canvas, or other durable materials that protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and other injuries.
- Gardening gloves are specifically designed to protect your hands from thorns, dirt, and other hazards you might encounter in the garden.
- Sun gloves are often made of a lightweight, breathable fabric that has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of 50+.
Stay Healthy
Healthy skin—including those on your hands—starts from within. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support healthy skin and nails. Additionally, adequate rest helps your body preserve collagen and elastin, which are essential for youthful skin.
Stock Up on Hand Care Essentials at Southstar Drug
Hand care doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Make it a habit to cleanse, moisturize, and protect regularly with the right products. Your hands will thank you for it!
For a complete selection of hand care products, visit Southstar Drug. We have everything you need to keep your hands healthy and looking their best every day!
