Prioritising Hand Care
In the era of COVID19, where our hands are washed more often, longer, and are exposed to numerous sanitisers, it is so important to observe proper hand care. In addition, depending on your daily routine, your hands are extremely vulnerable to their environment.
To keep your hands feeling strong, healthy, and looking as good as the rest of your body, a hand care routine will serve you well. More so will following preventive steps and using products that will not damage your skin.
Handwashing
As with any skincare routine, washing is the first and one of the most important steps. The first thing to consider: use a mild soap or a moisturizing soap with ingredients that avoid drying your skin out.
Secondly, avoid using very hot water when washing your hands. Lukewarm water works better to help kill bacteria and prevent dryness.
Lastly, shake your hands dry and gently pat them with a soft towel instead of rubbing them.
Regular moisturising
As sanitisers are a part of our new normal, you may find yourself using them more often than before. Many soaps and alcohol-based hand sanitisers strip away oils that form the skin's protective barrier. That is why it is important to nourish the skin adequately after sanitising.
When picking out your hand cream or lotion, ensure that it contains hydrating and restoring elements like coconut oil and glycerin.
Coconut oil - is one of the best moisturising oils for dry skin and can help with eczema, helps reduce inflammation caused by UVB rays on the skin and contains antibacterial properties.
Almond oil - is an emollient that helps the skin retain moisture and treat hand dermatitis.
The best times to moisturise is right after bathing, exfoliating, dishwashing, and using sanitisers. For great results, ensure that you moisturize your hands immediately after washing them.
Massaging
Massaging your hands is a good practice as it not only improves their appearance but also provides health benefits. According to a study, [1] regular hand massage brings the following benefits:
- Reduces feelings of stress and anxiety
- Instantly lifts the mood
- Improves sleep quality
- Boosts blood flow
- Keeps hands soft
Take away
There are many influencers in our daily routines that may cause hands to become dry, sensitive, or damaged. These include:
- Harsh soaps
- Chemicals in household products
- Weather conditions such as sun exposure or cold weather
- Overwashing
- Aging
It is, therefore, important to pay attention to changes or irregularities with the skin on our hands and for us to practice an adequate regime to keep them healthy.
While you can't always stop your hands from being exposed, you can regularly pamper them in a few simple ways to keep them looking soft, smooth and nourished.
Explore our range of luxury hand creams.
References