The secret to soft, smooth hands is something that many people have sought after for many years. Our hands are among our most used and abused body parts, and they often take the brunt of our daily wear and tear. Whether it be cleaning, gardening, painting, typing, or even just applying moisturizers and lotions, our hands can start to feel rough, dry, and even chapped.
Thankfully, there are many simple and effective tips and tricks for nourishing your hands and cuticles in order to maintain smooth, healthy skin. The key to soft, smooth hands is to create a routine and stick to it. Here are some tips and tricks for nourishing your hands and cuticles that can help you achieve the soft, smooth skin you’ve always wanted.
The key to soft, smooth hands is to create a routine and stick to it.
Create a Routine
Creating a routine is the first step to nourishing your hands and cuticles. It may seem daunting, but when you stick to it, the results will be worth it. To start, follow a 3-2-1 pattern: 3-minutes washing, 2-minutes scrubbing and 1-minute wearing gloves.
When washing your hands, be sure to use mild and gentle cleansers that are free of harsh chemicals. When scrubbing, use an exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and increase circulation. As for gloves, cotton gloves work best as they repel moisture to help keep your hands moisturized.
When washing your hands, be sure to use mild and gentle cleansers that are free of harsh chemicals.
Moisturize Every Time You Wash Hands
After washing and scrubbing your hands, apply a generous amount of moisturizer. It is important to moisturize every single time you wash your hands, as this will help keep your hands hydrated and nourished throughout the day. Choose a moisturizer that is designed for hands, as it will be more concentrated with ingredients to help heal and protect the skin. For severely dry hands, opt for a thick, intensive balm for an added boost of hydration.
After washing and scrubbing your hands, apply a generous amount of moisturizer.
Apply Cuticle Oil
Our hands often get neglected when it comes to hydration, but our cuticles need just as much love and care. Cuticle oil is essential for maintaining healthy, nourished cuticles. Look for cuticle oils which contain light essential oils like jojoba, rose, and argan or plant oils like coconut and almond. Rub a few drops into each cuticle daily and massage gently until it has been fully absorbed.
Cuticle oil is essential for maintaining healthy, nourished cuticles.
Protect Hands with Gloves
Gloves are essential when it comes to protecting your hands and cuticles. Invest in a good pair of rubber kitchen gloves or gardening gloves when carrying out any household or gardening tasks. Cotton gloves should also be worn when applying moisturizers, as they will help to lock in moisture and prevent it from evaporating quickly.
Avoid Common Hand-Washing Mistakes
It is important to be aware of the common mistakes people make when washing their hands. Avoid using hot water when washing your hands as this can strip away your skin’s natural oils and degrade the barrier function that protects your skin from environmental damage. Also, be sure not to scrub too harshly when cleaning your hands as this can cause irritation and redness.
Be sure not to scrub too harshly when cleaning your hands as this can cause irritation and redness.
Additionally, avoid using strong chemical soaps and cleaners as these can strip away the skin’s natural oils and cause irritation. Stick to using gentle, natural cleansers and soaps.
Conclusion
Soft, smooth hands and cuticles are achievable, but it requires dedication and a good hand-care regime. By following these simple and effective tips and tricks, you can nourish your hands and cuticles and keep them in optimum condition.
