In our fast-paced world, it’s important to question the necessity of seemingly indulgent practices. Hand care might appear as a luxurious pastime reserved for those with time to spare. But is it really just an extravagant ritual, or could there be genuine benefits behind meticulously caring for your hands?
As a skincare aficionado, I’m obsessed with new routines. Hair care, neck care, treatments for bacne, etc are all things I have tried and enjoyed. Yet, the concept of dedicating a full twenty minutes to a hand care routine? The internet seems obsessed and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want hands that look like they’ve just stepped out of a skincare ad?
The Golden Rule: Gentle Cleansing
First off, let’s talk about washing. Harsh soaps and hot water do more damage to your hands than expected. According to my research, trick is to opt for gentle, pH-balanced bar soaps that promise cleanliness without stripping away moisture. And while hand sanitisers are a modern necessity, choosing one that’s less drying can make all the difference.
Exfoliate When Required
Incorporating a gentle scrub once a week helps slough off dead skin cells. You can easily up your own scrub using household staples like coconut oil, honey, salt/brown sugar, or lemon. Or you can go for a pre-made product that serves exactly this purpose.
Moisturise, But Wisely
Moisturising is non-negotiable, but there’s an art to it. Slathering on hand cream post-wash is something we all do (right?), but did you know that the key to preventing over-dryness actually lies in moderation? Over-moisturising is a thing and the right moisturiser does not need to be reapplied every two hours. Invest in a good one and it will really change your life.
Use An Anti-Ageing Serum
The skin on your hands is extremely thin and with age, the hands begin to reveal the signs of their experiences. Your skin becomes less elastic and more prone to wrinkling. Years of sun exposure may also lead to age spots and uneven skin pigmentation. Fortunately, there are creams available that are formulated with active ingredients designed to diminish pigmentation and improve the overall appearance of the hands.
Finish Off With SPF
Sun exposure is the primary culprit behind skin ageing, so you need proper protection for your hands. Before heading out into the sun, ensure you apply a product with at least SPF 15. This will help guard against dark spots and sun damage, keeping your hands looking youthful and vibrant for an extended period.
Check The Ingredients
The ingredients in your products can make or break your hand care routine. Fragrance-heavy formulas might smell heavenly but can lead to dryness. Look for quality in your hand care products – things like shea butter, essential oils, jojoba or almond oils, etc. And when it comes to nail care, sometimes bare is better. Applying nourishing oils or creams directly to your unpolished nails can boost their health, leaving them shining naturally.
Dealing With The Unavoidable
Hangnails and cuts are the bane of existence for many, especially if you have a tendency to pick on them. Regular maintenance using cuticle oils can transform your nails‘ surroundings. And for those unavoidable accidents, turn to remedies like Sudocrem or Manuka honey that help your hands recover swiftly.
Caring for your hands like a hand model might sound like a luxury, but it’s truly an act of self-care that anyone can – and should – adopt. After all, our hands do so much for us, it’s only fair we give them the love and attention they deserve!
Featured Image: Unsplash
