The hands are one part of the body that are used a lot for many different purposes. The hands are also often always exposed to the elements and can cop a lot of wear and tear. For these reasons, it’s important to always take good care of your hands. For some handy tips on how to look after your hands, read on to discover what you can do in this guide.
Avoid Washing Your Hands In Very Hot Water
If your hands are covered in dirt, grime or oil, for example, it can be tempting to wash your hands with very hot water to obtain better results. Hot water, however, not only can burn the skin of the hands but it also tends to dry them out, leaving the skin traumatised as well as dehydrated. The results can be hands that are tender and the possibility of dry and peeling skin.
The same can be said for over-washing your hands or using soaps or detergents that are far too harsh on the skin.
Always Moisturise Your Hands
To keep the skin of the hands nourished and hydrated, it’s important to regularly apply a moisturiser or some form of dedicated hand cream to the hands, preferably on a daily basis. This applies to both women and men. Hands endure a lot and the application of moisturisers and creams will go a long way towards repairing damaged skin and prolonging the good health of your hands in general.
Always choose a product that comes highly recommended for best results and perhaps one specifically designed for hand care.
Apply Protection To Your Hands
One thing everyone can do to look after their hands is to protect them when necessary. All this requires is some forethought and common sense.
For example, if you believe your hands are going to be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, then apply sunscreen before venturing outdoors.
Another example is to wear gloves when doing various activities, especially if handling harsh chemicals or doing something physical like weeding the garden. Likewise, if you’re venturing out in particularly cold weather, also wear gloves to protect the skin of the hands from drying out and cracking up.
Never touch hot objects in the kitchen without using an oven mitt or hand towel.
Another tip involves protecting your hands before working on something oily and greasy such as a car engine, or before painting. If you apply a protective layer of moisturiser prior to making repairs or doing some painting, removing grease or paint from your hands when you are done will prove to be a much easier task and likely won’t require harsh scrubbing or chemicals to get them clean.
Use a Hand Wash That Contains a Moisturiser
If you are someone who wants or needs to wash their hands often, then buy a hand wash that contains a moisturiser, so the consistent washing of the hands doesn’t damage the skin and dry out the hands.
Don’t choose a hand wash that contains a sanitiser, as this type of product can eventually make the hands dry and rough. Use a hand sanitiser separately and only when required.
Hand products containing alcohol will also dry out the skin and prolonged use can certainly do damage to the skin.
Exfoliate Your Hands Regularly
To ensure your hands always maintain a smooth texture and to promote the growth of new and healthy skin cells, exfoliating the hands on a regular basis is a must. It will also help to remove any build-up of ingrained dirt, grime or product.
Make it a point to exfoliate the skin of the hands about once a week and always rub the exfoliator in a circular motion for best results.
Hand Massages
Hands can become stiff and sore from heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, playing sports or just from regular day-to-day use. Just as you might book in for a massage for other parts of your body, why not massage the hands?
You don’t need a professional masseuse for this. You could have a family member do it for you or even massage your hands yourself, one at a time.
Hand Exercises
You might also want to consider some hand exercises to strengthen the hands and wrists and to help prevent injuries. Hand exercises can also assist in loosening up hands that feel tired, stiff and sore, along with injury rehabilitation.
You could purchase some form of hand grip exercise equipment that has a spring attached and is designed for the hand to squeeze and release. Alternatively, there are a variety of squeeze balls and other implements on the market that will achieve the same results.
Equipment for hand exercises is not expensive and because the items are so small, you can take them with you anywhere you go.
What To Avoid To Protect Your Hands – A Quick Reference Guide
- Avoid washing hands in hot water
- Avoid using harsh soaps unless absolutely necessary
- Over-use of hand dryers
- Touching chemicals or acid with bare hands
- Touching sharp or rough objects with bare hands
- Long exposure to direct sunlight
- Picking up hot objects with unprotected hands
- Repetitive tasks (leading to strain and pain in the hands)
- Exposing hands to extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
The Takeaway
Make hand care a regular routine and your hands will always be looking and feeling their best. Avoid things that can damage your hands as much as possible, protect the hands when needed and regularly apply a moisturiser to keep the skin healthy and hydrated. Your hands are extremely useful and handy. You’ll want to keep them that way by looking after them and protecting them.
Sources:
How to Care for Hands: The Ultimate Guide
https://www.prohealthcareproducts.com/hand-exercisers/
