Use a good quality hand moisturizer and apply on hands at least thrice a day after you have washed it thoroughly. In the summers, use a light Non-greasy moisturizer, and in the winters opt for something heavier like body butter. Winters tend to dry out the skin, so you can do with the extra moisturizing.
Indulge in a manicure, at least once a month. With a manicure, your hands get cleaned, exfoliated and massaged. It’s thorough nourishment that your hands get.
When you wash your hands, ensure that you wash your hands in lukewarm water all year round. Too hot water or too cold water tends to damage the skin (1). Never use normal dish soap because it is harsh on the skin, and it also dries the skin easily(2). Avoid antibacterial handwashes as they contain harsh chemicals, are highly perfumed, and strip the skin of its natural oils.
Scrub your hands at least once a week with a good exfoliating agent to get rid of any dead skin. No time to buy one? Make one at home. Take a teaspoon each of fine sugar and olive oil and mix it well with the juice of half a lime. If you want to try something different, add one drop of your favorite EO and you are done! You have your homemade exfoliating scrub ready.
Massage your hands at night for at least five minutes to let the goodness of the moisturizer soak in. For very rough hands, mix your moisturizer with a bit of Vaseline so that they are protected all through the night
When you are washing dishes, gardening or carrying out any chore that allows your hand to interact with chemicals, grease or dirt, ensure that you are wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands.
When you file your nails, file them in one direction rather than a seesaw action. A seesaw action can separate the layers of the nail and if water finds its way between those nail layers, it can lead to nail peeling. Trim your nails at least once in two weeks or as required.
When you paint your nails, always use a base coat so that your nails are not stained. Using a base-coat will also help the nail-polish last longer.
To maintain proper cuticle care, use a good quality cuticle cream or oil to prevent the cuticles from roughing out or drying. Looking for an alternative you can do at home? Apply a few drops of glycerine to your hands overnight at least twice a week and wash off with lukewarm water in the morning. You will wake up with softer hands. What you eat is very important. Proteins, vitamin B, vitamin E supplements should be a part of your diet to get healthy, strong nails and to keep your hands supple and soft (3). Constant exposure to harmful chemicals leaves our hands feeling dry and coarse. Our hands deserve the same amount of care as any other part of the body. The infographic below lists tips to help restore their glow. Our hands need extra care and pampering to make them soft and smooth. Moisturizing your hand regularly, going for a manicure at least once a month, maintaining nail care, washing your hands with lukewarm water, protecting your hands from harmful products and chemicals, indulging in hand massage, using hand scrubs weekly for a gentle exfoliation, wearing gloves while gardening, and trimming the nails and following proper nail file technique at least once in two weeks are different ways to keep your hands healthy, soft, and supple. Eating the right foods with enough proteins and vitamins is also good for your nails and hands. So, follow these beauty tips for hands to help you get those soft and supple hands.
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