Hand Care

Handwashing: Properly Wash and Dry Your Hands.

Use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water dries out your skin more quickly. Instead of using a hand dryer to dry your hands, shake your hands dry and gently pat them down with a soft towel.

Alcohol-based sanitizers dry out your skin, so it’s important to moisturize your hands after application. When using hand sanitizer, it’s best to wait until your hands are completely dry before moisturizing, as the alcohol-based gel can repel the moisturizer.

Moisturizing: Improve the Look and Feel of Your Hands

Regular moisturizing allows the skin to retain its natural supple texture. The best times to use moisturizers are after a bath, exfoliating, dishwashing, and before going to bed. For those with extra dry hands, it’s best to moisturize each time you wash your hands. 

Exfoliation: Remove Dull, Dry Skin

It’s best to exfoliate your hands twice a week, as more frequent exfoliation can irritate the skin and harm perfectly healthy skin cells. If you have sensitive skin or open cuts on your hands, avoid exfoliation as it can lead to irritation.

Sunscreen: Prevent Premature Aging

An often neglected part of an ideal hand care routine is sunscreen. Sunscreen is a key step in protecting your skin from sunburn and premature aging. When applying sunscreen to your hands, apply moisturizer first and then apply sunscreen. If you’re spending all day outside, be sure to reapply sunscreen about every 90 minutes and after you wash your hands.

Exposure: Protect Your Hands

To prevent prolonged contact with cleaning supplies, use gloves when doing the dishes, the laundry, or other household chores. In the winter, keep your hands covered to prevent your skin from drying out. Low humidity and cold temperature often means less moisture in the air, which can lead to dry and cracked hands.