The skin is the largest organ of the body which acts as a protective barrier or shield against harmful organisms, harsh weather conditions and prevents the loss of moisture from the body. While everybody talks about facial skin a lot, not much emphasis has been given on the measures to take care of the skin on the hands.
Your hands are more vulnerable to the aging process. This is because the skin on them is very thin and delicate. Also, you touch everything with the help of your hands, therefore, they are more exposed to harmful germs, bacteria, dirt, chemicals, sunlight and other substances that can affect their skin. The best dermatologist in Islamabad shared some insight on how to take good care of your hands for a supple and cleaner look. Let us share them with you as well.
Benefits Of Hand Skin Care
Our hands are usually the most used parts of our body and are the most neglected ones as well. This neglect causes them to age prematurely and showing signs of dehydration, wrinkles and pigmentation. Hand skin care is important for supple, hydrated skin making them soft to the touch. Therefore, your hands deserve a skincare routine too to give them a youthful and healthy look.
How To Take Care Of Your Hands
Taking these few steps will give your hands the best outlook and prevent them from environmental stressors.
Keep those hands clean and tidy
Infections spread very easily when those hands of yours aren’t clean and washed. Contaminated hands house millions of bacteria and/or viruses which can spread diseases. Covid-19 is just another example. It is important to frequently wash your hands in order to remove any harmful microbes, dust, and pollutants.
If you are wearing jewellery, it is suggested to remove them before washing hands so that the water can reach all crevices and spaces. It is also better to use a mild soap or a moisturizing hand wash as they are not harsh on the skin and do not dry it out. Hot water dries out the skin quickly therefore it is recommended to use either lukewarm or cold water to wash hands.
Moisturize them frequently
The skin of the hands is more prone to aging. This is accelerated if the hands are dry and cracks can form on the skin. When the top most layer of the skin dries off and is devoid of moisture, it cracks up and leaves spaces between the skin cells.
Moisturizing your hand gives it a smoother texture. If you have extra dry skin, you should moisturize after every wash. Otherwise it is recommended to moisturize after a bath, dishwashing, exfoliating and before you sleep at night. If you feel you have oily skin, you can use a light moisturizer or a water-based cream. Otherwise, if your skin is dry, it is better to use an oil-based moisturizer or heavy creams as they have a long-lasting effect.
Creams containing humectants such as urea and glycerin attract moisture from the atmosphere and keep the skin extra hydrated. Emollients can smoothen out very dry, cracked skin by filling the spaces.
Wear gloves
For optimal care, you can wear gloves during exposure to the harmful sun rays for long or to the harsh chemicals of dish soap while dishwashing. You can also wear gloves while driving or while going out in the winter. This will protect your hands against harmful pollutants and chemicals in the environment.
Apply sunscreen to your hands
It may never have crossed your mind to do so, but it is important that you lather your hands up with sunscreen while going out just as you do your face. This is because the hands have the most exposure if you do not have the habit of wearing gloves often. This will protect the thin layer on the backs of your hands as hands are prone to developing precancerous cells.
Protect the cuticles
The cuticles are responsible for protecting your nails and the skin around them. It is better to avoid trimming your cuticles yourself or while you are getting a manicure as they protect you from infections. Sometimes infection can occur while trimming the cuticles. This may be mild or severe.
Hand massage
Who doesn’t like a hand massage, right? Although it makes you feel calm and gives you an instant mood lift, it has added benefits. It not only improves the appearance and texture of your hands, it also relieves anxiety and any pain. Even if you gently massage a hand cream, it will absorb better into the hands.
Exfoliate dead skin
For clean and smooth hands, use a gentle exfoliator once every week. A mild scrub will remove any dead skin cells giving your hands a softer and smoother look. You can even make a home scrub using some honey, sugar and coffee granules. Don’t forget to apply a moisturizer after exfoliation. Avoid exfoliation in case of open cuts or sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts
A nutritious diet is essential for healthy skin and nails. For healthy skin, make sure you take essential B vitamins, proteins, vitamin E and fatty acids. Taking care of your hands is not complicated. You just have to remember them as you take care of your facial skin.