We take good care of the skin on our face, cleansing and moisturizing every day to minimize blemishes and keep our skin looking healthy and youthful. Unfortunately, we don’t always treat our hands with the same level of care. Our hands are often the first thing a person will notice after our face so whether you’re shaking hands at a job interview or on a first date, it’s important to put your best hand forward.
Here are my top 3 tips for better hand health. Always keep your hands clean. When you’re gardening, cooking, cleaning, or just out and about, your hands are exposed to many harmful chemicals and bacteria. It’s important to wear gloves and thoroughly wash with warm, soapy water afterward to eliminate any nasty germs.
1. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize.
My mom always told me I’d regret not moisturizing, and this is one piece of maternal advice I urge you to follow! I always opt for a lotion containing lavender oil. Lavender is widely used in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia, for its soothing effects, but it’s also a natural antiseptic! A brilliant way to keep your hands and feet soft and germ-free.
Men with dry skin may want to steer clear as lavender has been shown to block the production of testosterone. I would instead recommend jojoba oil. Not only does it smell amazing, it contains minerals necessary to boost collagen production, like zinc and copper, as well as vitamins B & E, both of which improve the appearance and elasticity of the skin.
Both lavender and jojoba oils are also perfect for prepping your feet for pedicures. So the next time you’re in your favorite pedicure chair, sit back and let your feet soak in the essential oils for a while.
2. Develop a hand care routine.
Once a week, I set aside some time before bed to give my hands a more thorough treatment. I begin with clean hands, and once a month, I also make sure I have bare nails so all parts of my hands are given proper attention. I slather my hands in my lotion and put on cotton deep-conditioning gloves. It’s important that the gloves are 100% cotton or have a very high cotton percentage, especially if you have sensitive skin, as it allows the skin to breathe, reducing the chance of irritation.
It may feel a little odd sleeping with your hands like this, but I promise the results are well worth the effort! If you don’t want to wear them overnight, popping them on for just a few hours while you watch a movie, or read a book will have a very positive effect on the condition of your skin. Gloves containing Keratin, which is the fibrous protein that makes up the majority of our skin and nails, are also a great investment for healthy hands.
PS: If you want to give your hand a regular pampering, why not invest in a quality manicure table.
My last piece of advice is small but very important. Always carry a tube of your fave moisturizer in your purse so your hands remain soft and refreshed everywhere you go!
Disclaimer: The images are taken from internet
