How to Pamper Your Hands in Four Steps

In any given day, hands go through a lot of abuse. They are used for almost everything you do, and thus pampering them now and then can really help. Problems like dry cracked skin, hangnails and so on, can all make your useful tools painful appendages. So, here are four steps for pampering your hands:

Step one: Keep them clean. While the skin on your hands is tough, it is susceptible to bacteria infection just like anything else. So, keep your hands clean. Make sure you wash them regularly and keep them free of dirt and debris. This is the first step to pampering your hands. Find a moisturizing soap so that regular hand washing does not leave them too dried out.

Step two: Use SPF. The harsh UV rays of the sun can cause the skin on your hands to age prematurely, to dry out, become leathery, cracked, broken, etc. Part of your hand pampering routine should be using a sun screen with a minimum of 15 SPF. All of your skin needs a good SPF, and your hands are no exception. In addition, protecting your hands from sun burn, and too harsh of sun exposure, will help them stay in good condition.

Step three: Moisturize. It is important that you moisturize both the hands and cuticles. Hands and cuticles can get really dry, then they can crack, bleed, and create open or broken skin areas for bacteria to get in and cause infection. Find a moisturizer that is designed specifically for hands, and avoid anything with too many scents, or added products, like alcohol, which can actually result in further drying out.

Step four: Avoid pitfalls. One of the best ways to pamper your hands is prevention. There are many ways to keep your hands soft, supple, clean, and sore free. First, make sure that after you wash your hands, dry them completely. Chafing can occur between fingers if your hands are not dried properly. Second, do not chew on your nails, or bite off hangnails. This can cause bacteria to grow and fester in your nail beds, and can lead to infection. Instead, remove them with a cuticle remover, or get a professional to remove them. In addition, wear gloves during cold weather, as cold air can dry them out. Don’t allow them to get too dry or cracked. If you can avoid the pitfalls, your hands will remain nicer for longer.

Pamper your hands; you will not regret it, especially since you need them for even the simplest of tasks, such as dressing, eating, etc. Keep your nails clean and trimmed, and give your hands some attention when they need it. Don’t let them go, as it is harder to repair damage than to prevent it from happening in the first place.