The Secret To Beautiful Hands: The Ultimate Hand Care Routine

This post gives you the secret to achieving beautiful and healthy hands with an easy-to-follow hand care routine and product recommendations.

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Our hands are one of the most used and visible parts of our body, yet they often receive very little care and attention. Neglecting your hands can lead to dry, cracked skin, brittle nails, and an overall unattractive appearance. This can even get worse during the colder, drier seasons.

In order to maintain beautiful and healthy hands, it’s important to have a proper hand care routine. Luckily, I’ve worked with some of the top beauty experts in Hollywood, and I’ve got the ultimate hand care guide for you. Keep reading and I’ll share with you a step-by-step routine along with the best products to achieve soft, smooth, and youthful-looking hands.

Step 1: Cleanse

The first step in any hand care routine is to cleanse your hands thoroughly. This not only removes dirt and germs but also preps your skin for the following steps. Use a gentle hand soap or a mild cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils. A big recommendation is this Milk & Honey hand soap. It’s a little luxury that will help pay off your anti-aging routine in the long run.

You can also use one part Castille Soap and two parts water for a budget-friendly option.

Step 2: Exfoliate

Exfoliating your hands helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal softer, smoother skin underneath. You can use a store-bought hand scrub like this from Herbivore. It’s non-toxic and full of amazing clean ingredients. You can also make your own using ingredients like sugar, honey, and olive oil. Gently massage the scrub onto your hands for a few minutes before rinsing off.

Do this once a week,  and up to twice a week for the winter season if you need.

Step 3: Moisturize

One of the key steps in maintaining beautiful hands is keeping them moisturized. Since we wash and sanitize our hands throughout the day, this step is one of the most important.

After cleansing and exfoliating, apply a nourishing hand cream or lotion all over your hands and fingers. Look for products that contain ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin. I like to have a lighter-weight formula for the daytime, and then use a heavier, repairing cream for the nighttime. An ingredient like retinol is also great for anti-aging properties and should only be used at night.

If your hands are truly in need of repair, wear breathable cotton gloves to bed after you’ve moisturized them.

Step 4: Protect

One of the biggest skin damaging and aging factors to our hands is sun exposure. To protect your hands, use sunscreen that is UVA/UVB protection with at least SPF 30 every day. Make sure to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day and wear gloves while washing dishes or using cleaning products.

You can always use the same sunscreen for your hands as you do your face or body as long as they still meet the recommended criteria. Additionally, protect your hands from UV rays if you get gel manicures. Simply use sunscreen or these handy uv gloves from Amazon. I’m sure this goes without saying, but during winter or heavy windy days, wear protective gloves as well!

Step 5: Nourish Your Nails

Along with taking care of the skin on your hands, it’s equally important to pay attention to your nails. Keep them clean and focus on the skin surrounding your nails. Use a cuticle oil or cream to keep your cuticles moisturized and push them back gently with a wooden stick after showering or cleansing when they are softer.

Incorporate a nail strengthener into your routine if you have brittle nails, and avoid using harsh chemicals like acetone to remove polish.

If you use press on nails especially, I talk about how to safely remove them without damaging your nails in my post here.

Additional Hand Care Tips

• Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet to maintain overall skin health, including your hands.
• Avoid using harsh soaps or hot water when washing your hands as this can dry out your skin.
• Consider using a hand mask or paraffin wax treatment to deeply nourish and soften your hands.
• If you have any skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, consult with a dermatologist for personalized tips on caring for your hands.
• Don’t forget to moisturize your hands before going to bed for maximum hydration overnight.  Overall, taking good care of your hands can not only improve their appearance but can also improve your overall well-being.

Remember,

Our hands work hard for us every day, so it’s important to show them some love and care. With these simple steps, the secret to beautiful hands is easy to achieve. 

By regularly practicing proper hand care, you can prevent dryness, cracks, and other skin issues while keeping your hands soft and smooth. Remember to always moisturize, protect, and nourish your hands for long-term benefits. And most importantly, enjoy the process of pampering yourself! After all, we love a self-care day!  Go ahead and show off those beautiful hands with confidence.