Beauty

Hand care: everything you need to know

Hand care attention Just like your face, your hands act as bridges to the world. You shake hands when meeting or greeting someone for the first time and when closing a deal. Your hands express your affection for those you love. They soothe sad and sick children. Either way, your hands will likely spend some time in the spotlight every time you interact with others.

And since you were little, you’ve been reminded of the importance of washing your hands. During the day, your hands are bare to all sorts of germs, dirt, harsh substances, sunlight and more. To make matters worse, washing your hands frequently to keep them clean can also leave them dry, cracked, and wrinkled.

If you’re not careful, the skin on your hands may need medical attention. However, your nails (and mind) could benefit from a professional manicure from time to time—also professional treatments to moisturize the skin.

Good hand care doesn’t have to be a headache. You can do things every day to keep your hands looking and feeling good. Create a good routine and help your skin.

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How to Wash your Hands Properly

A little skin knowledge can help you understand how to wash your hands properly. The skin is made up of layers. The outer layer (the stratum corneum) consists primarily of dead skin cells surrounded by natural oils produced by the living cells of the bottom layer. The natural oils form a protective shield that keeps water in the body and germs and other irritants at bay. If the outer coating doesn’t have enough natural oils, it can’t absorb enough water, and your skin can become dry, rough, red, cracked, and itchy.

Washing with warm water helps maintain good hand care and prevents you from stripping away natural oils. It would help if you also avoid harsh soaps. Dermatologists recommend soaps that don’t dry out. Soap-free liquid cleaners also work well. Antibacterial soaps are not necessary and can also dry out the skin. They can also kill the good bacteria on your hands and stimulate the harmful bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Rinse your Hands well and Gently Pat or Pat dry. Don’t Rub.

Hand Care: Use moisturizers

Creams are thicker and last longer than lotions. Most hand creams are water-based, but people with dehydrated skin may want to use an oil-based cream. The oil will keep the water in your skin longer but leave a residue on your hands.

When Choosing a Moisturizer for Everyday use, be sure to Read the Ingredients:

Humectants like glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids, and urea pull moisture from the air around you onto your skin. They don’t work when the air is dry.

Plasticizers can be primarily water or oil-based. Emollients penetrate the spaces between the cells of the outer layer of skin. They replace the removed oils and soften your hands.

Most products contain a preservative, often several, to prevent bacteria from damaging them after the package has been opened. If your skin is sensitive, some preservatives can irritate it. Trial and error can help you figure out which ones work for you.

Fragrances can also cause irritation or allergies on contact. Avoid those that contain it, or find another that you can tolerate.

Test with Gloves

Gloves are essential for good hand care. There’s no point paying attention to the soap you use to wash your hands if you’re also exposing your hands to household cleaners. Wear gloves any time you plan to use harsh cleaning products.

Wear gloves when going out in winter. You can find white cotton gloves at most drug stores. You can also use them to cover your hands after wetting them at night. Not just so your hands don’t get cold. The gloves also prevent them from drying out or tearing in the winter air.

Protect your hands with sunscreen every time you go out in the sun, year-round. The back of the writing needs extra protection every day with a sunscreen rated at least SPF 15. A moisturizer that covers sunscreen with SPF 15 will work for you.