Four Easy Steps to Pampered Hands

Step one: Clean your hands. If you are going to pamper you rhands, start with amild cleanser with a moisturizer built into it. You will want to take time to wash them really well, removing any bacteria, etc. that could possibl be on them. Wash between each finger, and around the nail beds really well. Get a nice scrub going, but be gentle so that you do not upbraid the skin on your hands.

Step two: Dry your hands thoroughly. Not drying your hands all the way can have a similar affect on your hands as a wet diaper can have on a baby. Instead of diaper rash, however, you might have some chaffing, and it will lead to your hands drying out, which can lead to cracking, bleeding, and a number of other problems. So, after washing hands, use a dry towel to thoroughly dry your hands, paying special attention to the crevices between fingers, and the area around nail beds. Bacteria festers and grows in moisture, so don’t give it a place to grow on your hands.

Step three: Apply an SPF moisturizer liberally. The UV rays of the sun can cause your hands to age prematurely. It can cause the skin to break down, to toughen, to change colors (tan), and to dry out. Basically it is a lot of damage to the skin, so pamper your hands by making a good sunscreen a part of your daily routine. If you can find a moisturizer with an SPF in it, this will help you cut down on one of the steps to pamper your hands. Even if you don’t think you will be outside much, it is better to be safe than sorry, so apply a good SPF, of at least 15.

Step four: Moisturize. It is important that your skin on your hands stays moist enough to be pliant and supple. If it gets too dry it can crack, bleed, etc. The hand skin is important, but so are your cuticles. Hangnails, and cuticle infections almost always start from them drying out. Part of pampering your hands is keeping your nail beds in good shape so don’t neglect them. Use a moisturizer specially designed for hand skin, and one without too much perfumes or scents. Rub on a cuticle moisturizer as well. If you want the moisturizers to be even more effective, put on gloves, or put your hands in a sock after you put them on, and overnight, so that they have a chance to do their magic.

When pampering your hands, just remember that preventing is your best bet for having hands that can withstand the abuse and rigors of everyday life. Do not allow your hands to get so dry, or sunburned, or your nail beds to get dirty, etc. leading to infection. Keep your hands happy, and you will be happier for it.