As we age, our skin becomes less elastic and begins to lose its moisture, which can lead to dry and rough hands. However, by following some simple tips, you can keep your hands soft and healthy even as you age. Here are 30 ways to keep your hands soft.
1. Moisturize Regularly
The most important thing you can do to keep your hands soft is to moisturize on a regular basis. When choosing a hand cream, look for one that is rich in emollients, like glycerin or petroleum jelly, which will help to lock in moisture.
2. Use Gloves
Wearing gloves when you are cleaning, cooking, or doing other tasks that can dry out your hands can help to protect your skin. Look for gloves that are made of a breathable material like cotton.
3. Avoid Hot Water
Hot water can be very drying to your skin. When washing your hands or doing any other tasks where you come into contact with water, use lukewarm water instead of hot.
4. Choose Soaps Wisely
Avoid soaps that contain harsh detergents or fragrances, as these can be drying to your skin. Look for gentle, moisturizing soaps that are designed for sensitive skin.
5. Exfoliate
Gently exfoliating your hands once or twice a week can help to remove dead skin cells and improve the texture of your skin. Look for a gentle scrub that is designed for use on your hands.
6. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
7. Use a Humidifier
If you live in a dry climate or have a heating or cooling system that dries out the air in your home, using a humidifier can help to keep your skin hydrated. Aim for a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent.
8. Wear Sunscreen
The sun can be very damaging to your skin, causing it to become dry and rough. Protect your hands from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
9. Use Hand Masks
Hand masks are a great way to pamper your hands and keep them soft and moisturized. Look for a mask that contains ingredients like shea butter, honey, or avocado oil.
10. Avoid Alcohol-Based Products
Alcohol can be very drying to your skin. Look for hand sanitizers, toners, and other products that are alcohol-free.
11. Use Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer that can help to soothe and hydrate your skin. Look for a hand cream or lotion that contains aloe vera.
12. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals can help to keep your skin healthy from the inside out. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
13. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for healthy skin. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
14. Massage Your Hands
Massaging your hands can help to improve blood flow and promote healthy skin. Use a gentle touch and a moisturizing oil or lotion.
15. Take a Milk Bath
A milk bath is a great way to pamper your hands and keep them soft and moisturized. Add one to two cups of milk to a warm bath and soak your hands for 10 to 15 minutes.
16. Apply Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is a great way to lock in moisture and keep your hands soft and smooth. Apply a thin layer to your hands before bed and wear gloves overnight.
17. Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help to keep your hands soft and hydrated. Apply a small amount to your hands and massage gently.
18. Try Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender, rose, and chamomile can help to soothe and hydrate your skin. Add a few drops to your hand cream or lotion.
19. Apply Shea Butter
Shea butter is rich in emollients that can help to lock in moisture and keep your hands soft. Look for a hand cream or lotion that contains shea butter.
20. Use Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a natural moisturizer that can help to soothe and hydrate your skin. Look for a hand cream or lotion that contains oatmeal.
21. Apply Almond Oil
Almond oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help to keep your hands soft and healthy. Apply a small amount to your hands and massage gently.
22. Try Yogurt
Yogurt is a natural moisturizer that can help to soothe and hydrate your skin. Apply a thin layer to your hands and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off.
23. Use Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a natural moisturizer that is very similar to the oils that your skin produces. Apply a small amount to your hands and massage gently.
24. Apply Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help to keep your hands soft and healthy. Apply a small amount to your hands and massage gently.
25. Try Honey
Honey is a natural moisturizer that can help to soothe and hydrate your skin. Apply a thin layer to your hands and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off.
26. Use Almond Milk
Almond milk is a natural moisturizer that can help to keep your hands soft and hydrated. Apply a thin layer to your hands and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off.
27. Apply Rosewater
Rosewater is a natural moisturizer that can help to soothe and hydrate your skin. Apply a small amount to your hands and massage gently.
28. Try Shea Butter and Olive Oil
Shea butter and olive oil are both rich in emollients that can help to lock in moisture and keep your hands soft and smooth. Mix equal parts of shea butter and olive oil and apply to your hands.
29. Apply Cucumber
Cucumber is a natural moisturizer that can help to soothe and hydrate your skin. Apply thin slices of cucumber to your hands and let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off.
30. Try Glycerin
Glycerin is a natural moisturizer that can help to keep your hands soft and hydrated. Look for a hand cream or lotion that contains glycerin.