Daily hand care takes very little time, yet hands are the most neglected skin on the body. They are washed many times a day, plunged into detergent, exposed to sun and weather, and rarely given moisturizer or sunscreen. Three habits, washing well, moisturizing often and protecting, keep hands comfortable and healthy.
Why hands need special care
- The skin on the backs of the hands is thin, with few oil glands, so it dries and ages easily.
- The palms have thick skin and no oil glands at all.
- Hands meet water, soap, sanitizer and chemicals far more often than any other skin.
- The backs of the hands receive years of sun, which shows as brown spots and thinner skin.
Habit 1: Wash well, without stripping the skin
Clean hands are one of the most effective ways to prevent infections. The aim is to wash properly and limit the drying effect.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water. Lukewarm is kinder than hot.
- Lather with soap, including the backs of the hands, between the fingers and under the nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly. Leftover soap irritates.
- Dry completely with a clean towel, patting instead of rubbing. Dry between the fingers and under rings.
Soap or sanitizer?
- Use soap and water when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, before eating, and after using the toilet.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available. Rub it in until it is dry.
- A mild, fragrance-free soap is gentler for frequent washing.
Habit 2: Moisturize at the right moments
| When | What to use |
|---|---|
| After every wash | A light hand cream, applied while skin is slightly damp |
| After sanitizer has dried | Hand cream |
| After washing dishes or cleaning | A richer cream |
| At bedtime | A thick cream or ointment; cotton gloves if hands are very dry |
Massage the cream into the backs of the hands, the knuckles, the nails and the cuticles. Keep a tube at every sink, on your desk and in your bag. Hand Cream Ingredients: What to Look For explains which ingredients to look for.
Habit 3: Protect
From water and chemicals
Wear rubber or nitrile gloves, with a cotton lining, for washing dishes and cleaning. Wear sturdy gloves for gardening and DIY. See How to Protect Your Nails During Household Work.
From cold and wind
Wear gloves outdoors in cold weather. Cold, dry air cracks the skin of the knuckles and fingertips.
From the sun
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to the backs of your hands each morning, and reapply after washing when you are outdoors or driving. See Sunscreen for Hands: How to Add It to Your Routine.
A daily routine at a glance
| Time | Step |
|---|---|
| Morning | Moisturize; apply sunscreen to the backs of the hands |
| During the day | Wash gently; moisturize after each wash; gloves for wet work |
| Evening | Wash; apply a rich cream and cuticle oil. See Evening Hand and Foot Care: A Simple Routine |
| Weekly | File nails; gentle exfoliation of the hands, if skin is not sore |
Nails and cuticles
Keep nails clean and trimmed, and do not cut the cuticles. Rub hand cream into them every time. Clean under nails with a soft brush, not a sharp tool.
Signs your hands need more care
- Tightness or roughness after washing.
- Redness, stinging or itching.
- Cracks on the knuckles or fingertips.
- Peeling skin around the nails.
If these appear, follow Dry Hands from Washing: How to Adjust Your Routine.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your hands are red, cracked, blistered, weeping or very itchy, if the problem lasts more than a couple of weeks despite care, or if you see signs of infection, such as pus, swelling or spreading redness. Hand dermatitis is common in people who wash their hands often for work, and it is treatable.
Related on ArniSun
- Dry Hands from Washing: How to Adjust Your Routine
- Hand Cream Ingredients: What to Look For
- Sunscreen for Hands: How to Add It to Your Routine
- Evening Hand and Foot Care: A Simple Routine
- How to Protect Your Nails During Household Work
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
How often should I moisturize my hands?
After every wash, if you can, and at bedtime. Frequent, small applications work better than one large one.
Is hand sanitizer worse for skin than soap?
Both can be drying. Sanitizer with added moisturizers can be gentler than repeated washing, but soap and water are needed when hands are dirty.
Why are the backs of my hands so dry?
The skin there is thin and has few oil glands, and it is exposed to water, soap, weather and sun. Regular cream and gloves help.