Having healthy, young looking skin is a top priority for many of us and when thinking about how to keep our skin looking youthful we tend to think about our face. However, keeping our hands healthy is just as important. Our hands are constantly being exposed to external factors such as cold climates, wind, water and household cleaning supplies, all of which can cause our hands to dry, chap and crack. We have some simple tips you can follow that will help you achieve the goal of having healthy well moisturized hands.

Wear Gloves

We do not tend to think about how much exposure our hands have to water but if you stop to think about it, it is a lot. When you do the dishes, clean your house, cook and wash your hands, your hands are getting wet. As your hands dry moisture is drawn out of your skin causing them to chap and crack. A great way to protect your hands from too much water is to wear rubber gloves while doing household chores. Not only will your hands stay dry but they will also be protected from household cleansers and soaps both of which can be damaging to your skin. While outside during the fall and winter months wear gloves. Gloves will help prevent exposure to cold temperatures and wind, which dry out your hands. Wearing gloves while out in public also helps prevent exposure to germs. The less you touch things when you are out and about the less you need to wash your hands.

Moisturize

Use a moisturizing cream or lotion throughout the day. A great way to add moisture back to your hands is by moisturizing them. Put a convenient travel size cream in your purse, car and desk drawer at work. Every few hours rub some cream or lotion onto your hands for added hydration.

Before bed moisturize your hands with your favorite cream, lotion or oil. Immediately after applying your moisturizer, put on cotton gloves. The gloves will help lock in moisture and you will wake to softer, more supple hands.

If you prefer an all natural moisturizer, 100% Cocoa Butter and 100% Coconut Oil are great options. Both products absorb quickly into the skin and are non-greasy. A great 100% Natural option!

Don’t over sanitize

Limit your use of antibacterial hand sanitizers. These products may help kill germs and reduce the chance of getting a cold or the flu but too much will dry out your hands. Antibacterial hand sanitizers contain a lot of alcohol which can cause your hands to become dry, crack and peel.

Incorporating these few simple tips into your daily routine will help you keep your hands well moisturized and protected. You will have young looking, healthy hands for years to come.