As with the face or body, our hands require a care routine adapted to our needs and our lifestyle (manual or outdoor work, heavy use of disinfectant, etc.). How is the skin of the hands made? How to find soft hands? What beauty treatment should you give them? Which products to choose for your hands? Overview of Centifolia advice.
Zoom on the skin of the hands
Our hands allow us to touch, caress, write, grasp… They are the most sensitive part of the body and allow us to perform very precise movements (fine motor skills). To promote this sense, the skin on our hands is different from that of other parts of our body. The skin of the palms of the hands is in almost permanent contact with an object or surface, so the skin is thicker and does not have hair. Less stressed, the skin on the back of the hand is thinner. Furthermore, the skin on our hands is naturally dry because it has few sebaceous glands (glands responsible for the synthesis and secretion of sebum, whose role is to protect the skin).
These specificities make our hands more vulnerable to external aggressions (sun, repeated use of disinfectant lotion or overly aggressive products, pollution, etc.) and to seasonal changes. Through their almost permanent contact with surfaces (door handles, transmission of objects from hand to hand, etc.), our hands are also a formidable reservoir of biodiversity, welcoming numerous bacteria and viruses. Which highlights the importance of hand hygiene to prevent the risk of illness and ensure their comfort throughout the day.
Wash your hands well
As soon as a water point is available, we advise you to wash your hands with water and a natural hand cleanser such as plant-based soaps or a lipid-replenishing cleansing oil. Hand washing should be done after sneezing, coughing, being in contact with a sick person, blowing your nose, going to the toilet or before eating. Here are the 5 essential steps to wash your hands properly before applying your cream:
• Run your hands under cold water or preferably lukewarm water because hot water degrades the skin’s hydrolipidic film.
• Apply a dose of organic hand cleaner.
• Rub your hands with the soap, working into a lather, for 30 seconds, working up to above the wrists, over and under the fingers, between the fingers, under the nails, on the palms and backs of the hands.
• Rinse your hands carefully using a clean towel.
• Use a towel or your elbow to turn off the tap if you are not at home.
Ideally, it is advisable to apply a moisturizer or moisturizing cream after each hand washing or disinfection, because part of the lipids which protect the epidermis are eliminated. Care should therefore not be neglected.
Choosing a moisturizing hand treatment
Due to its role and its specificities, the skin of the hands has a greater tendency to dry out. To take care of it, you should choose a hand treatment adapted to your needs. So, which products to choose?
• Very dry and rough hands, prone to chapping: use an extra rich cream, a treatment which has a nourishing and restorative effect (especially for fragile areas such as the knuckles), such as SOS Body Balm which nourishes and soothes the dry and fragile skin of the whole family. For very dry hands you can also use organic shea butter.
• Feeling of daily discomfort, tightness, skin prone to redness: maintain the hydration level of the skin of the hands and nails with a moisturizer, such as Neutral Moisturizing Cream, a treatment that is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive. We advise you to choose a cream without a greasy effect, which is quickly absorbed by the skin so that you can use it throughout the day.
• Hands prone to skin aging: ensure skin hydration while fighting against aging with an organic vegetable oil such as Inophyle Calophyll Oil, this oil is a treatment particularly renowned for its stimulating properties.
If your hands are dry and damaged, do not hesitate to reread our advice for protecting and caring for your hands right down to the tips of your nails with a suitable beauty care routine.
