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One of my favorite corners of social media is the ASMR beauty community that makes applying skincare look and sound so aesthetically pleasing. Recently, I came across a video titled “ASMR Handcare Routine” from digital creator Silvia Geng (@sylvia.geng) that made me stop and think, “Oh, do I need a hand care routine?” In the video, Geng shows off her impressive 7-step routine that includes exfoliating, shaving, a hand mask, and massage.
An extensive routine like Geng’s is most likely reserved for self-care pampering sessions and may not be your go-to. However, having a process for cleansing and moisturizing your hands is just as vital as maintaining a skin care and body care routine.
Do You Need an Anti-Aging Hand Care Routine?
We spend a lot of time with our hands and if you’re someone whose in the nail salon weekly or constantly swapping your imPRESS nails set your hands deserve another level of TLC. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), skin care for hands is as necessary as a facial skin care routine for the same skin-barrier repairing reasons. Irritants are more likely to penetrate the skin when the barrier is compromised from lack of moisture.
Many hand washes and sanitizers strip the skin of the natural oils it needs, leaving your hands, cuticles, and nails thirsting for nutrients. Anti-aging hand care routines and “regular” hand care are actually the same things since our hands don’t need a lot of products, just a consistent routine.
How to Create a Skin Care Routine for Your Hands?
Your everyday hand care routine, like your skin care routine, should work with your lifestyle. Regardless of your maintenance level, all skin care routines for hands should include a non-stripping hand wash, lotion or serum, and sunscreen. You may not follow this routine every time you wash your hands, but you may want to apply lotion each time.
Best Hand Wash for Hand Care Routines
Instead of using your favorite facial cleanser on your hands, pick a hand wash that will thoroughly cleanse your hands while introducing moisture. Be mindful of drying ingredients like SLS sulfates found in dish soaps and laundry detergents. Additionally, make sure you pick up a pair of rubber gloves when washing dishes to save your hands and manicure.
My inexpensive favorite is the Grove Co. Sunshower Hand Soap ($3.99) which has a creamy lather and light citrus scent that doesn’t leave my hands feeling tight afterward. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll bring out the L’Occitane Shea Hands & Body Ultra Rich Wash ($26), which is formulated with shea butter for a subtle scent and its skin-softening abilities.
Best Hand Lotion for Hand Care Routines
When it comes to hand creams, I’ll always recommend the tried and true that our mothers and their mothers have been using for decades. Simply; Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Body Lotion ($22.99), Curel Ultra Healing Hand and Body Lotion ($12.99), and Nivea Creme ($1.79). All of these products are infused with softening and healing ingredients that aren’t overly greasy and won’t irritate dry or sensitive skin types.
Best Sunscreen for Hands
Yes, your hands need sunscreen too. When you’re applying your skin care your hands are already getting some of the ingredients from your products. However, you’ll still want to apply a dedicated portion of sunscreen to your hands. This can help pro-long sun spots, minimize their appearance, and (in general) protect from the sun’s dangerous UV rays. You can use your regular facial sunscreen or body sunscreen for your hands. There are also dedicated products like the Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 ($14) which protects against UVA and UVB rays, quickly absorbs, and doesn’t leave behind a greasy texture.
Best Hand Treatments for Hand Care Routines
- For those who want extra pampering and don’t mind a multiple-step hand care routine, look for hand treatments, hand masks, and sleep gloves for ultimate hydration and anti-aging care.
- Add the ultimate anti-aging hand treatment to your routine (before-hand creams) with the Nécessaire The Hand Retinol ($35) formulated with exfoliants, vitamins, and peptides to renew the skin and minimize crepiness.
- If your hands are feeling extra dry, or just for a moment of self-care, use a hand mask glove like Mediheal Theraffin Hand Mask ($22), which works like a sheet mask but for your hands. All the good nutrients of shea butter, niacinamide, and argan oil coat the inside of the glove with a plastic exterior for a 20-minute, mess-free hand treatment.
- And for those who are really serious about hand care, get a pair of moisturizing gloves like the Kitsch Moisturizing Spa Gloves ($17.99), which have a gel inside to keep in your hand creams, serums, and treatments without getting everywhere. That way your skin can absorb all the hydrating and nourishing ingredients while you sleep.
Hand care routines aren’t meant to be another step of a skin care routine, but a continuation of caring for yourself and the hands that do a lot for us.
