Did you know that by age 30 skin-cell production decreases by 10 percent, making your skin less efficient at repairing itself.
Hand care needs to be a daily part of your life. As artists we use them more then most people, and we put them through a lot. I am really guilty of not taking care of my hands, and I have made a commitment to myself to do better. Here are some basics steps to taking care of our hands.
5 Simple Steps to Hand Care
Wash often
Our hands come in contact with so many things during the day it is important to wash them often. Make sure you dry your hands well, leaving them wet makes way for bacteria and germs.
Moisturize
You should moisturize each time you wash your hands to keep them soft. I know that is not always a option, so do it as often as possible. Use the best moisturizer for your skin, and don't forget to moisturizer before bed.
Exfoliate
You should do this once a week, but you could do it a couple of times if necessary. A simple DIY rub is some sugar with a small amount of olive oil rubbed into your hands in a circular motions. Then wash with warm water. If you prefer, their are a variety of scrubs available for purchase.
Don't neglect your nails and cuticles
When you shower gently push your cuticles back with a wash cloth, and always moisturize your hands. You can also do an oil dip to help keep you cuticles soft and your nails healthy. All you need to do is add a few drops of olive oil to a large bowl of water and soak them for 10 minutes. Remove and towel dry.
Hand massage
Getting a hand massage is great for relieving tension, relaxing the muscles in your hands, and a special treat if you can get one. If not self hand massages are just as effective. Click here for some basic techniques for massaging your tired hands.
Taking care of your number one tool, will make them work for you as long as you need them. Don't neglect your hands they need as much care as our bodies. Take time out of your day to take care of your hands.
Do you have a hand care regiment?
Posts
I wash them a lot....mostly b/c we don't have a dishwasher so I'm doing dishes a few times a day. I try to remember the lotion but I've been bad at that lately.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! Hands are so important. I can't imagine not being able to sew! A hand massage now and then would be lovely :)
ReplyDeleteI like that quick exfoliant idea, I will try that. I'm guilty of not moisturizing enough, especially in the winter. Thanks for these tips ♥
ReplyDeleteSo important indeed! In the wintertime my hands often get too dry and I always have a moisturizing or nourishing cream close by. I have to admit that I haven't ever thought of exfoliating my hands though! So thank you for the tip :)
ReplyDeleteI do have a hand care regiment, but I could definitely step it up a notch. My hands get dry easily, especially in the winter, and they need all the help they can get. I love the idea of exfoliating.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff! I need to work on moisturizing more. I wash my hands so often, they get really dry (even more so during winter). I'll have to try that oil dip too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Valerie. =0)
~Kim
Thanks for the reminder Valerie! You are so right about taking care of our number one tools!
ReplyDeleteMmmm. A hand massage sounds SO good.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me to take better care of my tools. Jewelry design is tuff on the hands. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteLori in Atlanta
I am always worried about my hands. I suffer from ezcema and it's primarily on my hands so I have to be extra careful with the lotions and things I use. Another good advice is to be careful with how much you are at the computer. You can give your carpal tunnel with too much typing. I crocheted a huge blanket in a month and I got tendinitis. I have to take it easy now sometimes.
ReplyDelete