Our hands are essential tools that we use daily for everything from typing on a keyboard to cooking and even communicating. Yet, they often go unnoticed when it comes to self-care. I remember my mother told me she sat next to a plastic surgeon and Jackie Collins years ago at a dinner in LA. The surgeon commented on her hands and how beautiful they were but also told her that's one of parts of the body that you can't really "lift" so to make sure that you take care of them.
That conversation always struck me and I've tried to do things to protect them. Self care for the hands is important. It not only makes your hands look good, but also keeps them functioning smoothly for years to come. In this post, I’ll dive into three simple yet effective ways to care for your hands: moisturising and protecting them with creams and sunscreen, doing hand exercises, and giving them a relaxing massage.
1. Moisturizing and Using Sunscreen
Your hands are constantly exposed to harsh elements like sun, water, and chemicals, which can lead to dryness, cracking, and premature aging. Regularly moisturising your hands helps lock in moisture and maintain skin elasticity. Look for creams rich in nourishing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and aloe vera.
Sunscreen is another key factor in keeping your hands healthy. While many people remember to protect their face and body from the sun, hands are often neglected, leading to sunspots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be applied to your hands, especially when driving or spending time outdoors.
Benefits of Moisturising and Sunscreen:
- Prevents dryness, cracking, and irritation
- Reduces signs of aging, like wrinkles and sunspots
- Protects against harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer
My favourite creams are
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Invisible Fluid SPF 30
- Avène Very High Protection Sun
- Aesop hand balm
- Gallinee creme mains
- Typologie Baume mains
2. Hand Exercises
Your hands contain numerous muscles, tendons, and joints that can become stiff and weak over time, especially if you spend long hours typing or doing repetitive motions. Hand exercises are a great way to improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and prevent conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Start with simple stretches like finger extensions, squeezing a stress ball, or wrist circles. You can also use a resistance band for more advanced hand exercises. Not only do these exercises promote mobility and strength, but they also improve blood circulation, which is essential for joint health.
I do these exercises throughout the day and as I am cleaning the house for example.
Benefits of Hand Exercises:
- Strengthens hand muscles, reducing the risk of injury
- Increases flexibility and range of motion
- Prevents conditions like arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome
My favourite videos
3. Hand Massage
Massaging your hands is a simple yet powerful way to relieve tension, improve circulation, and keep your hands feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. A hand massage can help ease pain from overuse, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow, which nourishes the muscles and tissues. Regular hand massages can also help alleviate symptoms of carpal tunnel and arthritis by releasing pressure on the joints and tendons.
You can massage your own hands by applying a bit of lotion or oil and using your thumb to press into the muscles of your palm, fingers, and wrists. Pay extra attention to any sore areas and work through any stiffness or tension you feel. You can also try using a hand roller or massage ball for deeper relaxation. I find that I do these excercises when I am reading something or watching television.
Benefits of Hand Massage:
- Eases tension and pain in the muscles and joints
- Improves circulation, promoting healing and relaxation
- Reduces stiffness and inflammation in hands and wrists
My favourite videos
Caring for your hands goes beyond just keeping them soft and smooth. It helps maintain their strength, flexibility, and functionality. By incorporating moisturising with sunscreen, doing hand exercises, and indulging in regular hand massages, you can ensure your hands remain healthy and pain-free for the long run.
These simple steps make a significant difference in your overall well-being and should not be overlooked. Your hands work hard for you every day—show them the care they deserve! Let me know if this has been helpful...and also wear your favourite jewellery pieces too!
