Reasons to add handcare to your skincare routine

When you hear the word ‘skincare’, you probably think of your face. Most of us put all our time and energy into looking after the skin on our face, and maybe for some of us, our body too. But how many of you take the same care with your hands? 

The skin on your hands is less porous than other areas of the body, but that doesn’t mean it deserves to be neglected. Maybe you rub your excess face products in, and while this is better than nothing, it certainly isn’t enough to keep the skin on your hands happy. The truth is, your hands are subject to much more throughout the day than your face. Multiple washes, harsh dish soaps, cleaning chemicals, and even the sun make your hands dry and irritated. They go through all this and still get pushed to the back of the queue when it comes to skincare. Here are some reasons you need to add handcare to your skincare routine.

Handcare slows down skin ageing

The general reason for face skincare is that the less moisturised the skin, the quicker wrinkles and fine lines appear. The same goes for your hands. Without adequate moisture, your hands will become dry and coarse and age faster than they would if you followed a proper handcare routine. Now there’s no need to go and buy a whole load of additional skincare products just for your hands. You can apply your face serums and creams to your hands to reap all the benefits without spending extra money.

Your hands have greater exposure to the sun

Your hands are the only part of your body that is rarely protected from the elements. We know the importance of wearing sunscreen on our faces, no matter the weather, but still, our hands are neglected. The skin on your hands is exposed to the same sun as your face, so it requires the same amount of care and attention. Wearing a hand cream that includes SPF20 or above is guaranteed to prevent sun damage and skin ageing. You can even use a face or regular body sunscreen for a layer of protection. It is important to remember that each time you wash your hands, sunscreen should be reapplied before going outside.

Prevents moisture loss

The skin has a protective barrier that holds in water, helping to keep it hydrated throughout the day. Every time you wash your hands and drink fluids, you add water to the top layer of the skin (epidermis). Whilst water hydrates the skin, soaps, and detergents draw moisture out of the skin, leaving it dry and flaky. This can be even worse if you have a dry skin condition like eczema. By using a moisturiser, you will help to prevent excessive water loss. Choosing a moisturiser that is packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides will give you added protection.

The importance of hand care post Covid

During the Coronavirus pandemic, our hands went through a lot. Excessive handwashing, wiping surfaces, and sanitising regularly contributed to many dry hands. Keeping clean helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Still, the harsh chemicals in many of these cleaning products are not as beneficial for the skin. Skin reactions such as contact dermatitis can occur when using alcohol hand gels and soaps, making them dry, sore, and irritated. As the amount of handwashing and cleaning has increased, so should the level of care and protection we give our hands. Investing in a good moisturising hand cream or using a thick face moisturiser will help you stay on top of dry hands. Alcohol-free sanitisers can help minimise irritation. Wearing gloves when cleaning or washing up will prevent your hands from drying.