𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋ 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵, 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘩

𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋ 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵, 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴

A complete guide to hand care for the porcelain dolls among us

While you certainly don't need ten steps involving harsh exfoliation, that weird red serum from the Ordinary or baking your hands in plastic gloves, taking care of your hands can be very rewarding, seeing as you essentially stare at them all day every day.

Let's clear some misinformation: you cannot make your fingers physically longer, no matter how many hand exercises you do. The length of your fingers is reliant on your genetics, and what kind of activities you did while your bones were still growing (Which is why pianists have such beautiful hands). You can, however, change the texture of your skin, correct hyperpigmentation and increase flexibility of and circulation in your hands.

Strategies

Before going to sleep, massage a hydrating moisturiser or lotion into your hands, and cover with cotton gloves. Alternatively, you could wait until the product is absorbed to go to bed.

Wear sunscreen: SPF 50 is best. Try to reapply after washing your hands, and every two hours if you're in the sun. UV rays cause 'photo-aging' (aka wrinkles, rough texture and moles) and can contribute to skin cancers. Use a non-comedogenic, mattifying sunscreen (As to not rub the product off when using your hands).

Keep nails trimmed, filed and at an appropriate length: If you play a string instrument, you know that long nails are a no-go. The same goes for gardening, volleyball, a job that involves typing, etc.

If your nails are stripy, this usually indicates a protein, vitamin A or zinc deficiency. Different people are more susceptible, but I recommend a well-rounded multivitamin supplement. (Or, better yet, improving your diet)

Ingredients to look for

Glycerin: a gentle and universally compatible humectant

Shea butter: a natural ingredient for deep hydration

vitamin E: an inflammatory antioxidant with natural sun protection

Ceramides: lipids naturally produced by the skin, which restore and maintain the skin barrier

Urea: combats roughness and dry texture through its keratolytic properties.

SPF: at lest 30, to prevent photo-aging and skin cancers

+ Cotton gloves: synthetic materials like polyester aren't very breathable and can cause irritation

What to avoid

Exposing your hands to cleaning chemicals: wear rubber gloves when cleaning the kitchen, washing the dishes or the car.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers: extremely drying to the skin, and can cause roughness and cracking.

Fragranced soaps: fragrance in any beauty product is a bad idea, as it is drying and an acne, rosacea and eczema trigger.

Biting at your fingernails: not only does this make your nails look unsightly, it is also very unhygienic, as dirt and germs accumulate underneath them throughout the day.

Picking at cuticles: consider a fidget / sensory toy to keep your hands busy.

Extra: how to do a hand massage

Massages improve circulation and relax muscles that we use strenuously. Almost everyone uses their hands all day to do all sorts of tasks, so this is universal.

Apply an oil, lotion or Vaseline to reduce friction

Press your thumb into your palm, and move in circles around the centre.

Take each finger at a time and close a fist around it, pressing down and sliding upwards, like you're getting toothpaste out of a tube.

Press your one thumb onto the muscle of the other, on your palm, and move around that muscle to relieve tension.

Press the very tips of your fingers between your index finger and thumb.

Anyhow, that's all. Hope you've found at least one thing helpful!