In times of the coronavirus pandemic, experts recommend one thing above all: regular hand washing. Because germs are most likely to settle on the hands. If you then touch your face, pathogens can reach the mucous membranes and spread throughout the body. Frequent and long washing will quickly make the skin dry and brittle. With these tips, your hands stay soft.
Basically, drying out the skin can already be avoided when washing hands. When washing, moisture and fat are removed from the skin. Because hot water can be particularly harmful, it is better to keep your hands under lukewarm water. A pH-neutral soap is also helpful. Additional care can also help.
Hand bath with milk and olive oil
A hand bath can strengthen dry, cracked skin. And: You can easily do it yourself at home. All you need is a large bowl, a liter of milk and four tablespoons of olive oil. Warm up the milk and mix with oil in the bowl. Then bathe your hands in it for about ten minutes. This not only calms the stressed skin, but also strengthens the nails.
Another variant is the combination of lukewarm water, a teabag of chamomile and oil, also like jojoba oil or almond oil instead of the olive oil. A so-called hand bath gel is also available in the drugstore.
Hand mask or hand peeling
Glove masks and peels also promise velvety soft hands. They help remove old dander and promote cell renewal. Peels can be easily made by yourself: One option is to mix about five tablespoons of sea salt with a good dash of olive oil so that a smooth mass is created. Alternatively, honey and sugar can also be used. The honey makes the skin particularly soft and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Dried coffee grounds are another option. Mix about six tablespoons with three tablespoons of sugar and a little oil. Then apply generously to the hands and leave for ten minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. A positive side effect: the caffeine contained in the peeling also promotes blood circulation.
Soft hands overnight
Creams and oils are particularly well absorbed overnight. Another tip is therefore: Before going to bed, apply a thick layer of hand cream or oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, and then put on cotton gloves. The next day, the skin feels much more tender.
Fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of water
In addition to these beauty tricks, the right diet contributes an important part to skin health. For example, vitamins provide the skin with the necessary energy to prevent it from becoming brittle. Fresh fruit in particular, but also vegetables such as carrots, peppers or tomatoes are considered real power foods. The right fluid supply is also crucial. So that the skin and hands do not dry out, at least two liters of water should be drunk each day.