Taking care of our hands is more important than we often realize. Our hands are an extension of ourselves, a means of connection, and a way to express our creativity. They help us navigate through the world and connect with others. But with constant use, exposure to the elements, and everyday wear and tear, our hands can become dry, cracked, and rough.

That's why a hand care routine is crucial to maintaining healthy, soft, and supple hands. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the benefits of a regular hand care routine, provide tips on how to take care of your hands, and recommend products to craft the ultimate hand care routine.

Benefits of a Daily Hand Care Routine

Creating a hand care routine may seem like a small task, but the benefits it can provide are significant. Here are some of the top benefits of establishing a hand care routine:

• Maintain Soft and Supple Hands: Keeping your hands soft and supple is important to prevent dryness and cracking. A personalized hand care routine can help you achieve this goal by providing the necessary moisturization and hydration your hands need.

• Improve Hand Hygiene: Hand hygiene is crucial to maintaining overall health, and a hand care routine can complement this practice. By incorporating products that promote cleanliness and nourishment, you can ensure that your hands are healthy and well-cared for.
• Prevent Premature Skin Aging: Exposure to the sun and environmental factors can accelerate the aging process for your hands. However, by including anti-aging and sunscreen products in your hand care routine, you can more easily protect your skin from damage and maintain a youthful appearance.

• Promote Relaxation and Self-Care: A hand care routine is not only beneficial for your skin but can also provide a moment of relaxation and self-care. Taking the time to pamper your hands has the potential to help reduce stress and promote overall well-being knowing that you are prioritizing self-care.

• Enhance Nail Health: Your hand care routine can also contribute to the health of your nails. By keeping your hands moisturized and exfoliated, you can encourage healthy nail growth and prevent them from becoming brittle and weak.

How to Develop a Daily Hand Care Routine

Developing a daily hand care routine doesn't have to be complicated. However, with so many hand care products on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones that provide real value. By understanding your skin type, hand care needs, and the ingredients that work best for you, you can create a personalized hand care routine that nourishes and protects the skin on your hands.

Step #1: Wash Your Hands

Start by washing your hands thoroughly with warm water and a gentle hand soap like Archipelago’s Milk Hand Wash or Grapefruit Hand Wash. Be sure to lather the soap all over your hands, including the backs of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your nails. This will remove any dirt and bacteria from your hands.

In the case that you don’t have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Apply enough sanitizer to cover your hands completely, rubbing them together until dry.

Step #2: Moisturize

After washing and drying your hands, it's important to moisturize them to maintain hydration and prevent dryness or cracking. However, not all hand crèmes are made equal and choosing the right hand crème can make all the difference in supporting the health and appearance of your hands.

In fact, a common question we hear is, “Are hand crèmes all that different from lotions?”

Hand crème and lotion are both products used to moisturize the skin, but they serve different purposes. Hand crème is specifically designed to moisturize the skin on the hands, which is typically thicker and more prone to dryness than other areas of the body. Hand crème is also formulated to protect the skin on the hands from environmental stressors like sun, wind, and cold weather.

Lotion, on the other hand, is a more general term used to describe a variety of moisturizing products. While body lotion can be used on the hands, it is not specifically formulated for that purpose. Lotion tends to be lighter in texture and may not provide the same level of protection and hydration as hand crème.

We recommend trying out the hand crème from Archipelago’s, such as the Morning Mint Hand Crème, Lavender Hand Crème, or Oat Milk Hand Crème. These creams are made with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and oat milk to provide your hands with the hydration they need to look and feel their best. Additionally, their subtle and luxurious scents can help to elevate your hand care routine into a relaxing and indulgent experience. Don't be afraid to try different hand crèmes until you find the perfect one for your unique skin type and preferences.

Step #3: Apply Sunscreen

Your hands deserve some extra love and protection, especially when you're out and about. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 will help shield your hands from harmful UV rays and prevent premature aging.

If you're prone to dry skin or live in a cold climate, consider using a pair of gloves to lock in moisture and protect your hands from the elements. And if you're feeling fancy, indulge in a hand mask or treatment to pamper your skin and promote relaxation. Remember, your hands work hard for you every day, so show them some TLC with some added protection.

Step #4: Exfoliate

Exfoliating your hands is a crucial step in maintaining their look and feel. Using a gentle hand scrub once or twice a week can help to remove dead skin cells, promote cell turnover, and reveal smoother, brighter skin.

We recommend trying one of Archipelago’s Hand Scrubs, such as the Oat Milk Body Scrub or the Charcoal Rose Body Scrub. These luxurious scrubs are formulated with natural ingredients that gently buff away rough, dry patches on the skin, leaving your hands feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Simply apply a small amount to damp hands, massage gently in circular motions for 1-2 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. Your hands will thank you for this pampering treatment.

Step #5: Nourish Your Nails

Don't forget to care for your nails as well! After all, healthy nails are a key component of beautiful hands. Massage a nourishing cuticle oil into your nail beds to keep them moisturized and promote healthy nail growth. You can also use a nail buffer to gently smooth the surface of your nails and remove any ridges or bumps.

Natural Hand Care Powered by Archipelago

As you can see, incorporating natural and nourishing hand care products into your daily routine can make a world of difference in the health and appearance of your hands. By choosing Archipelago’s line of natural body care products, you're not only giving your hands the care they deserve, but you're also supporting environmentally conscious and sustainable practices.

At Archipelago, we believe that taking care of your hands is an essential part of self-care and should be enjoyable, too! So go ahead, treat yourself to a luxurious hand scrub, lather on a creamy hand crème, and revel in the softness of your hands.

Remember, your hands are often the first point of contact with the world, and they deserve the best care possible. So don't neglect them! Implement the tips and recommendations provided in this guide, and your hands will thank you for years to come.