A 5-Minute Hand Care Routine for Soft Hands

November 13, 2022

By: Truly Beauty

hand care routine | closeup of woman squeezing tube of hand cream onto hand

Discover our quick hand care routine for soft, glowing hands that make your manicure really pop.

Your hands are the hardest-working part of your body and often the first to show signs of aging. Yet, a dedicated hand care routine is usually the last thing we think about! The good news? You can achieve soft, smooth hands and healthy cuticles in just five minutes.

If you've been neglecting your hands, it's time to start showing them a little more TLC. Here's how!

Your 5-Minute Hand Care Routine

Here's a quick routine for your hands to keep them looking their best.

Step 1. Exfoliate

Gently exfoliate your hands with a mild scrub, massaging in circular motions for about a minute before rinsing.

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that make hands look dull and dry. By exfoliating your hands once a week, you can look forward to smoother texture, brighter-looking skin, and better absorption of any products you apply afterward.

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Step 2. Moisturize

Next up, apply a nourishing hand cream or moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp, taking two minutes to massage it into your palms, cuticles, and the backs of your hands.

Hands lose moisture quickly, especially with frequent washing or cold weather. We recommend moisturizing them 1-2 times per day for hydrated, softer skin, and a more supple, youthful appearance.

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Step 3. Protect With SPF

Finish your hand care routine by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to the backs of your hands and blending it in evenly.

The skin on the hands is thin and one of the first areas to show signs of aging from sun exposure. Applying sunscreen daily gives your hands protection from UV damage, resulting in fewer dark spots, and reduced premature aging.

WHY DO YOUR HANDS NEED A SKINCARE ROUTINE?

A daily hand care routine is essential because the skin on your hands is thinner and has fewer oil glands than other areas, making it highly susceptible to dryness, environmental damage, and premature aging (like age spots). Consistent, quick care prevents chapping, keeps the skin barrier strong, and keeps your hands nice and soft.

"We forget that we need to exfoliate our hands and moisturize them just as we would our face," says dermatopathologist Gretchen Frieling. "Hands also tend to be dryer than our faces because they have fewer sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, an oily substance that helps protect the skin by keeping it lubricated and waterproof."

Alongside this, hands aren't protected by clothing or, for the most part, sunscreen. That leaves them susceptible to the sun's UV rays which can trigger signs of aging in the form of fine lines, dark spots, and dryness.

A simple hand care routine will keep your hands looking and feeling their best. And the best part? You can do it in under five minutes.

FAQ: Hand Care Routine

• What is the best hand care routine?

The best hand care routine includes exfoliating, moisturizing, and applying SPF daily. This combo keeps your hands smooth, hydrated, and protected from aging.

• How often should I exfoliate my hands?

For a healthy hand care routine, exfoliate 1–2 times per week to remove dead skin and boost softness without irritation.

• Why should I moisturize in my hand care routine?

Moisturizing restores hydration, softens cuticles, and keeps your hands looking plump and youthful — especially if you wash them often.

• Do I need sunscreen in my hand care routine?

Yes! SPF is essential for preventing dark spots and premature aging. Applying sunscreen to the backs of your hands is a key step in any effective hand care routine.