13 of 19

Write now Article Tools

I have been complimented a number of times on the softness of my hands. Now admittedly I do work at a computer keyboard all day for my job. However, I do work around the home with gardening, shoveling and a wide variety of other tasks which are tough on hands. For these tasks I usually try to wear leather work gloves. They provide protection from calluses and prevent dirt and grime from being ground into the skin of my hands.

While doing house work, a large number of tasks including washing dishes are done sans gloves of any kind. However, I do buy a box of surgical gloves for tasks that require my hands to be in caustic cleaning solutions. They aid in keeping the skin of my hands from becoming irritated and damaged. Once the skin is damaged it takes time to heal no matter how much lotion I add.

I have also have found that some hand soaps are extremely drying. The washrooms at my place of employment use a soap that has an extremely drying effect on the skin of my hands. I keep a bottle of hand lotion containing Aloe as an ingredient at my desk. I like using a hand lotion that contains Aloe. I have been using it for years and the skin on my hands appear to respond well to its soothing qualities. I have used a wide range of brands but always select a lotion containing Aloe.

There is no one specific regimen that I use concerning when to apply or not to apply hand lotion. I let the skin of my hands indicate when it is needed. I can feel when the skin is getting rough by just rubbing my fingers together. In extreme instances, especially during winter I can feel the back of my hands becoming chapped and irritated. When I sense that the hands need lotion I put a daub in the center of one palm and rub it in on all surfaces until my hands are dry. There are days where I may lotion my hands multiple times a day and at other times days could pass before I use lotion on my hands again. This method of using hand lotion is effective and keeps hands smooth without that greasy skin feeling.

A recommendation for the men, you need not visit a manicurist but do trim your nails to prevent them from chipping and cracking. Rough nails are a turn off to the ladies in your life. When adding lotion to your hands make sure you smooth some over your nails from time to time since they are skin and need the same care as the rest of your hands. You will find that the women in your life do appreciate your taking time to care for your hands. You can still have masculine looking hands that have a man's strength but feel soft and smooth to the touch. Yes women do appreciate soft hands on the man in their life.

Yes, working hands can be kept soft with minimal effort. Protect your hands whenever possible. Use gloves while doing heavy duty tasks. Use lotion as needed and you should be fine. I have been doing this for decades and it has worked for me.

Learn more about this author, Richard Bramante.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to keep working hands soft?
We want to hear your view. Write now!