We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love.
We put our hands through a lot—scrolling, typing, cleaning, carrying. Add in the hot and cold water, constant soap, and hand sanitiser, and it’s no surprise they end up dry, rough, and tired. Over time, that everyday wear shows up as flaking skin and nails that peel or chip for no reason. Meanwhile, we’re layering all kinds of treatments on our faces, but our hands? They rarely get that same energy.
There’s no big secret to it! Nothing fancy! Just what you’d do if your hands felt rough or your nails kept acting up, you don’t need to get everything right, and it doesn’t have to look like some perfect routine. It’s just about giving your hands a little bit more attention with something that works. Hands are often overlooked—until the skin feels tight every day and the nails start peeling or breaking for no apparent reason. Three steps, nothing over the top. Just enough to make your hands feel normal again. No long routines, no special tricks—just simple stuff that works when you’re consistent.
Simple Daily Handcare Routine
1. Exfoliant
Exfoliating your hands is one of those small steps that make a big difference. It helps slough off dead skin, smooth out rough spots, and refresh tired-looking hands. If your skin often feels dull or flaky, a gentle scrub can bring back that soft, clean-skin feeling without being harsh.
The key is to use something gentle—nothing rough or overly gritty. Options like SIDIA’s The Hand Exfoliant or Paume’s Exfoliating Hand Cleanser are made with soft, skin-friendly textures that smooth without causing irritation.
Paume Exfoliating Hand Cleanser
Sidia – The Hand Exfoliant
Grown Alchemist Exfoliating Hand Wash
2. Protect your nails
Nail protection can mean anything from a swipe of nourishing oil (yep, it works) to a full routine with base coats and light buffing. The good news? You don’t need much to notice a difference. Even a basic strengthening coat helps when nails feel soft, thin, or constantly peeling.
Even a simple base coat or quick oil rub before bed can help. It’s less about doing it perfectly and more about showing up for your nails so they stop breaking every few days.
Nailkale Superfood Base Coat
Manucurist • S.O.S. Base Coat
Essie Nail Care
3. Hand Serum
Hand serum isn’t just another layer. It’s lighter than cream, but still helps a lot, especially when your hands feel tight or dry no matter what you use. Some focus on hydration, others help with things like uneven tone or rough spots. You don’t need a lot. A drop or two rubbed in can calm everything down after a long day. If your hands feel overworked, this step just helps them settle.
Sidia – The Hand Serum
Hand Relief Renewal Serum
