Dreaming of hands that look as gorgeous as the ring on your finger?
It’s no surprise that getting engaged is such an exciting time for so many people. What’s the first thing everyone wants to do after popping the question and hearing “Yes!”? Take a selfie up close with that sparkly rock.
Hand care tip: Hands that are less than flattering next to an elegant 1 carat engagement ring won’t get many compliments, even from loved ones.
Dry skin, rough cuticles, sun spots and other visible damage can distract from a beautiful ring. That’s why hand skincare is so important.
Luckily, taking care of hands is incredibly simple. With a few easy tips and products that don’t break the bank, anyone can have photo-ready hands to match a stunning new diamond.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn:
- Why You Should Care About Hand Skincare
- The Best Daily Routine for Healthy Hands
- How to Prep Hands for the Ring Photo
- Long-Term Skincare Habits to Preserve Youthful Hands
- Sun Protection is Key for Your Hands
Let’s get started!
Why Hand Skincare is More Important Than Most People Think
Most people spend more money on facial skincare products than they do on hand care. It’s one of the most overlooked areas of any skincare routine.
But when there’s an elegant engagement ring drawing the eye to that hand, it’s time to step up the game.
Here are the facts:
The hands are one of the first areas of the body to show aging. Everyday exposure to the sun, soaps, detergents and water takes a toll. Skin starts to become dry, rough and lackluster.
Similar to how anyone would carefully shop around to find the perfect ring brand, the same effort should go into skincare. Leon Diamond has superior crafted rings that are meant to be worn and loved for many years. Don’t you want your hands to look just as good as your ring?
Just like a diamond needs professional maintenance to keep it shining bright, hands need regular care to stay youthful too.
Want to know what most people don’t know?
The majority of wrinkles and visible skin aging is caused by sun damage. According to dermatology research, up to 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Hands, neck and face are most at risk because they have had the most exposure over a lifetime.
Don’t forget your hands next time you apply sunscreen!
The Best Daily Hand Care Routine
The secret to perfect hands isn’t using 20 different creams and lotions every day. Basic hand care can be accomplished with only a few simple steps.
Here is what a daily routine should include:
Moisturize after washing your hands. Every time hands get washed, moisture gets stripped away. Make sure to replenish that lost hydration with a quality hand cream as soon as you dry off.
Avoid harsh cleansers. Stay away from anti-bacterial soaps. They can dry out and damage skin over time. Switch to a gentle cleanser that balances the pH levels on the skin.
Sunscreen. Hands should be included every time sunscreen gets applied. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
That’s all there is to it.
You’d be surprised how amazing skin will look and feel by just following these three steps.
3 Last Minute Tips to Prep Hands for Ring Photos
The wedding proposal happened last week and those hands need to look good in photos by this weekend. No sweat. There are a couple things that can give hands a “fake it till you make it” boost.
Exfoliate. Start with a gentle sugar scrub. Rub away the dead skin cells to instantly soften and brighten. Pay special attention to knuckles and areas where cuticles are dry and cracked.
Hydration. Apply a generous amount of hand cream or a hand mask. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes to allow the skin to fully absorb the moisture. For added intensity cover hands with cotton gloves to trap the heat.
Cuticle Care. Often overlooked, cuticle oil is a game changer. Place a drop on each nail and cuticles will look cared for and add just enough shine to photograph beautifully next to your ring.
Pro Tip: Take your hand selfie in natural lighting. Whether that’s near a window or outside doesn’t matter. Photos taken with natural light will make that diamond sparkle and your skin glow.
Building Long-Term Habits For Healthy Hands
Sure, there are a few quick tips to use in a pinch. But what happens when the wedding is months away?
That’s the perfect opportunity to build better skincare habits that will help maintain soft hands year-round.
Nighttime application. Give the skin time to absorb by applying hand cream or a retinol-based product at night. The body does a majority of its skin repairing during sleep anyways, so take advantage.
Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and shea butter. Not only do they attract moisture, but they help to lock it in and support the skin’s natural barrier.
Here’s a little hand care tip that is often forgotten…
Wear Gloves. Gloves are a hand’s best friend. Whether it’s washing dishes, cleaning house or doing outdoor gardening, gloves protect hands from harsh chemicals and hot water that dry out the skin.
Hands should be included in any annual skincare budget. The skincare industry generates over $196 billion globally and for good reason. Companies are coming out with new and improved formulas for all skin types. Wrinkled, dry or aged skin — everyone should be investing in hand cream.
Keep Your Hands Protected From The Sun
If there’s only one takeaway from this guide, let it be sunscreen.
Sun damage on the hands is one of the most preventable issues out there.
Here’s the reality:
Think about how often the backs of the hands are exposed. Driving, sitting at a desk near a window, walking outside. Most people don’t always realize how much sun their hands get throughout the day.
Eventually this exposure leads to sun spots, age spots and dull skin. Not to mention a loss of elasticity over time. When an elegant engagement ring sits on top of that hand, every blemish is highlighted when taking close up photos.
So how do you properly care for hands when it comes to sun damage?
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to the backs of your hands each morning
- Reapply after washing hands or every 2 hours when outside
- Driving gloves with UV protection are great for long commutes
- Use a hand cream with built-in SPF for easy application<
Prevention is always better than having to treat skin damage down the road.
Hand Care Tips to Look Your Best Next to Your New Ring – Wrap Up
Photo-ready hands don’t have to be difficult. Nor do they need to cost a lot of money.
Here’s a quick recap of everything you learned:
- Moisturize hands after every wash
- Protect hands from sun damage with SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Exfoliate and hydrate hands before ring photos
- Create a nightly hand care routine
- Always wear gloves when doing household chores
Time has been spent shopping around for the perfect ring to last a lifetime. Don’t forget to take care of the hands that will be wearing that 1 carat engagement ring for years to come.