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Not only are dry, flaky hands uncomfortable, they don't look good and aren't comfortable for holding or shaking. Beat your dead skin with the no-fail overnight moisturizing method, using an exfoliant, moisturizer, and gloves. Read on at Step One for instructions on getting super soft skin overnight.
Steps
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Select a moisturizer. Super soft hands don’t come without the right products; any old moisturizer won’t do, if you want the silkiest skin. Find a moisturizing cream that is specifically advertised for use on hands. Hand creams are typically much thicker than a regular lotion, and have more nutrients needed for softening rough hands (which tend to be the driest part of your body). If your moisturizer is runny or thin, it probably won’t do the job you need to get super soft hands. [1] X Research source
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Choose a good exfoliant. Exfoliants are used to scrub off the dead skin on your hands, both before and after moisturizing. The reason your hands feel rough to begin with, is because of the dead skin that is present. You can scrub this off, and then the fresh skin underneath is exposed. Exfoliants can be store-bought, or you can create your own. Try one of the following homemade recipes: [2] X Research source
- Sugar and olive oil, mixed into a paste
- Ground oatmeal and milk, mixed into a paste
- Coffee grounds and coconut oil, mixed into a paste
- Baking soda and water, mixed into a paste [3] X Research source
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Find a pair of cotton gloves. Using the overnight method for soft hands involves a set of gloves or mittens to seal in moisture. [4] X Expert Source R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 14 May 2021. There are some specialty spa gloves available for getting soft hands overnight; these have a permanent gel that lines the gloves, that helps to lock moisture into your hands. Otherwise, any pair of knit or cotton gloves or mittens will work.- If you don’t have any gloves, you can always use a clean pair of socks.
- If you have exfoliator gloves, made from a rough loofah-like material, you can wear those as well.
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Exfoliate your hands. Go to the sink and run warm water; wet your hands completely, washing them if necessary.Take your exfoliant, and scoop about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of it out into your hands. Rub this thoroughly over each of your hands for 3-5 minutes. When you’re finished scrubbing, turn the water back on and rinse your hands off. Dry your hands completely. [5] X Research source
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Add your moisturizer. Put a dab of cream about the size of a quarter onto each hand; it may seem like a lot, but it will soak into your skin overnight. Massage the cream into each of your hands, spending time on the palms, between your fingers, and around your cuticles. Feel free to carry the moisturizer up your arms slightly, to soften the skin around your wrists as well. Don’t worry if your hands feel greasy or you think you have too much. [6] X Research source
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Put on your gloves. The concept behind the gloves (or mittens, or socks) is that they will trap the moisture inside, forcing the cream to soak into your skin. This will prevent it from rubbing off in your sleep, onto your bedding or clothes. [7] X Research source
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Go to bed. Leave your gloves on overnight while you sleep, being careful not to pull them off while you slumber. If you’d rather, you can wear them during the day for the same results as long as they remain on your hands for at least 6 hours. [8] X Research source
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Finish softening your hands. In the morning, remove your gloves; you should be left with super soft hands! You have the option of adding a bit more moisturizer at this point, and dabbing on some cuticle oil around your nail beds. This will soften everything up, and leave your hands silky and soft. Repeat this entire process 1-2 times a week for hands that are always their very softest.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I use cooking oil?Community AnswerNo. The oil suggested is preferred for better results and softer/less irritated skin.
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QuestionDoes olive oil and sugar with honey make my hands soft?Community AnswerYes it does. Olive oil and sugar makes a scrub that makes your hands soft. You don't even need to add honey.
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QuestionWhat kind of olive oil should I use for my hands?Community AnswerAny kind should work. Once you find one that you like, use it.
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Tips
- This method can also be done to dry, cracked feet!Thanks
- Get good quality cotton gloves/socks for your comfort. Take care that they fit properly so as not to cut off your circulation during the night.Thanks
- Wash the gloves/socks between uses.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- A key to maintaining soft hands is to always keep a small hand lotion with you so that you can reapply it throughout the day.
- I put Vaseline on my hands before putting on the gloves. It really helps!
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Things You'll Need
- Cotton gloves
- Moisturizing lotion (heavy for night wear)
- sink
- Exfoliant
- Cuticle oil
- Orange stick
References
- ↑ https://www.livestrong.com/article/148774-the-best-lotions-for-extremely-dry-skin/
- ↑ https://www.livestrong.com/article/165165-how-to-get-smooth-soft-hands-feet/
- ↑ http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/956905/how-to-make-your-own-exfoliating-scrub
- ↑ R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPxIMZB9L7w
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPxIMZB9L7w
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPxIMZB9L7w
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPxIMZB9L7w
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To get super soft hands overnight, first rub an exfoliant over your hands, to remove any rough, dry skin. After 5 minutes of exfoliating, rinse your hands with clean water. Next, rub a quarter size-dollop of thick hand cream onto each hand, making sure to get between your fingers and around your cuticles. Once the lotion covers your hands, put on a pair of knit gloves to keep the moisture in. Leave the gloves on overnight, then repeat the treatment once a week. For tips on choosing the best moisturizer and exfoliant, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "My hands have been dry for so long and people kept telling me how ugly my hands were because they were "dry and bony". One particular guy in elementary school said, "Ew you have old granny hands". I was so upset. I couldn't find anything to help my hands, but then I read this article and it helped so much! They are now soft. I use this technique twice a week now! Now I'm confident with my hands! " ..." more
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"My hands have been dry for so long and people kept telling me how ugly my hands were because they were "dry and bony". One particular guy in elementary school said, "Ew you have old granny hands". I was so upset. I couldn't find anything to help my hands, but then I read this article and it helped so much! They are now soft. I use this technique twice a week now! Now I'm confident with my hands! "
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"Yes, it was very helpful indeed. If soft hands are needed one must go through the regime dutifully, it cannot be achieved in a short while. Thanks for the valuable suggestions."
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"This was extremely helpful. Made me realize that I could find all the ingredients in my kitchen and didn't need to depend on expensive products for soft hands. "
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"The step about moisturizers specifically helped in selecting moisturizers, advising to prefer thick moisturizers and not watery."
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"My hands were always dry and cracked, but when I used your solution of sugar and olive oil, it changed my life forever."
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