10 ways to silky-soft hands

• Wash your hands gently

Washing your hands too often or with hot water can weaken the skin barrier. Instead, use lukewarm water and a mild, pH skin-neutral soap with a value between 4.5 and 5. This helps preserve your skin's natural acid mantle, which protects against germs, dryness and environmental stressors.

• Dry gently rather than rubbing hard

After washing, thorough but gentle drying is important. Pat your hands dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing vigorously. This prevents micro-injuries that can let pathogens in and helps maintain skin elasticity.

• Always moisturise

Every hand wash should be followed by a nourishing cream. Look for ingredients like glycerin, urea and plant oils that bind moisture and strengthen the skin's lipid film. This effectively prevents cracks, tightness and premature skin ageing.

• Choose natural oils over mineral oils

Natural oils such as sweet almond, avocado or jojoba oil resemble the skin's own lipids and can penetrate the skin barrier. They provide lasting nourishment and keep your hands soft. Mineral oils, by contrast, only act on the surface – the skin may feel smooth but dries out again more quickly.

• Pick the right hand cream for day and night

During the day your hand cream should be light, fast-absorbing and protective – for example with lemon verbena or avocado butter. In the evening you can use richer formulations, such as those with almond oil or shea butter. This allows the skin to regenerate overnight and stay well protected during the day.

• Use intensive care for dry or cracked hands

If your hands are rough, flaky or cracked, creams containing hyaluronic acid, honey or beeswax can help. They form a fine protective film, retain moisture and support healing. Apply several times a day – especially after contact with water or disinfectants.

• Care for your hands overnight – the glove trick

For deep care, apply a generous layer of cream or balm in the evening and put on cotton gloves. While you sleep, the active ingredients can penetrate intensively. The next morning your hands will feel noticeably smoother, softer and regenerated.

• Do a gentle scrub for silky-soft skin

A hand scrub removes dead skin cells and makes the skin more receptive to care products. Whether with fine exfoliating grains or a DIY mix of salt, honey and olive oil – the skin feels supple after just one treatment. Once a week is fully sufficient.

• Don’t forget nails and cuticles

Healthy hands need well-cared-for nails. Soak your hands in a lukewarm oil bath and gently push back the cuticles. Then use a nail oil or a combined hand and nail cream to strengthen brittle nails and keep the skin around the nail supple.

• Care for your hands from the inside

In addition to external care, your diet is also important. Drink enough water every day and focus on foods rich in vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants – such as nuts, avocado or berries. This supports regeneration and your skin's natural protection from within.