Rough and hard palms might not be an embarrassing or a life threatening disease, however it can be very irritating.

Who wants a rough palm when you know your palms can be soft, smooth and supple!

Rough palms aren’t really a big deal.

First of all, they are very common. So rest assured that you aren’t the only one with palms that are rough.

Rough palms ready caused by different factors.

For example, if you are a hairdresser or you work in a factory where you constantly have to put your hands in chemicals, then your palms are bound to be rough. Even the detergents we use to wash our clothes could cause our skin to dry out. Chemicals irritate your skin and when you constantly expose your hands to such chemicals, your palms become rough and sometimes hard.

The weather can also be a cause of rough palms.

During seasons like harmattan, the weather is extremely dry, and at this point, your skin doesn’t get enough of the moisture it needs. Also during dry season, you might experience dry hands.

Rough palms might actually be a medical condition too.

When your body produces more keratin than it normally should, your palms are bound to be rough. Also, illnesses such as diabetes, that reduce the circulation of blood to your hands, can cause rough palms. Eczema can also inflame your skin and might even cause your skin to crack, and in essence, cause rough palms.

Now that you know what makes your palms rough or hard, the next question is: how do you make them soft?

1. Give your hands enough moisture

Your hands are rough because they are dry. They need moisture.

This doesn’t mean you have to dip your hands in water all day — washing your hands can actually dry out your skin. What you need to do is moisturize. Get a moisturizing cream, preferably one that is oil-based.

An humectant would be perfect.

That way, there is enough moisture to soften the hands.

Use moisturizing creams at least twice a day. You can also keep a small bottle of lotion with you at all times. Moisturizing your hands at intervals during the day helps a lot.

2. Get hand gloves

If you have a job where you constantly have to deep your hands in water or touch chemical substances, don’t worry, you don’t have to quit your job. Try the easier solution: get hand gloves.

Whenever you’re working, simply put on your gloves.

This is important because your skin produces natural oils that help moisturize the skin and constant hand washing washes these oils off.

So, make gloves your constant companion.

However not all gloves are cool. Gloves made out of synthetic fibers are no good. Instead, opt for cotton or woolen gloves.

3. Give your hands an overnight treat

It’s necessary to pamper your hands.

All you need are hand gloves and a moisturizing cream or oil (the two already mentioned above).

Rub a good portion of moisturizing cream on your hands and put on the gloves. Leave the gloves on throughout the night. They trap the moisturizer in and make it work effectively.

If you do this every night, your hands will become soft in no time.

4. Seek medical help

If your rough palms are caused by a medical condition, then it is necessary to see your doctor.

If it is caused by a skin irritation, seeing a dermatologist would make things easier for you. An expert’s advice would definitely guide you towards the right step to take.

5. Avoid anything that irritates your skin

Rough palms could be as a result of skin irritations.

Some fragrances can cause skin irritations. Keep away from beauty products with synthetic fragrances. Also watch out for sulphates and preservatives — they dry out our skin and cause irritations.

6. Use mild soaps.

Soaps can be a major cause of skin irritations. Be careful what kind of soap you use.

Stay away from antibacterial or antiseptic soaps. They might be too harsh for your skin and cause allergies. A simple, mild soap is your sure bet.

Also, like I said earlier, watch out for soaps with synthetic fragrances, they are no good for your hands.

7. Exfoliate regularly.

When we talk of exfoliation, we only concentrate on our faces.

Exfoliation is done to remove dead skin cells. And since we also have skin on our hands, you need to exfoliate your hands too. You can get a nice hand scrub or go natural; use a pumice stone instead.

Sugar is also great for exfoliating. All you need to do is mix a tablespoon of sugar with some drops of olive oil. Rub the mixture on both sides of your hands. Wash it off and then apply a moisturizer.

Do this three to four times a week and your skin will be soft.

8. Massage your hands

Your hands can be become dry when there is not enough blood circulation.

To avoid this, massage your hands.

The good thing about this is that it costs nothing. Get a good oil or moisturizing cream and massage them into your palms.

You could rub your palms together or rub the palm of one hand over the back of your other hand. This increases blood circulation, and at the same time, the oil gives your hands the moisture they need.

9. Go natural

Apart from moisturizing creams, you can use natural alternatives for moisturizing your hands. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil and almond oil.

Honey, aloe vera and cucumber can also be used for exfoliation. These natural oils make your skin really soft.

Final thoughts

It’s time to check off rough palms from your list of worries. Try out these tips and your palms are bound to become soft like that of a baby.

Note however, if your hands get too dry and begin to crack or bleed, please see a doctor immediately.

Also, if you try to put these tips to work and your skin stays rough, a visit to a dermatologist would be necessary.

Otherwise, cheers on your journey to softer and smoother palms.

So what do you think about today’s article? Any lessons learnt? Anything you want to start practicing? Kindly drop your comments below. (And don’t forget to share with your networks.)