Dry, scaly, calloused and rough – these are adjectives that rarely have positive bearings, especially when used in conjunction with the human anatomy.
In a survey conducted by AskMen.com, one woman revealed that male hands offer a series of revelations. I cannot disagree. The close examination of the appendage at the end of your arm used primarily for everyday activity may seem somewhat peculiar, but hands speak utter unspoken words and answer that have yet to be communicated – hygiene first and foremost, the manner in which he conveys his being to the wider public, marital status, his hobbies and occupation.
Another individual commented about the size, thickness and cleanliness of her other half’s hands, all of these attributes seemingly evoke serene thoughts of supreme masculinity, the mention of cleanliness seems to suggest that having well manicured, presentable hands needn’t strip away one’s overall manliness. We are very much in the age of open, celebrated metrosexuality, often associated with American presenter and TV producer Ryan Seacrest, which is a microcosm for our present generation; males of today are more interested in their general aesthetic. I’d like to think that we are past the confines of gender judgments. Fashion and appearances goes beyond the hemlines and seams of cashmere, tweed and silk, and delves into the finer, attributive details.
Male mitts are also seen as instruments of sexual pleasure with one woman admitting she enjoys emulating fellatio. Sexual preferences aside, it’s as a universal truth – women desire presentable hands.
The key to male hand care is within product choice, routine, patience, and continuation.
In order to choose the right product, it is imperative that you become familiar with the basic compounds within high-quality male skin products. Scour for products with lanolin which will strengthen and moisturise skin. Alpha hydroxyl acids as known as AHAs have exfoliating properties, aiding with the removal of dead skin cells and the appearance of smoother skin. The skin on our hands age more rapidly and the breakdown of collagen and elastin is more apparent, this breakdown allows wrinkles to form with ease. Free radicals, which are unstable oxygen molecules, produce UV light and pollution that destroys collagen, however, the presence of antioxidants helps to neutralise oxygen molecules thus keeping skin protected.
It is a well known fact that the human body consists predominantly of water; our skin requires 10-15% of this component to maintain hydration and prevent irritated, dry skin. The consumption of your eight glasses of day is essential. Additionally, the oil ducts on our hands are miniscule meaning that products with fatty oils, vitamin A and E are optimum to replenish lost oils and seal in moisture.
Moisturizers that contain ingredients such as oils help seal water into your skin, while ingredients such as glycerin or alpha-hydroxy acids attract moisture from the air to your skin. This is particularly quintessential during the colder months when the atmosphere, in combination with everyday tasks such as washing your hands, strips your skin of moisture. Invest in lotions with petroleum jelly and lanolin which will create a barrier between your skin and the impurities of the environment.
-
-
Rodial’s Stem Cell Super-Food Hand cream features shea butter, a substance enmeshed in the west African culture. As an extract from a vegetable oil from the African karite tree, it has antioxidant qualities while the grape oil moisturises while simultaneously tightening tightens pores.
-
-
Try Ahava’s Men Mineral Handcream. Its witch hazel component is a strong anti oxidant which promises to “smooth skin, help minimize pores and rebalance skin.” The presence of ginger, lactic acid, and dead sea water will work in conjunction will improve elasticity, slow down ageing, remove toxins, treat hypo pigmented scars, tone and exfoliate skin.
-
-
Jack Black’s Industrial Strength Hand Healer remains a favourite because of its rich macadamia nut oil, glycerine, vitamin A and E. Vitamin A helps to regulates cell growth thus rebuilding skin tissue giving the appearance of clearer skin. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties. These ingredients work collectively to restore and maintain skin’s suppleness. Eucalyptus oil is a natural antiseptic whilst its light consistency means it absorbs quickly.