When you put in serious time at the gym, you want to see results. If your activity of choice is weightlifting, one of the results you may attain, in addition to increased muscle mass, are callused, dry hands.

Calluses develop on the skin due to constant friction. When you are weight training, the repetitive movements created as your hands rub against the bar causes calluses to form on the palms of your hands. The skin forms a barrier in order to protect it from this persistent rubbing.

Maybe you have wondered about beneficial treatments to maintain the skin's health on your hands while weightlifting. The good news is that there are ways to keep your hands soft while still working out. Continue reading for some great skin conditioning tips.

Make Skin Care a Priority

When it comes to the impact lifting weights have on your hands, there are two aspects you want to focus on: developing a good skincare regimen and taking preventive measures while working out. Implementing these two practices will help you feel even better about your decision to get fit because your hands won't suffer as a result of going to the gym.

Develop a Good Skin Care Regimen for Your Hands

In creating a skincare routine that will be beneficial for your hands, natural is the way to go. Especially if you have calluses, you want to adopt a regimen that involves cleansing, soaking, and moisturizing on a regular basis. You may also want to use grooming tools to file your calluses smooth occasionally. And avoid picking them, which could disrupt healing or invite infection. Try these steps for quality results.

  • Cleansing – Similar to the way you care for the skin on your face, you want to cleanse your hands daily. Skin that is dry or has calluses may be prone to cracking. As mentioned above, you want to keep skin that is dry or callused healthy. Using products that contain salicylic acid, such as HIMistry Blackberry & Salicylic Cleanser, can be especially beneficial due to their antioxidant and exfoliating properties.
  • Soaking – If you have calluses try soaking them in warm water for 15 – 20 minutes a day. This will soften the calluses and make them more amenable to removal.
  • Moisturizing – Giving your hands some moisture is an essential step. You want to use a moisturizer on your hands after washing them to create a seal that locks in moisture. Particularly after your daily cleansing or soaking, you should use a moisturizing product. Look for products that are anti-inflammatory and contain antioxidants like vitamin C.

Take Preventive Measures While Working Out

Keeping your hands in good condition is also a matter of the preventive actions you take when you work out. Proactive behaviors such as wearing weightlifting gloves or modifying your workout technique combined with your skincare can go a long way in preserving the look and feel of your skin.

  • Use weightlifting gloves – Although some who workout may not want to wear gloves, they can help to protect your hands. Covering your palms and a portion of your fingers eliminates direct contact with the bar, thereby preventing friction.
  • Modify your technique – Changing the way you grip the bar when you are lifting weights can also decrease the friction, which causes calluses. Try holding the bar between your palms and your fingers at the knuckles.

You don't have to choose to get physically fit at the expense of hands that are in poor condition. By taking a few steps, you can have both soft hands and an awesome physique. HIMistry has been providing men with essential grooming products they love for over 15 years.