The essential guide for hand and foot care

With modern skin care primarily focused on the face, hands and feet are often overlooked even when it comes to body care, save for the occasional mani-pedis. But is this wise? After all our hands and feet are the first to show signs of ageing due to frequent exposure to the elements.

We turned to beauty mogul Shahnaz Husain to weigh in. She confirmed, “Hands and feet are the most ignored parts of our bodies. They require proper care, or the skin becomes rough, tanned, damaged, and prone to early wrinkles.” Offering a word of advice for soon-to-be and new brides, Husain adds, “To look their best from head to toe they must take care of their hands and feet without ignoring them. Cleansing, using a good scrub, and moisturising them well should be a routine for new brides that will enhance overall radiance.” 

Finding products that last long and use clean ingredients sounds too good to be true, but we’ve rounded up the perfect fits from cleansers, and exfoliators to moisturisers. 

Cleanse well
As important as it is to moisturise well, cleansing is an important first step. Take your pick from these carefully formulated cleansers. 

The Sass Bar Milk Body Bath Cleanser, ₹1,200

This cleanser, derived from plant-based milks, applies like butter on the skin due to its creamy, light-weight formulation. It gently cleanses the skin without stripping the natural barrier, leaving it hydrated & moisturized. Formulated with cleansing agents derived from coconut derivatives, this feels oh-so-good on the skin.

82E° Gel Body Cleanser, ₹1,500

A gentle, hydrating gel body wash enriched with apple extract and panthenol is a great way to kick-start your routine. Its foaming formula helps cleanse and seal skin moisture. 

Invest in a good exfoliator

“Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells and promote smoother skin. Use a gentle scrub for hands and a more intensive one for feet,” says Dr. Aparna Santhanam, MD, Dermatology, Kaya Limited. Here are our picks.

Sol de Janeiro Samba Foot Fetish Care, ₹2,700

Known for its lush, aromatic offerings, Sol de Janeiro’s 2-step foot exfoliation and moisturizing duo is a great pick for achieving soft, smooth feet. While the exfoliating Samba Foot Fetish Care Smoothing Board is perfect for targeting roughness and callouses, the moisturising Foot Fetish Cream is enriched with cupuaçu butter, antioxidant açai, and nourishing coconut oil. If you prefer double the hydration, follow this up with their sensational Bum Bum cream.  

Protouch Callus Remover, 1,469

This electric tool delivers a salon pedicure experience right at home. With three different attachments to choose from, it gently buffs away dead skin with its fast rolling motion. This rechargeable and portable device is perfect for targeting rough skin on your feet to reveal smoother, nourished softness underneath. 

Moisturising is key

Dr. Santhanam recommends, “Use a moisturiser that comprises clean ingredients after cleansing your hands and feet. Moisture consistently and keep your skin hydrated to prevent dryness and cracking.” Take your pick from our selection of these hydrating essentials. 

Anmer London Zephyr Hand and Body Hydrator, ₹1,185

An intensifying lotion that adapts and works according to your unique skin needs sounds too good to be true but this body hydrator proves it’s possible. Infused with a potent blend of Moroccan Argan oil, sweet almond oil, and hyaluronic acid, among other hydrating ingredients, this one is ideal for dryness. 

Rare Beauty Hand cream, ₹2,200

A lightweight, non-greasy hand cream packed with ingredients that provide nourishment for up to 16 hours is exactly what your hands require on a long day at work. With niacinamide, peach flower extract, and ashwagandha extract, it not only hydrates the skin but also softens the cuticles and provides a calming sensory experience, courtesy of its refreshing fragrance. 

Kama Ayurveda Foot Cream ₹1,095

Show your feet some love with Kama Ayurveda's foot cream. This nourishing formula of shea, cocoa, and kokum butters softens rough heels and callouses, while the presence of organic aloe vera juice provides antiseptic hydration. Essential oils of lemon, verbena, and cedarwood refresh your feet without any residual greasiness whatsoever. 

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Fluid, ₹2,695

A non-greasy moisturiser, made up of 98% natural ingredients was bound to land a spot on this list. Organic aloe vera, shea butter and beeswax work to hydrate your hands and feet, delivering immediate and sustained moisture to your face, combatting dryness and promoting a supple, radiant complexion. A moisturiser for your hands and feet, this cream offers rich nourishment without the unwanted greasy after-feel, allowing for swift absorption. Brownie points for being safe to apply to your face too.

ILEM JAPAN Fresh Hand Cream, ₹950

Indulge in a healthy dose of ILEM Japan’s Fresh Hand Cream. Infused with avocado oil, Japanese ice plant juice, sage leaf extract, and rosemary leaf extract makes this application so fresh. Prepare for this citrussy hand cream, with Japanese yuzu, kabosu, and pepper, to transform your daily routine into a luxuriating ritual. 

Don't forget the sunscreen

Lastly, Dr. Santhanam advises, “If stepping out with open shoes or sandals use sunscreen on the feet and the hands to prevent uneven tanning.” 

Dr. Sheth’s Vitamin C and Ceramide Sunscreen, ₹599

There’s a good reason for this sunscreen to be as popular as it is. Formulated to suit Indian skin types, the ingredients promise broad-spectrum protection. With SPF 50 PA++++ and packed with ceramide and vitamin C, this sunscreen is guaranteed to offer protection for your hands and feet.  Hyaluronic acid plays hero here and helps retain moisture content, making the formula suitable for all skin types.

Footcream image: Kama Ayurveda

Lead image: Unsplash

Also read: Must-have skincare treatments and routines for every new bride-to-be

Also read: #BridalSchedule with Dr Meghna Mour—The best skin treatments to get you glowing for your wedding day