How to Have Super Soft Hands (Overnight Method)

Co-authored by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH

Last Updated: July 18, 2022 References Approved

Not only are dry, flaky hands uncomfortable, they don't look good and aren't comfortable for holding or shaking. Beat your dead skin with the no-fail overnight moisturizing method, using an exfoliant, moisturizer, and gloves. Read on at Step One for instructions on getting super soft skin overnight.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Choosing Your Products

1
Select a moisturizer. Super soft hands don’t come without the right products; any old moisturizer won’t do, if you want the silkiest skin. Find a moisturizing cream that is specifically advertised for use on hands. Hand creams are typically much thicker than a regular lotion, and have more nutrients needed for softening rough hands (which tend to be the driest part of your body). If your moisturizer is runny or thin, it probably won’t do the job you need to get super soft hands.^{[1]
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2
Choose a good exfoliant. Exfoliants are used to scrub off the dead skin on your hands, both before and after moisturizing. The reason your hands feel rough to begin with, is because of the dead skin that is present. You can scrub this off, and then the fresh skin underneath is exposed. Exfoliants can be store-bought, or you can create your own. Try one of the following homemade recipes:^{[2]
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- Sugar and olive oil, mixed into a paste
- Ground oatmeal and milk, mixed into a paste
- Coffee grounds and coconut oil, mixed into a paste
- Baking soda and water, mixed into a paste^{[3]
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3
Find a pair of cotton gloves. Using the overnight method for soft hands involves a set of gloves or mittens to seal in moisture.^{[4]
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Expert Source

R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.} There are some specialty spa gloves available for getting soft hands overnight; these have a permanent gel that lines the gloves, that helps to lock moisture into your hands. Otherwise, any pair of knit or cotton gloves or mittens will work.
- If you don’t have any gloves, you can always use a clean pair of socks.
- If you have exfoliator gloves, made from a rough loofah-like material, you can wear those as well.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Moisturizing Your Hands

1
Exfoliate your hands. Go to the sink and run warm water; wet your hands completely, washing them if necessary.Take your exfoliant, and scoop about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of it out into your hands. Rub this thoroughly over each of your hands for 3-5 minutes. When you’re finished scrubbing, turn the water back on and rinse your hands off. Dry your hands completely.^{[5]
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2
Add your moisturizer. Put a dab of cream about the size of a quarter onto each hand; it may seem like a lot, but it will soak into your skin overnight. Massage the cream into each of your hands, spending time on the palms, between your fingers, and around your cuticles. Feel free to carry the moisturizer up your arms slightly, to soften the skin around your wrists as well. Don’t worry if your hands feel greasy or you think you have too much.^{[6]
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3
Put on your gloves. The concept behind the gloves (or mittens, or socks) is that they will trap the moisture inside, forcing the cream to soak into your skin. This will prevent it from rubbing off in your sleep, onto your bedding or clothes.^{[7]
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4
Go to bed. Leave your gloves on overnight while you sleep, being careful not to pull them off while you slumber. If you’d rather, you can wear them during the day for the same results as long as they remain on your hands for at least 6 hours.^{[8]
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5
Finish softening your hands. In the morning, remove your gloves; you should be left with super soft hands! You have the option of adding a bit more moisturizer at this point, and dabbing on some cuticle oil around your nail beds. This will soften everything up, and leave your hands silky and soft. Repeat this entire process 1-2 times a week for hands that are always their very softest.^{[9]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I use cooking oil?

Community Answer

No. The oil suggested is preferred for better results and softer/less irritated skin.
Question

Does olive oil and sugar with honey make my hands soft?

Community Answer

Yes it does. Olive oil and sugar makes a scrub that makes your hands soft. You don't even need to add honey.
Question

What kind of olive oil should I use for my hands?

Community Answer

Any kind should work. Once you find one that you like, use it.