Soft, healthy skin is just one hand care routine away.

If you’re like us, the sink has basically become your second home. But with all that hand washing, there’s a good chance your hands are feeling rough, which leaves you wondering: What type is soap is best for you? Do you need to use a hand cream (and when)? What ingredients should you be on the lookout for? We’re answering all your hand care questions (and helping you build up your hand care routine!) right now.

What type of hand soap should I use?

You’d be surprised to know that your choice in hand soap can majorly affect your hands and hand care routine, since you could be something too harsh or drying for your skin. Of course, the type of hand soap that’s best for you varies by blend and ingredients (each hand soap is blended with vitamin E, aloe, shea extract and essential oils to keep hands feeling super soft). Here are a few of our favourites:

• Gentle Foaming Hand Soap

  Our most iconic soap—in its bubbly glory. Its luxurious foam (and rich, non-drying formula) washes hands while taking care of the skin’s natural moisture barrier.Shop now.

• Gentle Gel Hand Soap

  A smooth, lightweight gel soap, thoughtfully made without parabens or dyes that gently cleans hands. Shop now.

• Creamy Luxe Hand Soap

  This silky-smooth blend conditions skin for softer-feeling hands. Plus, its glistening formula looks amazing on any sink. Shop now.

• Deep Cleansing Hand Soap

  This bubbly formula has exfoliating pearls that wash away dirt and buffs away dry skin from your hands. Shop now.

How long should I wash my hands for?

No matter which soap you choose, be sure to suds up for at least 20 seconds to keep germs at bay. By the way, 20 seconds is longer than it seems. Here’s a fun way to pass the time: name as many Bath & Body Works fragrances before times up. For more hand washing tips and tricks, check out Hand Soaps 101.

Do I really need a hand cream?

If you want soft hands, we’d say yes! While body lotion or cream can definitely take care of your hands as well, having a hand-specific cream is best – just like you’d use a separate hydrator for your face. Our hand creams have been specifically designed to soak right into your skin, with good-for-you ingredients like glycerine to Shea butter, hyaluronic acid to paraffin and more.

Does the hand sanitizer I use matter?

Absolutely. These days, you may be zeroed-in on the alcohol percentage, but unless you want to dry out your hands, it’s best to look with a hand sanitizer with hydrating ingredients and germ-killing power. Thankfully, we have two super nourishing and effective hand sanitizer blends for you to choose from.

How long should I wash my hands for?

No matter which soap you choose, be sure to suds up for at least 20 seconds to keep germs at bay. By the way, 20 seconds is longer than it seems. Here’s a fun way to pass the time: name as many Bath & Body Works fragrances before times up. For more hand washing tips and tricks, check out Hand Soaps 101.

When should I use hand cream?

We recommend using it after you wash your hands or when you need some hydration – just make sure your hands are dry before you apply cream. Stash one in your purse or backpack, car console, desk drawer, bathroom or wherever else is handy.

• Cleansing Hand Gel

  Say hello to our most popular, most-refreshing hand sanitizer gel with 71% alcohol & vitamin E, shea extract, aloe and essential oils. It gets rid of 99.9% of the most common germs that cause illness and conditions your hands at the same time. Hint: This germ-fighting superstar comes in a pocket-friendly size for travel and a larger size to keep around the house (or anywhere you need it).

• Cleansing Hand Spray

  Enriched with aloe, essential oils and 72% alcohol – this spritz able blend is perfect for super-quick, on-the-go sanitation. Plus, it kills 99.9% of common germs that cause illness and comes in some of your favourite scents.

What ingredients will keep my hands soft?

Glad you asked; there are tons of ingredients out there that can help your hands stay super-smooth. Here are a few of our favourite things to add to our hand soaps, hand creams and sanitizers.

• Aloe:  Soothes skin and is anti-inflammatory.
• Vitamin E:  Hydrates and nourishes your hands.
• Shea Extract:  Smooth’s dry or cracked skin.
• And of course:  essential oils and amazing fragrance.

Now that you know everything hand care, it’s time to grab a few things for your routine. Shop it all at our Healthy Hands Headquarters.