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tools for finger skin care?

Original Post
kenr · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 16,608

Sometimes I get cracks in my skin especially under the joints, sometimes course small or large partly torn pieces (or flaps), and sometimes thick calluses.

I found that some books suggest sandpaper, or scissors, or both.

Which kinds of those work better for what?
What else could I try that might work better?
What things on my skin should I just leave alone?

So far I tried regular sandpaper with a sanding block, then some flexible sanding blocks by 3M which don't need sandpaper. Seem useful for making (unnecessary?) callus thinner.

I also tried cuticle scissors, which are great for torn flaps of skin. It's also possible to trim off some of the "positive edge" on the sides of a crack (not sure if this is good?)

So far I haven't done any serious damage -- but cuticle scissors seem to have potential. The main problem I've run into with them is wasting lots of time "beautifying" finger skin in ways that surely have no benefit to climbing.

Suggestions ... or warnings?

Ken

Anson Call · · Reno, NV · Joined Jan 2010 · Points: 45

Seems like dead skin either peels off, taking good healthy skin with it; or, you clip it off with cuticle scissors or nail clippers. I'm a fan of just clipping it off so it can't rip or peel down any further.

Genny Swiss · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2018 · Points: 0

Exactly, as you are having this issue you should go with a nail care treatment or take care of your skin at home only. But in order to remove the dead skin, you can try the Best acne face wash that has helped me a lot and made my skin clear and glow. 

edelweiss · · Seattle, WA · Joined Jan 2017 · Points: 0

I was watching either Adam Ondra or Tommy Caldwell (can't remember which one) cleaning the dead skin with a razor blade. It seemed scary, but would work great for small pieces that can't be caught by cuticle cutter or nail clipper. Besides, that's the lightest tool you can carry with you. 

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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