What's your hand care routine?

When I started getting into this, I was like "hell yeah getting some callouses on my soft little hands".  Then I posted a picture of my first flapper on FB, and a friend told me "hey you need to take better care of your hands, you shouldn't be getting those".  

Since then I've taken a few steps:

Always wash my hands after climbing - just getting all that chalk and dirt off keep them in better shape.
Use an emery board to keep callouses under control - I do just a moderate amount, usually the day after.  I find if I do it several days in a row, my hands will be too slick the next time out.
I have the ClimbOn lotion bar, although I'm skeptical of this.  It's basically just wax, and it's so damn greasy I find I use it then immediately wipe it off.  I'd be open to something better here.  
I don't climb with any tape, unless something is seriously hurt (ie flapper) that needs to be protected.  
I don't do anything special for my feet, other than keep everything neatly trimmed and clean.  

What else? 

Matthew Bertolatus wrote: When I started getting into this, I was like "hell yeah getting some callouses on my soft little hands".  Then I posted a picture of my first flapper on FB, and a friend told me "hey you need to take better care of your hands, you shouldn't be getting those".  

Since then I've taken a few steps:

Always wash my hands after climbing - just getting all that chalk and dirt off keep them in better shape.
Use an emery board to keep callouses under control - I do just a moderate amount, usually the day after.  I find if I do it several days in a row, my hands will be too slick the next time out.
I have the ClimbOn lotion bar, although I'm skeptical of this.  It's basically just wax, and it's so damn greasy I find I use it then immediately wipe it off.  I'd be open to something better here.  
I don't climb with any tape, unless something is seriously hurt (ie flapper) that needs to be protected.  
I don't do anything special for my feet, other than keep everything neatly trimmed and clean.  

What else? 

is this a troll? harden up

Climb on lotion bar is the best I have used. I usually put it on when I have time to jut let my hands relax and not grab anything. I think the Joshua tree stuff is even more slimy and greasy and its local to me and I do not prefer it. the climb on is meant to stay on and really moisturize the skin its far superior to the thinner stuff. I have been climbing for 7 years and have not had a flapper of any sort and I do not file my callouses. I just clean my hands with soap and water after I climb and keep my nails on hands and feet trimmed. 

I like the Trader Joe's hand balm in the the tin.   Just a light layer if you scoop it up it'll be greasy.

One thing I do is spray my shoes with tea tree oil.  You can find it at most grocery stores.  Keeps the stink down and it's also an anti fungal and has antiseptic properties as well.  I saw a thread on here about how common toenail fungus is for climbers and it scared me... haha'

You can also spray your feet directly which makes them all cool and tingly.  

I use jtree religiously and it makes a difference for me. I think any climbing salve/balm/bar/lotion will work as long as you use it consistently throughout the day and don't wipe it off intentionally. Hard, healthy skin is the goal

Rhinoskin Solutions has a full line of products that are amazing. Definitely try them out. Their split tip salve and repair lotion are my go to. Splits and cuts literally heal within 2 days of using their split tip salve. Definitely worth checking out.

Bart Simpson wrote:

is this a troll? harden up

No.  

If I have tears or blisters I use climb on or other oil based lotions to help it heal faster.  Most of the time I just use the Gold Bond Hand Cream.  Washing my hands and putting something anything on helps, and this is a lot less annoying than the oil based ones.  I also feel like the swelling/tightness in my finger joints recovers faster with it but that's very anecdotal.
https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Bond-Ultimate-Intensive-Healing/dp/B00HNZYSRQ/ref=pd_cp_194_1?pd_rd_w=64VIj&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=RTE2GSY7WH39H552EP49&pd_rd_r=444fe158-24ca-11e9-96f5-33801498f23a&pd_rd_wg=YyRP1&pd_rd_i=B00HNZYSRQ&psc=1&refRID=RTE2GSY7WH39H552EP49 

I wash my hands and use a small amount of lotion, specifically around my cuticles. I didn't when I first started climbing and I would get a lot of bad hangnails, presumably from the chalk drying skin out. Since using lotion, I haven't had any other issues.

Never had to deal with flappers. 

When I climb regularly, I dont do any hand care and I don't get flappers.

My guess is that you are gripping the holds in a way that shears across the skin when you move. Probably gym jugs. Probably not enough chalk.

I ran across a product called Bag Balm a while back when researching skin care. I believe it’s popular with gymnasts if I’m not mistaken. I’ve used most of the climbing specific skin products, and many of them work fine.  As an aid specifically for healing and repairing skin quickly, I’ve found that I prefer Bag Balm. I also noticed that it doesn’t leave a thin, oily presence that washes away or comes off quickly.  A little bit a few times a day seems to be good for moisturizing and healing. Though like most things, it might be a good idea to experiment and see what works for you. Bag Balm can be found at any Walgreens and costs about $12 for a tub that can last at least 6 months.

I also think you have the right idea with sanding down your callouses. Skin generally rips where it’s weakest.  Callouses are dead skin, and as you’ve found out, are prone to being easily damaged. If you’re climbing regularly, I’m of the belief that attention to your skin can have huge payoffs.

Good luck!

Derek Plafcan wrote: I ran across a product called Bag Balm a while back when researching skin care. I believe it’s popular with gymnasts if I’m not mistaken. I’ve used most of the climbing specific skin products, and many of them work fine.  As an aid specifically for healing and repairing skin quickly, I’ve found that I prefer Bag Balm. I also noticed that it doesn’t leave a thin, oily presence that washes away or comes off quickly.  A little bit a few times a day seems to be good for moisturizing and healing. Though like most things, it might be a good idea to experiment and see what works for you. Bag Balm can be found at any Walgreens and costs about $12 for a tub that can last at least 6 months.

I also think you have the right idea with sanding down your callouses. Skin generally rips where it’s weakest.  Callouses are dead skin, and as you’ve found out, are prone to being easily damaged. If you’re climbing regularly, I’m of the belief that attention to your skin can have huge payoffs.

Good luck!

Maybe TMI, but I'm pretty sure Bag Balm is excellent for babies backsides in the war against diaper rash. Your grandma has probably applied it to your unmentionables.

I have found showering and washing dishes or any water ruins my skin so I avoid those things. When I am at work I use construction grade sandpaper to toughen up my skin and then spit on them and grunt. The spit and manly grunting noise helps exfoliate the dead skin. 

Climb more on rocks and your skin will get better. People worry about the silliest things on this website like toe size and crack climbing..... LOL

Matthew Bertolatus wrote: When I started getting into this, I was like "hell yeah getting some callouses on my soft little hands".  Then I posted a picture of my first flapper on FB, and a friend told me "hey you need to take better care of your hands, you shouldn't be getting those".  

Since then I've taken a few steps:

Always wash my hands after climbing - just getting all that chalk and dirt off keep them in better shape.
Use an emery board to keep callouses under control - I do just a moderate amount, usually the day after.  I find if I do it several days in a row, my hands will be too slick the next time out.
I have the ClimbOn lotion bar, although I'm skeptical of this.  It's basically just wax, and it's so damn greasy I find I use it then immediately wipe it off.  I'd be open to something better here.  
I don't climb with any tape, unless something is seriously hurt (ie flapper) that needs to be protected.  
I don't do anything special for my feet, other than keep everything neatly trimmed and clean.  

What else? 

It really does depend. I have worked with my hands longer than i have been climbing.  I dont like taking rest days. 

My fingers are thick and i get splits between pads pretty frequently. I use a dremel and a round emery board i made to sand between pads.  I have a pair of cotton gloves i sleep in  to keep the climb on from getting inadvertent applied to my face.  If i pay attention i can keep things  going without issue. otherwise i get full thickness between the joints splits.  Probably somthing to do with my size and the work i have done for so long.  

Thanks for the advice
it is very informative for me as for a beginner.

I climb and wash my hands when they are dirty.

I am a beginner myself and have always prided my self on my soft, soft hands. After climbing I do notice toughening of my skin and callouses are building. I use Burt’s Bees Hand Salve at night after climbing. I notice that my skin heals nicely, callouses are building but not rock hard skin that could eventually peel off from grabbing onto rocks and holds.

Jack R wrote: I am a beginner myself and have always prided my self on my soft, soft hands. After climbing I do notice toughening of my skin and callouses are building. I use Burt’s Bees Hand Salve at night after climbing. I notice that my skin heals nicely, callouses are building but not rock hard skin that could eventually peel off from grabbing onto rocks and holds.

Lol a male that prides himself on "soft, soft hands"..... No comment. 

I'm shocked O'Keefs hasn't been mentioned up to this point; I just finished a tub of it this morning.  I usually will apply for a day or two after I've shredded my mitts or if they are beat up from winter/rafting.  

master gumby wrote:

Lol a male that prides himself on "soft, soft hands"..... No comment. 

The swamper warmed to his gossip. "You seen that glove on his left hand?"
"Yeah. I seen it."
"Well, that glove's fulla vaseline."
"Vaseline? What the hell for?"
"Well, I tell ya what- Curley says he's keepin' that hand soft for his wife."
George studied the cards absorbedly. "That's a dirty thing to tell around," he said.
The old man was reassured. He had drawn a derogatory statement from George. He felt safe now, and he spoke more confidently. "Wait'll you see Curley's wife."
George cut the cards again and put out a solitaire lay, slowly and deliberately. "Purty?" he asked casually.
"Yeah. Purty... but-"
George studied his cards. "But what?"
"Well- she got the eye."
"Yeah? Married two weeks and got the eye? Maybe that's why Curley's pants is full of ants."
"I seen her give Slim the eye. Slim's a jerkline skinner. Hell of a nice fella. Slim don't need to wear no high heeled boots on a grain team. I seen her give Slim the eye. Curley never seen it. An' I seen her give Carlson the eye."
George pretended a lack of interest. "Looks like we was gonna have fun."
The swamper stood up from his box. "Know what I think?" George did not answer. "Well, I think Curley's married... a tart." "He ain't the first," said George. "There's plenty done that." The old man moved toward the door, and his ancient dog lifted his head and peered about, and then got painfully to his feet to follow.