Post by ehowell on Aug 1, 2017 5:53:01 GMT -7
Wait, you're actually sanding the creases? And this has prevented tears there? We must have different types of skin; I never have problems in the creases. Can you explain this a bit more, and why sanding this has helped?
I've been sanding just proximal to all the creases to try to file down the big callouses and prevent them from ripping off and creating big flappers.
I had bad results sanding my finger pads, because I felt it made them feel a little too slick. I do have issues with minor splits at the very tips of each thumb by the distal end of the nail. These correspond with scars in this area from childhood pocked knife wounds. I'm wondering if sanding these areas would prevent the splits.
How do you think the repair cream compares to the Working Hands? I'll be interested to hear what you think of the performance cream.
It sounds like we probably do have different skin complexion. I don't and have never had callouses on my pads (except when overdoing Antihydral). I do get callouses below the creases on my fingers at times, so yes, sanding there helps for the more conventional reasons. I think sanding the creases causes new skin growth and strengthens that area, as Justin points out in this podcast, as well as the newer one at Training Beta. Basically, each day, I sand for about 15-20 seconds directly across the crease of each finger, just below the pad. I don't know which factor has had the most impact, sanding or moisturizing, but I'll take it. Also, I think the way I crimp is a big factor in why I get splits. Especially when hangboarding, my half crimp is quite bendy, which really stretches the skin, resulting in a tensile tear at the crease.
The repair cream is great, but because I have to mail order it and it's overall more expensive, I only use it when my skin is wrecked from climbing. All other times, I use Working Hands for the creases. Lots of folks in the climbing world are happy with Working Hands. It's available at Walgreens and because it's marketed more towards a blue collar market, there's no added bells and whistles in the form of herbs and potions and stuff that you would find in the soap at Movement Boulder! What I like about Repair Cream when I need to apply to my entire hand is that I don't feel like it softens my skin as much as Working Hands. YMMV. Stay tuned on the Performance Cream. Look for discount codes from both Power Company and Training Beta!