Dealing with dry, rough hands that seem to resist all efforts to make them soft and smooth is the absolute WORST!
Whether it’s due to harsh weather, frequent handwashing, your line of job, or just our skin’s natural tendencies, dry hands can be quite the nuisance.
If you’re one of the unlucky people dealing with this problem, keep reading! In this article, we go into the most common questions about dry hands, as well as some of the best affordable skin care product recommendations for extremely dry hands.
From everyday tips to targeted solutions, we’ve got your hands covered.
Why are my hands so dry all the time?
Do your hands feel like they’re in a perpetual state of drought, no matter what you do? You’re not alone. There are several reasons why your hands might be dry:
- Frequent Handwashing: While washing your hands is crucial for hygiene, excessive washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. It’s a delicate balance between keeping germs at bay and maintaining moisture.
- Cold Weather: The drop in humidity when it gets cold can really dry out your skin, leaving your hands feeling like they’re endlessly thirsty.
- Harsh Chemicals: Cleaning agents, detergents, and even some hand soaps contain harsh chemicals that can irritate and dry out your skin.
- Skin conditions: Certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can cause dry, flaky skin on your hands. See a medical professional for advice if you believe you might be suffering from a skin condition.
- Dehydration: Your skin reflects your body’s hydration level. If you’re not drinking enough water, your hands could suffer.
- Age: Natural oil production can decrease as you get older, which might increase dryness in your hands.
- Poor Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet is important. Lack of essential nutrients can lead to dry skin.
- Heating Systems: Using indoor heating can lower humidity levels at home during cold months, drying out your skin further. A humidifier might help to mitigate this effect.
Once you understand the factors that contribute to your hands’ dryness, there are clear steps you can take to combat them! So let’s take a look at our top hand care tips below.
Related: The Ultimate 10-Step Guide to Perfect Manicure at Home
1. Bring hand cream with you
Make hydration handy by carrying hand cream with you everywhere you go! Stashing a little tube in your purse, desk drawer, or car ensures you’re never caught without your skin’s best friend.
If you can bring a normal-sized tube with you, then do that! But for those of you already carrying too many things in your purse – get a refillable travel-sized hand cream. This will keep your hands hydrated and your purse light.
Also, stash and hand cream in every room of your house! Put it in an easy-to-reach location. It’s all about accessibility and making it super easy to remember to moisturize regularly. There are affordable options to buy multi-packs of good quality hand cream, which makes it super easy to stash your hand cream basically everywhere.
Whenever your hands feel a bit dry or just after washing them, a quick dab of cream can bring immediate relief and nourishment. Plus, having it within arm’s reach means you can keep up with your hydration routine on the go, during work,
2. Use a humidifier
Adding a humidifier to your workspace or bedroom is a simple way to boost the moisture in the air, which can do wonders for your skin, not just your hands.
Dry indoor air, especially in cooler months, can sap moisture from your skin, making it prone to dryness. By using a humidifier, you help maintain a healthier humidity level, ensuring your skin stays more hydrated and comfortable.
It’s an effortless way to support your skin’s health while you go about your day or sleep at night.
3. Always apply before bed
Overnight is the ideal time to give your hands some deep moisturizing care. Before you head to bed, apply a generous layer of a thicker hand cream.
This is your chance to let the cream work uninterrupted, deeply penetrating and restoring moisture to your skin while you sleep. You’ll wake up to hands that feel softer and look more nourished.
Think of it as an overnight spa treatment for your hands, effortless and highly effective.
4. Opt for hand creams with SPF
Sun protection isn’t just for your face or the beach days—it’s crucial for your hands too. Find a hand cream that includes SPF to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays every day.
Regular exposure to the sun can accelerate skin aging and increase the risk of damage, even during brief outdoor moments. By choosing a hand cream with SPF, you’re not only moisturizing but also protecting your hands, keeping them looking youthful and healthy. It’s a simple step that has lasting benefits for your skin’s overall health and appearance.
Related: 9 Skincare Mistakes Most People Make
5. Choose the right ingredients
Selecting the right ingredients in your hand cream is key to effective moisturization and skin health. Look for ingredients known for their hydrating and healing properties.
Hyaluronic acid, for example, helps retain moisture, while shea butter and glycerin are excellent for deep hydration and creating a protective barrier against environmental damage.
For those with sensitive skin, ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile offer soothing relief.
Also, consider creams that contain antioxidants like vitamin E, which can help combat skin damage from free radicals. By carefully choosing a hand cream with beneficial ingredients, you ensure your hands get the best care possible.
6. Explore natural remedies
In addition to commercial products, exploring natural remedies can be a wonderful way to care for your dry hands. Many natural ingredients can be found right in your kitchen and are effective in nourishing and healing skin.
For instance, coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer that penetrates deep into the skin to provide lasting hydration. Olive oil, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, can help soften and smooth the skin.
Obviously, these pure oils will make it difficult to go about your day once applied to your hands, so consider using them as a temporary mask before you wash it off, or at night before bed.
For a soothing effect, aloe vera gel can calm irritation and hydrate dry skin. Incorporating these natural remedies into your hand care routine can provide gentle (and fun!) treatment for your skin.
Related: 11 Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Shower for a Beautiful You
7. Make lifestyle changes
Transforming the health of your hands can be as simple as tweaking your daily habits. Here are some practical changes you can make:
- Protect Your Hands: Always wear gloves when doing dishes or using harsh cleaners to prevent your skin from drying out.
- Eat for Your Skin: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants into your diet. These nutrients, found in salmon, nuts, and leafy greens, can greatly enhance skin health.
- Stay Hydrated: Keeping up with your water intake is crucial for skin hydration. Make a habit of carrying a water bottle and sipping regularly throughout the day.
- Manage Stress: High stress levels can impact your skin’s ability to retain moisture. Engage in activities that reduce stress, like yoga, meditation, or simply taking time to relax and do something you enjoy.
- Avoid Very Hot Water: When washing your hands, opt for lukewarm water instead of hot. High temperatures can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
- Limit Hand Sanitizer Use: While hand sanitizer is important for killing germs, frequent use can dry out your skin due to its alcohol content. Use it sparingly and choose sanitizers with moisturizing agents.
- Moisturize After Washing: Make it a habit to apply hand cream immediately after washing your hands. This helps lock in moisture and protects the skin from drying out.
By implementing these simple changes, you’re not just caring for your hands—you’re enhancing their health in a holistic way.
8. Choosing soap for dry hands
Selecting the right soap is crucial for maintaining healthy, hydrated hands, especially if you’re prone to dryness. Here are some tips for finding a hand soap that won’t strip your skin of its natural moisture:
- Go for Gentle Formulas: Look for soaps labeled “moisturizing” or “for sensitive skin.” These products are typically less harsh and contain added ingredients to help maintain your skin’s moisture barrier.
- Avoid Strong Chemicals: Steer clear of soaps with harsh detergents, alcohols, and fragrances that can exacerbate dryness. Instead, opt for soaps with natural ingredients that are known to be gentler on the skin.
- Seek Nourishing Ingredients: Choose soaps enriched with hydrating components like glycerin, aloe vera, or shea butter. These ingredients not only clean your hands but also provide an extra layer of moisture to keep them soft and supple.
- Consider pH-Balanced Options: Soaps that maintain a pH similar to that of human skin (around 5.5) are less likely to irritate and dry out your skin.
9. Use gloves!
Protecting your hands with gloves can be a game-changer, especially when it comes to preventing dryness and irritation from environmental factors.
When cleaning, always slip on rubber or latex gloves to shield your hands from harsh chemicals that can strip moisture and cause cracking.
Additionally, during cold weather, it’s essential to wear warm gloves to protect against the dry, chilly air that can quickly sap moisture from your skin.
This simple habit not only keeps your hands comfortable but also helps maintain their softness and prevents dryness. Incorporating gloves into your routine is a smart move for lasting hand health.
TL;DR – Summary Table
| Section | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Why Are My Hands Always So Dry? | Frequent handwashing, cold weather, harsh chemicals, or dehydration could be to blame. |
| How Can I Hydrate My Hands? | Bring a travel-sized hand cream with you, keep hand cream in every room, use a hand cream with nourishing and hydrating ingredients, use humidifiers, apply before bed, and use SPF creams. |
| Ingredients in Hand Creams | Key ingredients to look for in hand creams include glycerin, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and oat extract. |
| Natural Remedies for Dry Hands | Natural remedies include coconut oil, olive oil, and aloe vera gel as a special treatment for your hands. |
| Lifestyle Changes for Softer Hands | Dietary impacts, water temperature, glove usage, overall hydration, and the importance of mindful handwashing. |
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