Your hand does many things for you everyday like typing at the office, washing dishes, or holding a warm cup of tea on a freezing winter morning. Yet, when winter arrives, they are mostly ignored. Yes, we are talking about skin care. While we stay busy protecting the skin on our faces, we frequently fail to notice that our hands are losing their softness.
As temperatures drop, factors like cold, dry air, low humidity, the use of indoor heaters, and frequent hand-washing strip away the skin’s natural moisture. Before you know it, the skin on your hands becomes tight, rough, and uncomfortable. You might find yourself repeatedly applying expensive creams, only for that bothersome dryness to return shortly after.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry. Your skin may not need more expensive products; rather, it requires a gentler, more attentive care routine. Here are a few ways to give your hands some extra care this winter:
- Use lukewarm water instead of very hot water. While washing frozen hands with piping hot water might feel comforting in the bitter cold, it strips away the skin’s natural protective oils, leaving it even drier. To maintain your skin’s natural defenses, opt for lukewarm or room-temperature water instead.
- Swap harsh soaps for moisturizing cleansers. Standard soaps or cleansers packed with harsh chemicals can be quite aggressive; while they do clean away dirt, they also strip the skin of its essential moisture. Instead, choose a sulfate-free, gentle cleanser designed to retain moisture, one that cleanses effectively without leaving your skin feeling tight or parched. Apply moisturizer while your hands are still damp. Timing is key when it comes to moisturizing. Do not wait for your hands to dry completely; instead, apply a hand cream or body butter while your skin is still slightly damp after washing. Choose products containing ingredients that help lock in moisture, such as glycerin, shea butter, or coconut oil.
- Treat your hands to a spa-like experience at night. During sleep, the body naturally repairs and regenerates itself. Before going to bed, apply a generous amount of natural oil or a rich, nourishing cream to your hands and knuckles, then slip on a pair of soft cotton gloves. When you wake up in the morning, you will find your hands feeling incredibly smooth and soft as soft as velvet.
- Eliminate winter dryness and dullness. A buildup of dead skin cells can make your hands look dull and prevent moisturizers from penetrating deeply. Once or twice a week, use a homemade scrub, such as a mixture of sugar and honey, or a blend of coconut oil and coffee grounds. Gently massage it into your skin and rinse off; you will notice that creams or lotions absorb much better afterward.
- Nourish your skin from within. What you consume is just as important as what you apply to your skin. Even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty during the winter, ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Incorporating healthy fats, a handful of nuts, and fresh seasonal fruits into your diet will help keep your skin naturally soft and vibrant from the inside out.
- Protect your hands from harsh weather and household chores. Avoid letting the biting winter wind come into direct contact with your skin; Keep wool or cotton gloves near the door so you can easily put them on whenever you head outside. Similarly, use rubber gloves when performing tasks like washing dishes or cleaning the house; this prevents harsh detergents from coming into contact with your delicate skin.
Your hands work hard for you all year round; by making a few small changes to your daily routine, you can keep them protected from the cold, healthy, and soft throughout the winter.
