How To Keep Your Hands Soft & Hydrated Through The Winter
Dry, rough red hands can be uncomfortable and prone to cracking and bleeding. It’s a more common problem in winter when we are more exposed to dry air, cold winds, and heated indoor environments.
Skin that is irritated and broken is more prone to picking up infections, and it can also really knock your confidence, just when you want to look your best for festive gatherings. However, with the right natural dry skin care routine, it’s possible to keep your hands looking smooth and feeling soft and hydrated, whatever the weather. Here are some tips and suggestions.
Start with the right handwashing technique
Frequent handwashing is important for health and hygiene, and if you work in healthcare, hospitality, or are just a busy parent of young children, no doubt you wash or sanitise your hands dozens of times each day. To avoid excessively drying your hands, choose a hand wash with 100 per cent natural ingredients.
Many regular hand washes and soaps contain harsh chemicals such as SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) or preservatives, which can strip away the natural oils in the skin. Repeated washing will break down the protective skin barrier, making it harder for your skin to retain moisture and leaving it more prone to dryness and cracking.
Instead, look for handwashes with gentle natural formulas. Ingredients such as glycerine and aloe vera will keep your hands clean without being overly drying or irritating. Wash your hands with warm rather than hot water, and pat them dry immediately rather than rubbing.
Moisturise straight after washing
If possible, always moisturise your hands straight after washing whilst they are slightly damp. This will lock in moisture and provide a barrier to prevent further loss. For the daytime, look for lighter formulations that will be absorbed quickly and not leave your hands feeling greasy.
Soothing natural ingredients such as avocado oils and sweet almond oil will provide deep and lasting hydration without leaving a heavy coating on the skin. Get into the habit of carrying a small travel size hand cream with you wherever you go, so that you can keep your hands moisturised throughout the day.
Wear gloves
During cold weather, wear gloves every time you go outside to protect your hands from the cold dry air. If you need to use your hands a lot for dealing with pets or children, or to check your phone, go for fingerless gloves.
Avoid putting your hands in direct contact with water doing household chores by wearing rubber gloves. If your hands are very dry and prone to irritation, look for PVC gloves with a cotton flocked lining that are designed to protect sensitive skin, or alternatively wear a pair of thin cotton gloves underneath the rubber gloves.
Extra hydration for damaged hands
If your hands are very dry and damaged, or you have a skin condition such as eczema, then using thicker products that provide an extra layer of protection will be beneficial. Look for creams that contain ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba oil, which will help to restore suppleness and softness.
These products are best applied when you have 15 or 20 minutes to relax and allow them to fully sink in. Alternatively, you could apply them last thing at night a pop on a pair of soft 100 per cent cotton gloves to avoid transferring any residue onto your bedding.
Considerations if you have very itchy and inflamed skin
Skin that is constantly itchy and is irritating and uncomfortable, and scratching can soon break down the skin’s protective barrier. This makes it even more difficult to keep the skin hydrated, and so the cycle of irritation, itching and dryness continues.
Consider if the itching flares up after certain activities or contact with certain substances. In this case you may have contact dermatitis, which is a type of eczema. It is best to seek professional advice if the irritation is persistent or severe.
Many people with eczema find that the condition improves when they switch to skincare products with 100 per natural and organic ingredients.
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