Don’t Let Winter Wreak Havoc on Your Hands! Here’s How to Keep them Hydrated and Healthy 💧👐🌬️
Winter weather can severely damage your hands. WebMD offers advice on how to treat dry, cracked hands and prevent further harm.
How to Keep Your Hands Soft and Hydrated During Winter
Winter is a harsh season, especially for our delicate hands. Those smooth and supple hands we had in September can quickly turn red, chapped, and rough by February. But fear not, my dear readers, for I am here to save the day and provide you with valuable information on how to keep your hands moisturized and healthy during the cold months.
Why Do Our Hands Suffer in Winter? ❄️☹️
The main culprit behind our dehydrated hands is the lack of moisture. During winter, the humidity in the outside air takes a nosedive, and indoor heating systems make things even drier. So, if you’re washing your hands frequently to ward off those pesky cold and flu germs, you’re unknowingly stripping away whatever natural oils are left in your skin. As a result, your hands end up dry, cracked, and even bleeding! Ouch!
📚 Read more: Overuse of Antifungal Skin Meds: Are We Driving Drug-Resistant Disease?
The Strength of Your Skin Barrier Matters! 💪🧪
How well your hands can endure winter’s harsh conditions depends largely on the strength of your skin barrier. This barrier is a powerful shield made up of proteins, lipids, and oils that protect your skin. And guess what? The effectiveness of your skin barrier is mostly determined by your genes. So, if you have a weak barrier, you’re more prone to experiencing symptoms of sensitive skin, like itching, inflammation, and even eczema. Your hands are also more likely to become excessively dry in winter. It’s like your hands are saying, “Come on, genes, step up your game!”
💡 Expert tip: If you had inflammation from chapped hands last year, chances are it’ll happen again this winter. It’s like a recurring guest appearance of the unpleasant kind! 📚 Read more: How Does Climate Change Affect Eczema?
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Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! 🧴💦
To combat parched, scaly hands, you need to replenish the moisture that your thirsty skin is desperately craving. Now, I know what you’re thinking – can’t I just drink more water? Sorry, but that’s not the solution. Drinking water won’t directly hydrate your skin. Instead, it’s the moisturizer applied directly to your skin that will prevent water from evaporating and give your skin that healthy, dewy appearance.
📕 Recommended reading: Clean Beauty: Everything You Need to Know
Start Early and Moisturize Often! ☑️🕒
The best defense against dry hands is prevention. Don’t wait until your hands start showing signs of dryness; start moisturizing before the problem even arises. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! But be warned, applying moisturizer just once a day won’t cut it. That’s like offering your hands protection for a mere five minutes. We can do better than that! Aim for five to six applications per day to ensure round-the-clock protection.
💡 Expert tip: 🏆 Practice “good product placement” and keep moisturizers in multiple locations, like your bathroom, purse, gym bag, and desk. This way, you’ll be more likely to remember to moisturize consistently throughout the day. Oh, and don’t forget to rub moisturizer over your cuticles and nails too. They need some love too!
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Choosing the Perfect Moisturizer 💁🏻♀️💎
Now, I know walking down the skincare aisle at the drugstore can feel like an overwhelming maze of options. But fear not! Let me simplify things for you. When it comes to keeping your skin soft and hydrated, look for two types of ingredients: emollients and humectants.
Emollients act as lubricants on the skin’s surface, filling in the crevices between cells and helping the loose edges of dead skin cells stick together. They give your skin that smooth, pliable feeling after applying moisturizer. Look for ingredients like lanolin, jojoba oil, and shea butter.
Humectants, on the other hand, draw moisture from the environment onto the skin’s surface, increasing the water content of the outer layer. Some common humectants to look for include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea. These powerful ingredients will keep your skin hydrated and ready to take on winter’s challenges!
🎥 Insert image of hands with moisturizer 📷
When Your Hands Need Extra TLC 💪💖
If your hands have gone from dry and rough to having little cracks or fissures that are tender or bleeding, it’s time to level up your moisturizer game. Petroleum jelly is a tried-and-true remedy, or you can opt for a thick, rich moisturizer containing ingredients like dimethicone, cocoa or shea butter, or beeswax. For the ultimate treatment, apply a generous amount before bed, and then slip on a pair of cotton gloves or socks. Your hands will wake up feeling nourished and ready to take on the day!
⏰ Expert tip: Remember to set a reminder on your phone to take off those gloves or socks in the morning. You don’t want to face the world like a hand-model-zombie! 🧟♀️
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Protect and Nourish While Washing 🧼💦
We all know that washing hands can help prevent the spread of germs and keep us healthy. But did you know that you can protect and nourish your hands at the same time? Mind-blowing, right?
✋ Q: How can I take care of my hands while washing them frequently?
✍️ A: Choose a mild soap, use warm (not hot) water, and pat your hands dry. After drying, moisturize right away to lock in the moisture and keep your hands happy and hydrated.
Now, I get it. Some of you might be washing your hands a dozen or more times a day, which can lead to severely dry hands. In such cases, you can swap some soap-and-water sessions with hand-sanitizing gel or wipes. These alcohol-based alternatives may dry your skin a bit, but they are actually gentler on your hands than repetitively washing them with soap and water.
😲 Q: Wait, alcohol-based sanitizers are gentler? How does that work?
🖋️ A: Hand-sanitizing gels or wipes can be a gentler option for frequent hand washers, as they don’t strip away the natural oils of the skin as much as soap and water do. So, if you’re a hand-washing pro, give these sanitizers a try!
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Embrace the Humidity 🌬️💧
Want to give your hands an extra boost of moisture during winter? Consider using a humidifier in your home. Not only will it soothe your super dry hands, but it’ll also help ease itchy skin all over your body (including chapped lips) and even soothe that stuffy nose. Ah, the wonders of humidity!
💡 Expert tip: Remember to clean and maintain your humidifier regularly to prevent bacteria or mold from being released into the air. We don’t want your hands to be hydrated but your lungs to be suffering! 🌬️💦
📚 Read more: Skin Rash: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Gloves: More Than Just a Fashion Statement ✋🧤
When it’s cold outside and you’re braving the frosty air for more than just a quick run to grab the mail, make sure you wear gloves or mittens. They provide an extra layer of protection and keep your hands warm and toasty. If your hands do get wet, make sure to dry them thoroughly and apply moisturizer immediately. Wet and cold hands are the perfect recipe for disaster!
💡 Expert tip: Don’t forget to take care of your gloves too! Clean them regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, sweat, and bacteria.
When All Else Fails, Seek Professional Help! 🆘👩⚕️
If redness, peeling, and tenderness persist no matter how much TLC you give your hands, it might be time to see a dermatologist. They can prescribe a steroid cream to combat inflammation and determine if your dry hands are due to a more severe skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. Don’t suffer in silence when help is just a doctor’s appointment away!
📚 Read more: Psoriasis and Inflammation: The Link You Need to Know
Keep Calm and Moisturize On! 🌟👐
By adopting these hand-care tips, you’ll be well-equipped to face the challenges that winter throws your way. Remember, prevention is key! Start moisturizing before your hands start showing signs of dryness, and keep a moisturizer nearby at all times. Choose the right products, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help when needed. With some love and care, your hands will be soft, supple, and ready for spring’s warm embrace!
💬 Now it’s your turn! Share your favorite hand-care tips with us in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family on social media. Let’s spread the love and keep everyone’s hands happy and healthy this winter!
