“Caring for your hands is not just about beauty; it’s about protecting the skin from harmful environmental effects.” – Howard Murad, renowned dermatologist.
Winter is a time when hands are prone to becoming dry and cracked. Image: Instagram @mayay____y.
Causes of cracked hands in winter
In cold weather, the skin’s natural oil glands reduce activity, leaving hands without the protective layer needed to retain essential moisture. Dry air and cold winds further accelerate moisture evaporation from the skin’s surface, causing a tight, dry feeling and increased sensitivity.
Additionally, many people tend to wash their hands with hot water to stay warm, but this inadvertently strips away the protective oils, reducing the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Exposure to harsh cleansers in soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers also damages the epidermis, making the skin more sensitive and prone to cracking. Therefore, in winter, hands are more likely to become dry and lifeless if not cared for properly.
1. Use moisturizer
Using hand cream is one of the most effective methods to prevent and treat dryness and cracking in winter. Creams with high-moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, almond oil, shea butter, and ceramides provide deep hydration, help restore skin, and create a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss, shielding hands from environmental effects. Especially, creams designed for cracked skin, with specialized ingredients like lanolin and allantoin, quickly soothe dry, tight areas while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. Applying cream regularly, especially after washing hands and before bed, will help maintain long-lasting moisture and prevent cracks from returning, leaving your hands feeling soft and smooth even in cold, dry weather.
Massaging with gentle natural oils helps deeply moisturize the hands. Image: Pexels.
2. Hand massage with nourishing oil
If you’re looking for an effective solution to protect your hands from cracking, massaging with nourishing oils is an excellent choice. Oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil are not only rich in vitamins and fatty acids but also absorb quickly into the skin, providing essential moisture and deep nourishment. Additionally, they create a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping your hands soft.
Massaging with gentle natural oils helps deeply moisturize the hands. Image: Pexels.
For optimal results, apply nourishing oil after washing your hands or showering, while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture more effectively and enhances the moisturizing power of the product. Take a small amount of oil and gently massage it into your hands, paying special attention to areas prone to cracking, like between the fingers and on the palms. Regular use of nourishing oil not only maintains moisture but also improves skin texture, giving you soft and healthy hands even in cold weather.
3. Exfoliating with natural ingredients
To keep your hands soft and healthy, exfoliating with natural ingredients is an effective method you shouldn’t overlook. When dirt, dead skin cells, and oil build up on your hands, the skin’s ability to absorb moisture decreases, leading to dryness and cracking. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin layers, stimulates skin regeneration, and improves moisture levels in the skin.
Exfoliate regularly to keep your hands smooth and make it easier for moisturizers to absorb. Image: Pexels.
You can use natural, easy-to-find ingredients like sugar, salt, or oatmeal combined with olive oil or honey to create an exfoliating scrub. To apply, mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply to your hands, gently massaging for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water. It’s recommended to do this 1-2 times a week to ensure your skin is renewed and better able to absorb moisture.
4. Drink plenty of water
In addition to moisturizing from the outside, nourishing the skin from within is also crucial in preventing roughness on the hands. Drinking enough water daily helps maintain the body’s hydration levels, which supports the skin’s hydration process. When adequately hydrated, the skin becomes softer and healthier, minimizing the risk of dryness and cracking.
Providing enough water for the body helps reduce dryness and cracking of the hands. Image: Instagram @misaki_handmodel.
Especially in winter, when the dry air increases the risk of dehydration, ensuring adequate water intake becomes even more essential. Make sure to consume 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily, and consider adding extra hydration from fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. This way, your skin will be protected, helping to maintain its natural softness and vitality.