How to Keep Your Hands Soft in Winter
Winter weather can be magical. Snowflakes, cozy sweaters, and hot drinks by the fire. But as the temperature drops, so does the moisture in the air, and your skin starts to feel the effects. This can be especially seen on your hands. If you’ve ever experienced dry, flaky, or even cracked hands during winter, you’re not alone.
Keeping your hands soft during the colder months isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about maintaining healthy skin that can protect you from germs and irritation. Here’s how you can take care of your hands all winter long.
Why Winter Is Tough on Your Hands
When the air is cold and dry, it pulls moisture from your skin. Add in frequent hand washing, indoor heating, and exposure to wind or snow, and your hands are practically begging for hydration. Unlike other parts of your body, the skin on your hands has fewer oil glands, which makes it even more susceptible to dryness and chapping in winter.
Without proper care, this dryness can lead to redness, rough patches, and even painful cracks, especially around your knuckles and fingertips.
Wash Gently, Not Excessively
Hand hygiene is important, especially during cold and flu season. However, overwashing can strip away the natural oils your skin needs. Use lukewarm water instead of hot, and choose a gentle, moisturizing soap that doesn’t contain harsh sulfates.
After washing, pat your hands dry with a towel instead of rubbing, and apply moisture immediately to seal in hydration.
Use a Good Hand Balm
Unlike lighter lotions, hand balms are thicker, richer, and designed to deeply nourish the skin. They typically contain emollients and occlusive agents like shea butter, beeswax, or glycerin that form a protective barrier to lock in moisture.
Apply hand balm right after washing your hands or before bed to allow it to work overnight. Keeping a small tube in your bag or at your desk can make it easier to reapply throughout the day and keep your hands moisturized.
Wear Gloves (Not Just for Style)
When heading outside, wearing gloves protects your hands from cold air and wind, which are major culprits in drying out skin. Choose gloves made of soft, breathable materials like wool or fleece to keep your hands warm and protected.
You can even take it a step further by wearing cotton gloves at night after applying hand balm to help your skin absorb every bit of moisture.
Exfoliate Occasionally
Exfoliating your hands once or twice a week helps remove dead skin cells and allows moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. Use a gentle scrub or a DIY mix of sugar and olive oil to avoid irritation.
Just be sure to follow up with a generous layer of hand balm right after to replenish lost moisture.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Don’t forget that hydration starts from the inside. What you drink and eat has a direct effect on your skin. Drinking enough water and eating foods rich in healthy fats, like avocados and nuts, can improve your skin’s overall moisture levels and resilience, even in winter.
