12 Late Winter Hand Care Tips for Cracks and Peeling
As the winter chill settles in, our hands often bear the brunt of the cold, dry air. Cracks and peeling skin can become a frustrating issue, leaving our hands feeling rough and uncomfortable. Fortunately, with a few simple steps, you can keep your hands soft and smooth throughout the season. Hydrating and protecting your skin is key to preventing further damage. Regular moisturizing, gentle exfoliation, and proper protection from harsh weather can make a world of difference.
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Hydrate with Rich Hand Cream
Winter weather tends to dry out the skin, leading to cracks and peeling, especially in colder climates. Proper hydration is key in maintaining skin health, so choosing a rich hand cream can help replenish moisture that the skin has lost. Look for creams with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and natural oils, which lock in moisture and provide long-lasting relief. Applying hand cream multiple times a day, especially after washing your hands, is essential to prevent dryness and irritation.
For a highly effective hand cream, consider the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream ($5.99). This product is known for its intense hydration and works well even in extreme weather conditions. It provides deep nourishment and helps soothe dry, cracked skin.
Exfoliate Gently to Remove Dead Skin
Exfoliating your hands is an important step to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that may contribute to peeling. Choose a gentle scrub that is designed for sensitive skin, as harsh exfoliants can irritate and damage the skin further. A mild scrub containing ingredients like sugar or salt mixed with oils can help to buff away dry patches while keeping the skin hydrated. Exfoliate no more than once or twice a week to avoid over-drying your hands. Be sure to moisturize immediately after exfoliating to lock in the moisture.
The Olay Exfoliating Hand Scrub ($7.99) is an excellent choice for gentle exfoliation. It is formulated with a blend of natural exfoliants that polish the skin without causing damage. This scrub leaves your hands feeling soft and refreshed, perfect for preparing them for additional moisture treatments.
Apply Overnight Treatments
Overnight treatments are perfect for allowing your skin to heal while you rest. Applying a thick layer of hand cream or oil before bed and wearing cotton gloves can help seal in moisture. Overnight, your skin absorbs the product deeply, allowing it to repair itself more effectively. This technique is highly beneficial for those with severely dry or cracked skin. Opt for products that contain ingredients like honey or petroleum jelly for added hydration.
The Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($7.97) is a top pick for overnight hand care. Known for its ability to heal dry and cracked skin, it provides intense moisture and protection. You can apply a generous layer before bed and wake up to softer, smoother hands.
Use Natural Oils for Healing
Natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and almond oil are packed with nutrients that nourish and hydrate the skin. These oils are rich in vitamins and fatty acids that help repair the skin’s natural barrier. Coconut oil, in particular, is great for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce redness and swelling caused by cracked skin. Massage the oil gently into your hands to provide hydration and improve skin elasticity.
For a trusted natural oil, consider Coconut Oil by Viva Naturals ($15.99). This oil is cold-pressed, unrefined, and ideal for skin care. Its soothing properties make it an excellent choice for combating dryness and cracking.
Avoid Harsh Soap
Regular hand soap, especially those with artificial fragrances and alcohol, can be harsh on your skin and strip it of its natural oils. Opt for hand soaps that are formulated for sensitive skin or those that are free from sulfates and artificial additives. Choosing a soap with moisturizing properties will help your hands stay hydrated even while cleaning. Wash your hands with lukewarm water instead of hot water to avoid further drying.
A highly recommended product is the Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Hand Wash ($5.49). This gentle soap is fragrance-free and helps to preserve the skin’s moisture while cleaning your hands thoroughly.
Choose a Healing Hand Mask
Hand masks are a wonderful way to provide intensive hydration for dry, cracked hands. These masks are typically worn for around 15-20 minutes and are designed to deeply moisturize and soften the skin. Hand masks can be used a few times a week or as needed, especially after a long day of hand exposure to cold air or harsh chemicals. They work by trapping moisture inside, allowing for better absorption of the nourishing ingredients.
For an effective hand mask, try the Burt’s Bees Ultimate Hand Repair Kit ($13.99). This kit includes a soothing hand mask along with their popular hand cream, providing your skin with all the moisture it needs to recover from dryness.
Opt for Fragrance-Free Products
Fragrance-free products are gentler on the skin, especially for those prone to irritation or sensitivity. Many lotions and hand creams contain artificial fragrances that can further irritate cracked and peeling skin. Using fragrance-free products ensures that your skin is not exposed to unnecessary chemicals or allergens. Always check the label for products that are dermatologically tested and safe for sensitive skin.
A recommended fragrance-free hand cream is the CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream ($7.99). This product is designed to provide intense moisture and repair the skin’s natural barrier, making it perfect for dry and cracked hands.
Use a Soothing Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is widely known for its soothing and cooling properties. Applying aloe vera gel to your hands can help calm irritation and reduce inflammation, which is particularly beneficial if your skin is cracked or inflamed. It’s a natural remedy that provides both hydration and healing properties, making it ideal for sensitive or damaged skin. Aloe vera helps to repair the skin barrier while preventing further moisture loss. You can use it as a daily moisturizer or apply it specifically to affected areas for quicker relief.
Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel ($5.99) is a great choice for soothing and healing. It’s a pure aloe vera formula that moisturizes the skin while helping it heal and recover from winter dryness.
Try a DIY Honey and Olive Oil Treatment
Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin. When combined with olive oil, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it makes for an excellent moisturizing and skin-healing treatment. This combination can be applied to your hands in the form of a homemade mask, which you can leave on for 15-20 minutes. The honey helps to lock in moisture, while the olive oil nourishes the skin, leaving your hands soft and hydrated.
For a DIY honey and olive oil hand mask, use Pure Organic Honey ($9.99) and Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($7.99). These natural ingredients will provide a luxurious treatment for cracked skin, helping to heal and hydrate effectively.
Apply a Barrier Cream Before Going Outside
If you live in an area where winter winds can be harsh, it’s important to apply a barrier cream before stepping outside. These creams are designed to form a protective layer over the skin, shielding it from cold temperatures and wind. This prevents moisture from escaping, which is essential for preventing cracked and peeling skin. Apply the barrier cream to your hands, focusing on areas that are most exposed to the elements, such as your knuckles and fingertips.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream ($8.99) is a great option for creating a protective barrier. This product is designed to shield the skin while providing much-needed moisture, especially for dry and cracked hands during winter.
Incorporate Vitamin E into Your Routine
Vitamin E is an antioxidant known for its ability to promote healing and repair damaged skin. Applying a product with Vitamin E can help reduce the appearance of scars, minimize cracking, and improve the overall texture of your hands. It also acts as a moisturizer, keeping your skin hydrated while providing nourishment. You can use Vitamin E-rich hand creams or oils to target specific areas that need extra care.
For a Vitamin E-rich product, try The Body Shop Vitamin E Hand & Nail Treatment ($12.99). This treatment combines the benefits of Vitamin E with hydrating oils to help nourish and protect your hands from the harsh winter elements.
Maintain a Consistent Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to hand care during the winter months. A daily hand care routine that includes moisturizing, exfoliating, and protection will help keep your skin smooth and prevent cracks from forming. Make sure to apply a moisturizer several times throughout the day, especially after washing your hands. Regular care will not only alleviate the symptoms of dryness but will also prevent future flare-ups.
For a simple yet effective routine, try Aveeno Skin Relief Hand Cream ($6.99). This product provides long-lasting moisture and is specifically designed to relieve dry, irritated skin, keeping your hands soft and healthy.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.