Your hands are constantly exposed to weather conditions and it’s the only part of your body that stays in water for so long (due to frequent hand washing). Your hand’s skin needs special care, if you want to avoid cracking, itching and peeling. In this article you will learn all the do’s and don’ts for smooth and healthy hands during wintertime.
Don’t wash your hands too frequently
Although it is very important to keep your hands clean (especially now during the COVID-19 outbreak), try not to exaggerate. Washing your hands too often may dehydrate your skin and cause itchiness. Use warm or lukewarm water rather than hot water, as hot water removes the natural oils from the skin and causes dryness. Always use a towel afterwards to dry your hands and avoid using hot air dryers.
Use natural, moisturizing soaps
Most conventional liquid soaps and bar soaps for hands contain chemical preservatives, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances and colors and other toxic ingredients that may be harmful for your health. SLS and SLES widely used in these products, often cause irritations, dryness, itchiness and even some allergies. Especially during winter, when your skin is more sensitive and prone to dryness, you should avoid using these products. Instead opt for natural, handmade soaps that deeply cleanse your skin, without dehydrating it and stripping away its moisture.
For natural soaps, take a look here.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is very important for your skin’s health and you should not ignore the area of your hands. Especially during winter, cell turnover slows down and you may experience dry, rough and dull skin. When you exfoliate, dead skin cells are removed, the pores of your skin are deeply cleansed and you help your skin better absorb the skincare products you will apply next. Choose a natural scrub that gently exfoliates without causing irritations and dehydration. Apply using circular motions to improve blood circulation and use twice a week.
Our favorite product:
LN Handmade Soaps – Tea Tree and Lime Scrub
Wear gloves
Low temperatures and cold air are your hand’s worst enemies during wintertime. They cause lack of moisture and dry skin, making your skin more vulnerable and prone to damage. You may experience cracking, itching and peeling, and some cracked areas may even bleed. To keep your hands warm and avoid all these irritations and damages, invest in a good pair of gloves. Especially if you like outdoors activities and practice winter sports, a pair of gloves is a necessity.
Wear sunscreen
Exposure to the sun is the main cause of skin damage and aging. Sun exposure results in the form of free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin and lead to wrinkles, black spots and loss of elasticity. Your hands are constantly exposed to the sun and you should always protect them, even during wintertime, just as you protect your face. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and both UVA and UVB filters. Make sure to apply a thick layer and don’t forget to reapply during the day.
Use a rich hand cream
Moisturization is the key factor for your skin’s health. A well-hydrated skin acts as a protective barrier to keep harmful environmental factors from entering our bodies. It is more soft and smooth, without cracked and rough areas. Keeping your skin hydrated, you ensure that it won’t lose its elasticity and that it will remain healthy, plump and young looking.
Opt for a natural hand cream that is rich in moisturizing and conditioning agents. Apply every day on clean and dry skin and let it fully absorb. If your skin is severely damaged apply more than once during the day, especially after washing your hands.
If you are interested in natural hand creams, take a look here.
Tip: To seal in moisture you can apply your favorite body oil on top.
Take care of your nails and cuticles
Healthy and strong nails make your hands look beautiful. You don’t have to visit an expensive salon to get pretty nails. You can care for them at home, following simple and easy tips and tricks: Soak your fingers in water for 10 minutes. Then trim your nails to the desired length and use a buffer to smooth out the tops of your nails. Push back your cuticles carefully, do not cut them. Then apply a natural oil like almond oil or coconut oil to the tops of your nails and cuticles. Gently rub it in and let it absorb.
