As temperatures drop and winter air becomes dry, it’s common to experience chapped, cracked, or flaky hands. Taking a few extra steps in your skincare routine can help keep your hands soft, smooth, and protected from winter’s harsh elements. Here’s your guide to achieving healthy, hydrated hands throughout the colder months.
Why Do My Hands Get Dry in the Winter?
Winter dryness is a common problem for hands, and there are several reasons why the skin on our hands gets so dry in colder months. Cold weather leads to a drop in humidity, making the air less able to hold moisture. This dry air draws moisture out from our skin, leaving hands feeling tight, flaky, and dehydrated. Additionally, heating indoors can reduce moisture levels further, leading to the common problem of “winter skin” and causing hand dryness.
If you’re constantly wondering, “Why are my hands so dry?” or “Why is the skin peeling on my hands?” the answer lies in the combination of cold, dry outdoor air and indoor heating. Protecting your hands with proper care is essential to combat winter dryness.
Hand Cream vs Lotion - Which is Better?
When choosing a product for dry hands, you might ask: “Hand cream or hand lotion – which should I use?” The answer depends on your specific skin needs.
Hand creams generally have a thicker, richer consistency compared to lotions. They contain a higher concentration of oils and other nourishing ingredients, making them ideal for deep hydration, especially for cracked hands. If you’re dealing with extremely dry hands, a hand cream for dry or cracked hands may be the best option.
SABON’s Butter Hand Cream has the nourishing properties of shea butter making it a nourishing hand cream for dry hands.
Hand lotions are typically lighter and absorb quickly, offering immediate hydration but often with a lighter touch. Hand lotion for dry skin can be a great choice for daytime use, especially if you want something that doesn’t leave a greasy residue. When looking for the best hand lotion for cracked dry hands, choose one that balances moisture with quick absorption.
SABON’s Perfumed Hand Cream is made with shea butter and aloe vera so your hands will be left silk smooth and slightly perfumed every time. Use directly after washing your hands with our Perfumed Hand Soap, massaging into the skin from the fingertips to the wrist, paying special attention to the cuticles, until fully absorbed.
How to Prevent Dry Hands in the Winter?
Keeping hands soft and smooth requires a proactive approach to skincare. Here are some key ways to care for and prevent dryness:
Moisturize, Moisturize, and then Moisturize AGAIN
The best way to prevent dry, cracked hands is to apply moisturizer consistently. Reach for the best hand cream for dry skin and make it a habit to apply after washing your hands and before going to bed. For extra hydration, try an intensive overnight treatment with a hand moisturizer for dry skin to wake up with soft, smooth hands.
Shop SABON Intense Hydration Butter Hand Cream.
Pay Attention to Ingredients
When choosing a lotion for cracked hands or a dry hands remedy, check the ingredient list. Look for nourishing elements like shea butter, cocoa butter, and aloe vera, which can help seal in moisture and repair damaged skin. For added benefits, seek out formulas with antioxidants, as these can help protect your hands from environmental damage.
Avoid Over Washing
Handwashing is essential, but overdoing it can strip natural oils from your skin. Avoid excessive washing with hot water, which can exacerbate hand dryness. Choose a gentle, moisturizing hand soap and always follow with a hand cream for dry hands to lock in moisture.
Don’t Skip Exfoliating
Dry, flaky skin can make hands appear rough and dull. Gently exfoliate your hands once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells, allowing your hand lotion to penetrate deeper. Exfoliating is an easy yet effective way to help soften your hands and keep them looking and feeling their best.
Try SABON’s 2-in-1 Dead Sea Hand Mask & Scrub for refined, soft, and nourished hands. Leave on for up to 10 minutes for intense hydration.
Regular Hand Massages
Take a few moments each day to massage your hands with your best hand moisturizer for dry skin.
This not only helps with relaxation but also boosts circulation and aids in the absorption of nourishing ingredients, making your hands feel smoother and more hydrated.
Protect your Hands from the Cold
Cold weather is a leading cause of hand dryness. Keep your hands protected by wearing gloves when you’re outside in chilly weather.
This simple step helps lock in moisture and protect your hands from the drying effects of winter air.
Bonus: Regular Nail Care for Healthy, Radiant Looking Hands
Keeping your hands soft and hydrated goes hand-in-hand with caring for your nails and cuticles. SABON’s Nail & Cuticle Oil is a perfect addition to your winter hand care routine.
This nourishing oil is enriched with natural oils to hydrate dry, brittle nails and soften rough cuticles, giving your hands a healthy, radiant appearance. A quick daily application of this nail and cuticle oil not only adds a lovely sheen but also strengthens nails, helping to prevent breakage and cracking.
Winter weather doesn’t have to mean dry, cracked hands. With the right care routine and a focus on quality dry hand lotions and hand creams for cracked hands, you can keep your hands feeling soft and smooth. By understanding what causes dry hands and taking proactive steps, you can enjoy the colder months without worrying about rough, flaky skin.
Shop All SABON Handcare.
