1. Hydrate Your Skin
The first step to healing cracked hands is to hydrate your skin. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated from within. Moisturize your hands regularly throughout the day using a hydrating hand cream or lotion. Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid, as they provide intense hydration.
2. Protect Your Hands
Avoid exposing your hands to extreme cold or hot water, as both can worsen the condition. Wear gloves when going outside in chilly weather to protect your hands from the cold and harsh winds. When doing household chores or using cleaning products, always wear rubber gloves to shield your hands from drying chemicals and abrasive substances.
3. Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliating your hands removes dead skin cells and promotes healthier skin growth. However, it’s essential to be gentle while exfoliating your cracked hands. Use a mild scrub or make a DIY scrub with sugar and olive oil. Gently massage the scrub onto your hands in circular motions, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
4. Nourish with Natural Oils
Natural oils have amazing healing properties for dry and cracked hands. Choose oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil, which are rich in vitamins and fatty acids. Apply a generous amount of oil to your hands, massage it in thoroughly, and let it absorb for a few minutes. This helps to lock in moisture and repair damaged skin.
5. Use Lukewarm Water
Hot showers may be tempting during cold weather, but they strip away the natural oils from your skin, making it drier. Instead, opt for lukewarm water while washing your hands. Hot water can further irritate cracked skin and worsen the condition. Remember to pat your hands dry gently after washing, never rub them.
6. Overnight Moisturizing Treatment
A great way to provide intense moisture to your cracked hands is by using an overnight treatment. Apply a thick layer of hand cream or petroleum jelly to your hands before bed. Cover them with soft cotton gloves to lock in the moisture throughout the night. In the morning, you’ll wake up with visibly softer and deeply moisturized hands.
Cracked hands from the cold weather can be painful and bothersome, but with proper care and remedies, you can heal them effectively. Remember to hydrate your skin, protect your hands, exfoliate gently, nourish with natural oils, use lukewarm water, and try an overnight moisturizing treatment. By taking these steps, you’ll soon have soft, smooth, and crack-free hands that are ready to tackle whatever the winter throws at them!