With all the increased hand washing over the last year, it’s no surprise that dry hands have become a common complaint. Though the condition isn’t usually harmful, it can be irritating, especially if left untreated. Read on to discover what causes dry hands, how to relieve the symptoms, and where to find the best hand cream for dry hands for healthier, more comfortable-feeling skin.
Dry Skin on Hands: Symptoms
Symptoms of dry hands can vary depending on the severity and cause of the irritation. However, common complaints include:
- Redness
- Flaking skin
- Itchiness
- Cracked areas
- Tight-feeling skin
- Rough, scaly texture
Why Are My Hands So Dry?
So, what causes dry hands? Dry hands have many triggers, ranging from medical issues to seasonal weather changes.
Over-Washing
Over the past year, we’ve all become accustomed to frequently washing our hands with harsher, antibacterial products and hand sanitisers that can cause the skin to lose moisture and dry out. Keep up the hand washing but remember to moisturise afterwards!
Environment
As the weather turns colder, hands often feel dry and irritated. Why? Well, in cooler temperatures, the body struggles to retain moisture effectively, causing the skin to dry out.
Dry air and low humidity often irritate the hands, as does central heating or air conditioners. Frequent fluctuations in temperature, like moving from warm to colder conditions quickly, can also cause dry skin.
Medical Conditions
Eczema and psoriasis are two common conditions that can cause dry and irritated hands. Autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes and lupus, sometimes affect blood circulation to the hands, which can increase the risk of dry, cracked and irritated skin.
Exposure to chemicals that cause burns or irritation is another key cause of dry hands.
The Wrong Skincare
Another common cause of dry skin on hands? Applying a hand cream that doesn’t support the natural pH of the skin! Instead, these lotions typically damage the skin’s protective barrier and impede moisture retention. Keep scrolling to find the best hand creams for dry hands…
How to Rescue Dry Hands
While some causes of dry hands may be unavoidable, here are our top tips on how to reduce dryness and promote hydration.
Wear Gloves
In colder weather, protecting the hands from cold temperatures and wind will help the skin to retain moisture and keep dryness at bay. Using gloves when cleaning or washing dishes is another great way to reduce exposure to water and chemicals that may irritate and dry out the hands.
Using a fast-absorbing hand sanitiser can be a great alternative to excessive hand washing. Watermans Clean Me hand sanitiser kills 99.9% of bacteria without leaving water or residue on the skin.
Use Cooler Water
We all love a hot shower, but hot water, if used often, can dry out the skin and cause itchiness and irritation. When showering and washing the hands, use lukewarm water to avoid excessive moisture loss.
Dry Your Hands Properly
We often forget to dry our hands completely – but did you know that leaving water on the skin can worsen dryness? When the water evaporates, the hands lose moisture. So, remember to dry your hands thoroughly after cleansing for softer, hydrated skin.
Moisturise
Much of our everyday lives can be harsh on the hands. It’s important to regularly moisturise to lock in hydration and tackle irritation.
After hand washing, or whenever the hands feel tight or dry, generously apply a hand cream for dry hands and massage into the skin.
The Best Hand Cream For Dry Hands
Watermans’ Moisture Me Hand Cream is the perfect solution for dry, cracked hands. Enriched with rich butters and oils, Moisture Me Hand Cream helps to hydrate and nourish, while soothing and protecting even the most sensitive of skin.
- Cupacu Butter, a super moisturiser and excellent emollient, restores elasticity to the skin while providing antioxidants and hydration
- Shea Butter, an emollient that packs a powerful moisturising punch, soaks into the skin and creates a moisture-sealing barrier
- Cocoa Butter helps to replenish skin’s moisture and create a barrier to protect from moisture loss
- Almond Oil, a powerful and effective moisturiser, soaks into the skin quickly, making it a powerful and effective moisturiser.
- Allantoin acts as an emollient to keep the skin moisturised, preventing dryness and irritation.
This multitalented moisturiser may be your all-around winter saviour! Suitable for the face, body and lips, its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs instantly, leaving skin feeling smooth and supple. Use daily to help hydrate dry hands.
