How to Rescue Dry Hands: Causes and 5 Fixes That Work
Dry, cracked hands are usually down to one thing: moisture being stripped away faster than it is replaced, by frequent washing, harsh sanitisers, cold weather and dry indoor air. The rescue plan is simple: wash with lukewarm water, dry hands properly, and moisturise generously afterwards with a rich cream, then seal it in. Here is what causes dry hands and exactly how to fix them.
Key takeaways
- Over-washing, sanitisers, cold weather and dry air are the usual culprits.
- Moisturise every time you wash, and after the hands feel tight.
- Use lukewarm (not hot) water and dry hands thoroughly.
- Wear gloves in the cold and when cleaning or washing up.
- See a GP or pharmacist for eczema, psoriasis, cracked or bleeding skin, or a health condition affecting your hands.
What are the signs of dry hands?
Symptoms vary with the cause and severity, but common ones include:
- Redness and rough, scaly texture
- Flaking skin
- Itchiness
- Tight-feeling skin
- Cracked areas
Why are my hands so dry?
Over-washing and sanitiser
Frequent washing with harsh soaps and alcohol sanitisers strips the skin's natural oils. Keep washing when you need to, but moisturise afterwards, and where you can, a gentle fast-absorbing sanitiser like the Watermans Clean Me hand gel is kinder than repeated washing.
Cold weather and dry air
In cooler temperatures the skin struggles to hold moisture, and central heating and air conditioning dry the air further. Rapid swings between warm and cold make it worse.
Medical conditions
Eczema and psoriasis commonly cause dry, irritated hands, and some conditions such as diabetes can affect circulation and skin comfort. If you think a condition is behind your dry hands, see a GP or pharmacist.
How do you rescue dry hands? 5 steps that work
| Step | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Moisturise after every wash | Replaces the oils washing strips away |
| Use lukewarm water | Hot water dries and irritates skin |
| Dry hands thoroughly | Leftover water evaporates and pulls moisture with it |
| Wear gloves | Shields hands from cold, water and cleaning chemicals |
| Seal with an oil at night | Locks the cream's moisture in while you sleep |
The best products for dry hands
Two steps do the heavy lifting: a rich butter-based cream to hydrate, then a light oil to seal it in overnight.
Plumping Moisturise Me® Face & Hand Cream
A rich, non-greasy cream for hands, face and lips, blended with cupuacu, shea and cocoa butters, almond oil and allantoin. It absorbs quickly to soften, soothe and comfort dry, cracked hands. Apply generously after every wash and whenever hands feel tight.
Shop Moisturise Me CreamCamellia & Black Castor Hair & Body Oil
A nourishing multi-use oil rich in camellia and black castor oils with omegas 3, 6 and 9. Smooth a few drops over your cream at night to seal moisture into cracked knuckles and dry patches, and it is a lovely treat for your hair too.
Shop Camellia & Castor OilWatermans is a UK family business that has sold over 5 million bottles since 2012. The range is vegan and cruelty-free.
Dry hands and dry skin go hand in hand in the colder months. For the bigger picture, see our guide on how to care for dry skin in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my hands get so dry in winter?
Cold air, low humidity and indoor heating strip moisture from your skin, and hands are among the most exposed.
How often should I moisturise my hands?
After every wash and any time they feel tight or dry, so keep a hand cream by the sink and in your bag.
Does hot water make dry hands worse?
Yes. Hot water strips natural oils, so wash with lukewarm water and dry hands thoroughly.
Can I use a body oil on my hands?
Yes. A light oil over your cream, especially at night, helps seal in moisture and soften cracked skin.
When should I see a doctor about dry hands?
If skin is deeply cracked, bleeding, very painful, or you think eczema, psoriasis or a health condition is involved, check with a GP or pharmacist.
Dry hands are almost always fixable with a kinder routine: lukewarm water, thorough drying, gloves in the cold, and moisturising every time you wash. Start with the Plumping Moisturise Me Face & Hand Cream and seal it in with the Camellia & Black Castor Oil.
