Proper hand care for dry hands

Our hands are in constant use every day. We are often not even really aware of it. In almost all movements, our hands are involved and come into contact with countless external stimuli and influences. Whether gardening, doing sports, DIY projects, or housework, our hands are always directly exposed. Dirt, sweat, dust, UV radiation, or water—these natural elements can also put a strain on the skin of the hands. Why? In the following article on proper hand care for dry hands, we take a closer look at these details and what should definitely be considered when caring for your hands.

The skin’s natural protection

Sweat, raindrops, or direct contact with water when showering or bathing are not harmful to our skin at first. After all, such contact between skin and moisture happens every day and is completely normal. However, if our hand, for example, is surrounded by moisture for a long time in sweaty work gloves, if we wash our hands many times a day, or if they sweat under strain, this creates a persistently moist environment. The skin becomes softened and the natural skin barrier becomes permeable.

Conversely, if the air indoors is very dry—as is often the case with heated air—or cold temperatures dominate the weather, moisture is drawn out of the skin and, in this case too, the natural skin barrier becomes permeable. In addition, the skin on the hands is generally thinner, and lipid production via the sebaceous glands is reduced in the cold. The result is additional drying of the hands. Once the skin’s important protective mantle is compromised, the skin not only has a moisture problem, but potential pathogens can also penetrate unhindered.

Important tips for washing your hands

It sounds trivial at first—why would you need tips for washing your hands? After all, we do it several times a day and surely know what to do, right? We reach for hand cream! But it is not quite that simple. Otherwise, why do so many people have a problem with dry, cracked hands and sometimes even struggle with skin conditions? So it is a topic that accompanies us every day and should concern us. Perhaps even more so at the moment. Thorough handwashing and disinfecting protects us from infections caused by a wide range of pathogens. But of course, it also damages the skin at the same time, and for dry hands this can become a burden.

Specific skin irritations, such as atopic dermatitis, and what can be done

And if the dry skin also itches, flakes, or is reddened, good tips are no longer far-fetched. Itchy, flaky, or cracked hands can also be an indication of inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. Generally speaking, in this special case the skin’s protective function is reduced and sensitivity to irritation is increased (Here you can find more information on the skin condition atopic dermatitis or eczema). Therefore, care products should not contain ingredients such as preservatives or fragrances. Instead, moisturizing and replenishing components are crucial. Of course, this applies to any hand care routine. Skin irritations are generally always a sign that the skin is not doing well. And it does not always have to be a skin condition right away—it can also be a reaction to products used, washing too frequently, or hand disinfection. If you are unsure, you should always consult an expert.

Proper hand care and tips for dry skin

Since regular washing and disinfecting cannot be avoided, it is all the more important to pay attention to proper care in order to protect the skin and strengthen the skin barrier. But which tips are key, and which care is recommended? Here is a brief overview:

• When washing, always make sure the water is not too hot and that the soap used is pH-neutral, i.e., adapted to the skin’s natural pH level. Did you know? The higher the pH value, the faster the skin on the hands dries out.
• Ideally, you should also avoid strongly scented soap, and hand creams without perfume or fragrances are much less irritating and therefore less harmful to the skin.
• Always wear rubber gloves when washing dishes or doing other cleaning tasks.
• Most people only reach for hand cream once the skin already feels tight and dry. Therefore, always apply hand cream before leaving the house—this also protects the skin well from external influences.
• At night, apply a generous layer of hand cream to very dry skin and wear cotton gloves over it. This allows the ingredients to work optimally.
• If you always carry a hand cream in your bag, choose it according to the temperature—i.e., richer products in cold weather and more moisture in summer.
• Natural ingredients such as almond oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, or olive oil provide intensive care and moisturize dry skin. Humectants such as glycerin and allantoin also make the skin feel noticeably firmer.
• Do not forget to drink enough, because important moisture should be supplied from the inside and the outside.
• And last but not least, always protect your hands from the cold with gloves, or from too much sun.

Sun protection is always important

The relatively thin skin on the hands, in particular, should not be exposed to UV radiation without protection. A hand cream with sun protection is therefore always a good idea. Even the first rays of sunshine in spring can damage the skin, especially the back of the hands. And if we are already pampering dry skin with a hand cream, ideally it should also include an SPF—for a soothing yet safe feeling on the skin.

And what applies to the skin on our hands is, of course, also true for the face and body. Read more in our other articles in the Skin Journal. And we are convinced that with these tips, hands will also have a place in your daily care routine in the future—right?