Chapped hands can make a cold, unlucky winter even more painful. They itch and hurt, and sometimes the skin breaks and bleeds. If you often have chapped hands, the very first thing to do is moisturize them right away. There are also other precautions you can take to prevent them from drying out so much. If you have deep cracks or cuts, you need to see a doctor. Start reading this article to find out how to take care of chapped hands.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Moisturize Your Hands
Step 1. Massage your hands with coconut oil
This natural oil is very rich and gives the hands a thick protective layer, leaving them hydrated and soft. Coconut oil is quickly absorbed by the skin, has a delicious scent and, above all, does not contain ingredients that could dry out the skin and therefore worsen your problem. Always carry a bottle of coconut oil with you to apply it as needed throughout the day.
- Look for unrefined coconut oil. The refined one is heated to high temperatures which however compromise its useful properties for the skin.
- Other vegetable oils are also suitable for this purpose. Try jojoba or almond if you prefer a different texture and scent.
Step 2. Try lanolin
Lanolin is a substance produced by sheep to make their wool resistant to water. In concentrated quantities it is an excellent emollient for the skin, and is particularly suitable for chapped hands. It creates a protective layer that maintains moisture inside and protects the skin from the elements.
- Look for a lotion or cream that has lanolin among its main ingredients.
- You can also buy pure lanolin, but it's easier to use if you mix it with a carrier oil, since pure lanolin is difficult to spread.
Step 3. Buy a pack of petroleum jelly
This ancient and inexpensive product is a cure-all to always have on hand if you have chapped hands. You can buy it in any supermarket. Petroleum jelly creates a layer that protects your hands from external agents, but be careful because it is not a moisturizer, is not easily absorbed by the skin and tends to stain anything it touches. Use it AFTER the moisturizer and only if you have extremely chapped hands.
Step 4. Don't use the low-end creams you find in the supermarket
Many contain alcohol and other chemicals that dry the skin instead of helping it heal. Check the INCI (the list of ingredients) on each package, even if it says on the label that it is designed for dry skin. If there are ingredients that you find it difficult to pronounce, it is better to choose something else.
- Look for creams with natural ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter, oils, essential oils, aloe ver and beeswax.
- You can make your own lotion at home to get the perfect product for your skin. However, it is not such an immediate process, be well informed about the properties of the ingredients you want to use, the risk of allergic reactions is very high if you do not know what you are using.
Step 5. Wear cotton gloves when you go to bed to keep your hands soft and well hydrated
If your hands need intensive care, apply a generous layer of your favorite cream or oil and put on a pair of cotton gloves. Do this before bed so that the ingredients have plenty of time to work on your skin overnight. In the morning, when you take off your gloves, your hands will be soft and super hydrated.
- Doing this once a week will help your hands stay well hydrated. If yours are very chapped, do it every other night.
- Better to wear gloves during the day. In the winter months, if you have to stay outdoors for a long time, put on some moisturizer before putting on your gloves. Remember to wash them often, as oil residues will remain inside them.
Method 2 of 3: Prevent Cracking
Step 1. Drink lots of water
When you become dehydrated, your skin can flake and dry out and your hair becomes brittle. If you're not used to drinking a lot during the day, start with a few drinks. In a couple of weeks the skin should already be less dry. Maintain this habit all year round for a much more hydrated skin.
- If you're not sure if dehydration is your problem, look at your urine. If it is clear or pale yellow, you are well hydrated. If it tends to a dark yellow, then you need to drink more.
- You may think that drinking is not so important in winter, but being well hydrated is essential in both cold and hot weather. In the cold season, your skin will tend to dry out more, so try to be well hydrated both inside and out.
Step 2. Wash your hands gently
Do you tend to rub your hands when you wash, use hot water and harsh soap? This routine is not good for your hands. The skin can dry out and crack if you wash off all of its protective oils. When washing your hands, use warm water and a mild soap, such as Marseille soap. Dab them to dry them instead of rubbing them in the towel. Treat the skin on your hands as you would treat your face.
- Look for a mild soap that is free of sulfates, which are abrasive and dry the skin. An oil-based, well-moisturizing one is perfect for chapped hands.
- Wash your hands only if there is really a need, such as before meals and after using the bathroom. If you wash them too often, your skin will never be able to produce the oils that protect it.
- If you do a job that requires frequent washing, such as in the medical field, use a moisturizing soap and apply a cream immediately after washing your hands.
Step 3. Wear gloves if you have to handle harsh chemicals
Whether you are washing the dishes, cleaning the bathroom with bleach products, painting with your hands or handling chemicals, always wear rubber gloves. Exposing your hands to harsh detergents or other chemicals damages sensitive skin, not to mention the additional damage when you have to remove any residue under hot water. Avoid this problem altogether by wearing rubber gloves whenever necessary.
Step 4. Apply sunscreen in the summer
The sun can dry out the skin, as well as damage it due to UV rays. Many people apply sunscreen to their face in a religious way, but they don't consider their hands. Make sure you use an SPF (protective factor) of 30 or higher every time you go out.
Step 5. Protect your hands in winter
Winter temperatures and wind are harmful to your skin, so always wear gloves when you go out. Make sure they are insulated to prevent your knuckles and fingers from cracking. For an extra measure of protection, you might want to put on cream or an oil before putting on your gloves and going out.
Step 6. Buy a humidifier
If you live in an arid climate or a place where winters are long and dry, you may want to purchase a humidifier to keep indoors. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, creating a more suitable environment for your skin. Having one can be useful especially in winter, when heating tends to absorb all the moisture from the air. Depending on where you live, you could use the humidifier all year round.
Method 3 of 3: Treat Cracks and Cuts
Step 1. Treat deeper, bleeding cracks with first aid products
If you have cuts that have started to bleed, you need to treat them like any wound to prevent them from becoming infected. Wash the cuts with a mild soap, pat them dry, and then apply patches or bandages to prevent them from becoming infected and protect them. Change the patches often, until the cuts are completely healed.
- Better to use an antibacterial conditioner to help wounds heal faster and stay moist.
- If the blood doesn't stop or the cut looks infected, see your doctor right away for further treatment.
Step 2. Cut the sides of the deep cracks
If you have very deep cuts that don't bleed, you can help them heal by cutting off the dead skin on the sides. When you wash your hands, the soapy water could get into the wounds and prevent the skin from healing properly. Use a pair of clean cuticle scissors to cut the skin on the sides of the cut and thus create a more homogeneous surface that will prevent water from being trapped.
- After cutting off the dead skin, apply cream and patches to help the wound heal.
- Be careful not to cut too much leather. Don't go deep or you'll get hurt and start bleeding.
Step 3. Go to a dermatologist to find out if there is an underlying disease
If the hands are always chapped and very deep cuts, there may be a hidden pathology that cannot heal on its own, such as eczema, psoriasis or a fungal infection. A dermatologist can prescribe medications or give you advice on how to treat your problem
