Wintertime brings with it so many fabulous things. The air becomes chillier, the beautiful twinkle of holiday lights brightens up the spirit of the season, and of course we cannot forget the slew of delicious hot beverages to sip on. But amongst all of the good, winter can bring with it some pesky affects, dry hands being amongst the most prominent. Here are 5 tips for keeping your hands moisturized and healthy in the cold winter weather.
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Tip #1: Hand Cream – This seems so obvious, yet you would be surprised how many people neglect to purchase a hand cream. While a body lotion will work to deliver moisture to your beloved hands, a hand cream will be more nourishing (as they are typically more prone to becoming uncomfortably dry than your body). Look for brands that specialize in moisture. Formulas with natural oils (such as nut oils) are often a fantastic option.
Tip #2: Easy on the Sanitizer – If you are like most of modern day society, it is very likely that you have some hand sanitizer at-the-ready. And while it is always good to keep your hands clean, there are ways that you can have your cake and eat it too. There are many natural (and more importantly, alcohol free) options on the market that will tend to be less drying on your hands. You can also reserve the sanitizer for only when it is necessary.
Tip #3: Wash & Nourish – A major component to dry hands is frequent hand washing. And with cold and flu season in full swing, I don’t blame you for wanted to do it more! With that in mind, you will want to be sure to follow up your hand washing with a good hand cream. A very easy way to remember to do this is to keep one hand cream by your hand soap, and one in your purse for on-the-go application. If greasy fingers are a no-no for you, simply apply the lotion to the backs of your hands for nourishment that will not smear onto your food or drink. For the maximum moisturizing effect, it is important to choose the right hand soap. Lavender goat milk soap will gently moisturize and soothe your skin during the season when your hands need it the most.
Tip #4: Watch the Temperature – It seems the colder the weather outside, the more appealing a hot shower will be. But hot water is yet another major culprit when it comes to hands become ultra dry, and often uncomfortable. If a hot shower is a must, limit the time you are exposed. And if you can stand a warm or lukewarm shower, your hands (and your body in general) will thank you.
Tip #5: Treat While You Sleep – There are two fantastic ways to treat your hands to moisture while you sleep. First, you can slather on your favorite hand cream and cover them with cotton gloves (this will help seal the moisture into your skin, while ensuring the oils do not rub off on your favorite PJs or bed sheets). Second, sleeping with a humidifier will help to take the dryness down a notch. While a humidifier is often not a one-stop-solution, it definitely helps to keep hands more comfortable against the dry winter elements.