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Signs and symptoms of dry hands
The signs and symptoms of dry hands vary depending on the severity of the problem and its causes.
Mild dry hands
It is characterized by the appearance of local dry areas, accompanied by a feeling of tightness of the skin. Your hands may become red or itchy. Dry lesions are more common on the outside of the fingers and wrists, but may affect the palms, backs of the hands, and fingers.
Severe dry hands
In more severe cases, the skin of the hands itches, cracks, flakes, and bleeds. Comorbid conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, can cause sudden dryness of the skin on the hands, causing it to become inflamed, itchy, and rough to the touch.
How to moisturize dry hands: types of products
If dry skin is not caused by serious medical reasons, the problem can be solved quickly with the help of a cosmetic product. How can you moisturize your hands? It is enough to use a caring cream or lotion.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers draw water into the top layer of the skin from the surrounding air and help it stay on the surface. Among the popular moisturizing ingredients are hyaluronic and lactic acids, urea, glycerin.
Protective
Protective agents form a special barrier on the surface of the skin that protects it from the negative effects of the environment. Such components include ceramides and various forms of dimethicones.
Emollient
Emollients work like asphalt patches on the road, filling cracks caused by dry skin and smoothing the surface.
Restorative
Revitalizing creams and lotions promote cell regeneration and speed up the healing process. Look for peptides, pantentol, green tea and aloe vera extracts, vitamin E.
Nutrient
Nutrients include skin care products that saturate the cells with useful substances and improve the appearance of the skin. Their composition is distinguished by a high content of vegetable oils and fatty acids. It is worth noting that there are universal products for dry skin of the hands, which combine several functions at once.
How to moisturize the skin of the hands: basic rules
Soft, silky, smooth skin on the hands is a beauty goal that is easy to achieve. It is enough to follow simple rules on how to moisturize the skin of the hands quickly and effectively at home.
Try not to dry out your skin
Do not use harsh hand cleaners. Opt for a cleansing soap or gel with moisturizing and soothing ingredients.
Wash your hands with warm, not hot water. And apply a moisturizer immediately after: moist skin absorbs the active ingredients better.
If possible, use soap instead of liquid disinfectant: the ethanol and isopropanol in the latter are aggressive to the skin.
Moisturize your hands regularly throughout the day
Use moisturizer or lotion as needed throughout the day. Be sure – after each hand wash: the cream will help “seal” moisture in the cells and prevent transepidermal water loss. Apply the product with massage movements.
Use a restorative cream at night
There is an easy way to moisturize dry skin for a long time. Before going to bed, apply a generous layer of hand cream and put on thin cotton gloves (for 15-20 minutes). So the product is better absorbed.
Prevention of dry skin of the hands: 8 rules
The problem is easier to prevent than to solve. Follow these simple tips to prevent dry hands.