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The skin on the hands is one of the most delicate parts of our body. It requires special care, which is especially important in the winter season, when it is exposed to a number of unfavorable external factors – low temperatures, high volatility and air humidity do not help it. All this means that it is necessary to pay special attention to the hands and proper care, with careful selection of cosmetics and the use of appropriate clothing to protect against the cold.
Dry hands in winter – why is this happening?
Dry hands in winter are a common ailment, independent of the individual tendency of a given person to excessively dry them. The problem is always present – making the care of this zone more time-consuming. These extremely delicate parts have a small number of sebaceous glands, creating a small protective coat that disappears after each hand washing. Its reconstruction requires several hours, which ultimately means that the skin of the hands is exposed to adverse external factors for a long time during winter outdoors. Another factor negatively affecting the appearance of the skin of the hands in winter is the fact that it has a large number of sweat glands, which means that these parts quickly dehydrate. This process is intensified in winter, when the air is usually frosty outside and the air humidity drops. A small protective layer on the skin of the hands makes the hands very dry, red, chapped and rough to the touch. These factors also affect the brittleness of the nails and the lifting of the cuticles.
How to care for your hands?
So how to take care of your hands in these unfavorable conditions? First of all, it is necessary to use the right hand cream, intended for use in winter conditions. It should protect against evaporation of water from the outer layers of the epidermis and heat loss, and provide the skin with the right amount of nutrients. It is advisable to apply greasy moisturizing creams to the skin (preferably those containing glycerin and silicone). Moisturizing masks can also be used interchangeably – it is important to remember to apply the cream each time your hands are dry.
Cold hands – how to deal with them?
The winter threat to hands is also the risk of frostbite. This usually happens at temperatures a few degrees above zero. Feeling cold causes the body to launch defense mechanisms, wanting to keep the body warm and not to chill the organs. Capillaries shrink, circulation slows down. This creates an ideal environment for rapid cooling and frostbite. It is therefore worth protecting yourself against it by applying the right cream before going outside and wearing gloves at home (it is best to avoid artificial, irritating materials).
How to deal with dry and chapped hands at home?
Winter weather carries a high risk of negative impact on the health and appearance of the skin of the hands. However, we can effectively prevent it, and if the problem occurs – deal with it. A very basic issue is the application of the right soap – it should be delicate, have moisturizing properties. It is worth using moisturizing masks, applying them to the skin of the hands at night. Applying a thick layer will ensure its nourishment and lubrication. Another home way to regenerate the skin of your hands is to use compresses with moisturizing ointments and a hot water bottle. Another very simple way to avoid frostbite is to warm your hands. You can use a cream or simply rub your palms together with the backs of your hands. If you have time, you can try to make a mask yourself by properly composing the ingredients, e.g. glycerin, lemon juice, olive oil, essential oils, bee honey.