If you have very dry hands, odds are that they feel chapped, scaly and rough, most of the time. Despite using lotions and creams, you may find your hands to be a sore point. In fact, they may also look older that the rest of your body. Most of us use our hands for our work and life activities and forget to take into consideration that the skin on the hands is delicate.
You may be born with dry skin or your hands may have become very dry because they undergo harsh treatment. It is important to take good care of the skin on your hands, or it may crack and bleed, and become quite painful. A lot of nerve endings lie in the hands and any injury to the fingers or the palms can be excruciating.
Cleaning and protection
It would be best to avoid washing your hands frequently, without compromising on your personal hygiene. Instead of a soap that contains strong chemicals, which would remove the natural oils in the skin, choose one that contains moisturizers. Using such a product will keep your hands moisturized even while they are being cleansed of dirt and grime.
Avoid using hot water to wash your hands, warm water is gentler on the skin. It would be best to restrict bath and shower time to about 15 minutes. It is important to gently pat your hands dry. If you allow the water on your hands to evaporate it will reduce the natural oils that keep skin soft.
In the winter and windy season wear comfortable gloves that keep the hands warm and secure. If you find that the level of humidity in your home and workplace is low you can invest in a humidifier that will keep moisture level high. When you are gardening, use appropriate gloves. Similarly, while washing the dishes or using cleaning fluids it is wise to don protective rubber gloves.
At the end of the day massage your hands with a moisturizing cream or lotion. Next, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly that will ensure that the cream is well absorbed by the skin. Wear a pair of cotton gloves that will make certain that your clothing and bed clothes are protected against stains.
Choosing the right skin care products
You need choose a good cream that is rich in emollients and is formulated to care for very dry hands. After you wash your hands in warm water and pat them dry, massage the cream into the skin. Such a product will be well absorbed by the skin, and keep it soft and supple for a long period of time. It may be wise to choose a botanical or organic product that includes ingredients such as rose hip oil. Rose hip oil helps the skin maintain its natural moisture balance. Ingredients such as aloe vera help heal damaged skin, while cocoa butter and avocado oil nourish it.
Learn more about skin care and cosmetology at The Esani Institute. A Paul Mitchell Partner School, the institute offers courses in cosmetology and hair styling.
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