How to treat very dry hands?

Question

During the winter I suffer from really dry hands particularly across the knuckles. The skin gets so dry, it even splits in places which can be very painful not to mention unattractive! I moistourise my hands two to three times a day but it doesn’t seem to prevent the problem.

Does anyone have any tips or know of any good products to cure my dry hands?

Thanks

Answer 1

Do you wash your hands frequently? If so - switch to a "cream-based" type soap like Dove. Don't be fooled about liquid soaps...they can be drying, too. Read the ingredients.

Also - many waterless anti-bacterial gels are quite drying to your hands - but good to keep the germs away! It's tough to balance the anti-germ factor with the dried out-hands problem.

Remember that no hand cream can add moisture to your hands, but if you seal the moisture (like after washing or bathing) into your hands AND drink more water to moisturize from the inside, this will help.

Try basic Vaseline (petroleum jelly) and work it into your damp hands at night; put on a pair of cotton gloves (or socks if you want to keep cost down!) and you should wake up with less dry hands. If your hands (knuckles) have already started to crack, use an ointment like Neosporin to rub into the (damp) cracks and then do the Vaseline and socks to keep the moisture in.

(Beware: Anyone who tells you that a particular product works best may be trying to sell you something.)

To recap:
Keep your hands clean - but DON'T be a fanatic, unless you are a doctor preparing for surgery!!
AND
Use moisturizer immediately after "lightly" towel drying your hands each time,
AND
A healing ointment to repair your damaged parts
AND
Use ANYTHING to seal the moisture into your damp hands at night - cheap is as good as expensive in this case.
DRINK more water (or any liquid your diet can handle).
WATCH the ingredients in any products. If the first ingredients mention alcohol or alcohol-based material, it will be more drying than a product with more emollients - like petroleum-based ones.

Happy Hands to you!

Answer 2

Vitamin E cream is great for your skin, especially for moisturising. Cocoa butter is good as well. Palmers cream has both in it, you can get it in most supermarkets in the UK, and can order it over th net for anywhere else.

It's good that you're moisturising so much - keep it up! When you go to bed at night, put lots and lots of cream on your hands and wear either cotton gloves, or socks on your hands. This will lock the moisture in overnight and give it time to soak in. Completely lather your hands in the cream though.

Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Lots of people forget that your skin needs to be hydrated from the inside too!

If none of this works, go to your doctor as there may be some underlying problem that cannot be fixed simply by moisturising.
Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi. I know exactly how to help you with your problem. Most lotions on the market contain MINERAL OIL! The molecular structure is too large to penetrate the pores of your skin, sitting on the top layer like saran wrap. This causes dirt and debris to collect on your skin, causing irritation and dryness. Products that contain mineral oil get wiped off over time and have little to no benefit. This is why you find yourself reapplying your lotion three times a day. You need a pure water based product to help with your sensitive skin. Water based products will penetrate the dermis and deeply condition and hydrate your skin. Arbonne has a GREAT hand cream to help with your specific need made with Aloe (a pure moisturizer), Liposomes, phospholipids, alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. Their products are botanically based and beneficial for all skin types. They formulate their products without alcohol, wax, dyes, chemicals, fragrances, mineral oil, etc. which strip your skins acid mantel (its protective layer) and causes irritation and dryness. I would be happy to send you a free sample if you're open to giving it a try.

Answer 4

Mary Kay sells a product called "satin hands" It works great. I went to a MK party and this woman who has REALLY bad cracked hands used it and LOVED it. Her hands were soft after and looked nice too. I'm not big on MK products, but this one works and is worth the money. I think its $35 bucks its 3 different products, but seriously it works like a charm. MaryKay.com I'm sure there is a consultant in your area! Good luck!

Answer 5

Hello, i practice Aromatherapy, you may want to try these out. THEY DO WORK TOO.

1. GRAPESEED OIL is high in vitamin E and is 76% essential fatty acid, linoleic acid also known as omega 6. It is low in saturated fat, contains natural chlorophyll and valuable antioxidants and it has a good shelf life. It's a light penetrating oil ideal for massage. It's also used in lotions, balms, creams and soap. The skin absorbs it easily and it has no perceptible odour. Since it is slighly astringent, it tightens and tones the skin. Will not aggravate Acne. Rub the oil into your hands every morning and again at night before bed.

2. SWEET ALMOND OIL This oil is a favorite carrier oil for essential oil aromatherapy blends, although it's often used by itself for moisturizing skin. The oil has no scent and is a great nutrient for softening and conditioning the skin. It's been known to be especially suitable for eczema, itchy, dry and inflamed skin.

3. JOJOBA OIL is very similar in composition to human natural skin oils. It penetrates the skin rapidly to nourish it; also softens and moisturizes mature and dry skin. Jojoba helps to heal inflamed skin conditions such as psoriasis or any form of dermatitis, helps control acne and oily scalps. Since it has antioxidant properties, it can keep other oils from going rancid. Put a small drop on the back of your hand and massage it in. It's gentle enough for newborn babies; soothes and restores elasticity to any dry skin area.

LASTLY heres abit more if you want to make up your own hand lotion:-BASIC SKIN LOTION.

30g beeswax or lanolin or cocoa butter or mixture ((More lanolin makes the cream thicker and tackier. More cocoa butter makes the cream thicker and oilier. Variations should not extend to more than 20ml either way.)
90ml natural oil, including 10ml wheatgerm oil
60ml herbal infusion, decoction of flower water
3-6 drops of chosen essential oil.

HOW to make the lotion:-
Melt the lanolin and/or beeswax. Add the oil, beating steadily with a wooden spoon, then the water in a slow trickle. Remove from heat and stir steadily until the lotion has cooled to blood heat. Add essential oil. Stir in thoroughly and decant the lotion into a 300ml bottle. Screw on the cap and shake gently until the lotion has completely cooled.

NOW heres list of oils and their purposes:-

Dry Skin: patchouli, carrot, sandalwood, lavender, geranium, chamomile.

Troubled/Sensitive Skin: thyme, clary sage, geranium, chamomile, red clover.

Answer 6

I have the same problem, it's no fun at all. I know it sounds a little gross but it works I promise. Before you go to bed cover your hands in Vaseline, don't just rub it in, really glop it on, once you've done that cover your hands in socks and sleep with them on. When you wake up your hands will be super smooth and soft.

Answer 7

Corn Huskers Lotion or Veterinary Udder Cream

Answer 8

Neutrogena's Norwegian Formula.
However, use their Foot Cream on your hands, not their regular Hand Cream- it works great!

Answer 9

E45 cream is good, that's what I use.

Also, if you're the chief washer-upper, slather some hand cream on before you put on your Marigolds - the heat from the dishwater helps your skin to absorb it better.

Answer 10

I use Neutrogena hand cream, it's highly concentrated so you only need a little. I find it great. Ive tried loads and this one works for me, it costs about £3.99 from most chemists. honestly its very good.