Habit Hack: How to Deal with Dry, Flaky Skin on Your Hands

As the cooler weather sets in, many people find that their hands start to feel dry, tight, and even flaky. The drop in temperature, combined with frequent handwashing and exposure to indoor heating, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dehydrated and uncomfortable. Thankfully, with a few simple habits and natural remedies, you can keep your hands soft, moisturised, and healthy throughout the colder months.

1. Moisturise Regularly and Effectively

One of the most important steps in preventing and treating dry, flaky hands is regular moisturising. But it’s not just about how often you apply lotion—it’s also about the type of moisturiser you use.

• Opt for thick creams and ointments: Instead of lightweight lotions, which may not provide enough hydration, look for thicker creams or ointments that contain ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or ceramides. These ingredients help seal in moisture and create a protective barrier on the skin.
• Apply after washing: Moisturise immediately after washing your hands to lock in the moisture from the water. Keep a travel-sized hand cream in your bag or at your desk so you can reapply throughout the day.
• Use an overnight treatment: For extra hydration, apply a generous layer of hand cream before bed and wear cotton gloves to lock in moisture overnight.

2. Use Gentle Hand Soaps

Harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils, especially if you wash your hands frequently. Switch to mild, fragrance-free hand soaps that are designed for sensitive skin and contain hydrating ingredients.

• Look for moisturising soaps: Hand soaps that contain ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin can clean your hands without drying them out.
• Avoid hot water: Washing your hands with lukewarm water instead of hot water can prevent further irritation and dryness.

3. Exfoliate to Remove Dead Skin

Just like the skin on your face, your hands can benefit from gentle exfoliation to remove dead, flaky skin and allow moisturisers to penetrate more effectively.

• Use a gentle scrub: Opt for a mild scrub that contains sugar, salt, or oatmeal. You can also make a DIY scrub by mixing sugar with a nourishing oil like coconut or olive oil.
• Exfoliate once or twice a week: Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate already dry hands. Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week to keep your skin smooth.

4. Wear Gloves for Protection

Your hands are constantly exposed to environmental stressors, so it’s important to protect them, especially in colder weather.

• Wear gloves outdoors: Cold air can zap moisture from your skin. Always wear gloves when you’re outside in cooler weather to protect your hands from the wind and cold temperatures.
• Use gloves for household chores: When washing dishes or cleaning, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from hot water and harsh cleaning chemicals.

5. Hydrate from the Inside Out

Staying hydrated is essential for keeping your skin healthy, including the skin on your hands. When you’re dehydrated, your skin is more prone to dryness and flakiness.

• Drink plenty of water: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated from within.
• Eat hydrating foods: Incorporate water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens into your diet to boost your hydration levels.

6. Try Natural Remedies

Natural ingredients can provide soothing relief and deep hydration for dry, flaky hands.

• Coconut oil: Apply coconut oil to your hands before bed to lock in moisture and soothe dry, irritated skin. Coconut oil’s fatty acids help restore the skin’s natural barrier.
• Honey: Known for its moisturising and healing properties, honey can be used as a hand mask. Apply a thin layer, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Aloe Vera: If your hands are cracked or particularly sensitive, aloe vera can provide cooling, soothing relief. Apply pure aloe gel to your hands and leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing.

7. Avoid Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitisers

Alcohol-based hand sanitisers can dry out your skin quickly. While they are necessary in certain situations, try to limit their use when possible.

• Opt for alcohol-free sanitisers: Look for hand sanitisers that are alcohol-free and contain hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin.

Dry, flaky hands are a common issue during the cooler months, but with the right habits and remedies, you can keep your hands soft, moisturised, and healthy. Regular moisturising, gentle hand care, and protection from environmental stressors are key to preventing discomfort and irritation. By incorporating these simple steps into your daily routine, you’ll be able to enjoy the season without worrying about dry hands.