Up here in the Northeast, I seem to have the same problem every year. The temperature drops, the air gets cold and dry, and suddenly my hands are a mess. My cuticles crack, my skin gets painfully dry, and once the temperature dips below 30°, I know it’s game over.
But why does this happen? The Cold, Dry Air Isn’t Doing Your Skin Any Favors
As temperatures drop, the air holds less moisture. That means there’s less humidity around us and more opportunity for moisture to escape from our skin.
This is called transepidermal water loss, and it means water is leaving your skin faster than your skin can hold onto it. The result? Dryness, flaking, tightness, and those painful little cracks that seem to show up overnight.
And then we turn on the heat.
Indoor heating makes the air even drier, creating the perfect combination for unhappy hands.
Why Do Your Hands Take Such a Beating in the winter?
Your hands are especially vulnerable because they don't have as many oil-producing glands as other parts of your body. That natural oil helps protect your skin and keep moisture in, so when cold weather and frequent hand washing enter the picture, your hands can lose moisture very quickly.
So if your hands seem perfectly happy all summer and suddenly fall apart when the temperature drops, you're not imagining it. Cold weather changes the environment around your skin, your skin has to work harder to keep moisture where it belongs.
The good news? A little extra attention to your hands before the really cold weather arrives can go a long way toward keeping them soft, comfortable, and ready for whatever winter throws at you.
How to Save Your Hands Before Winter Hits
If you know your hands are going to rebel the minute the temperature drops, don't wait until they're already cracked and hurting to start taking care of them. A little prevention can make a big difference. Starting now can help save you from a winter of cracked, dry hands.
1. Don't Skip the Hand Cream
When your hands are dry, cracked, and desperate for some extra care, reach for our Heavy-Duty Hand Therapy Cream. It’s super concentrated and made for the places that need a little more than your everyday hand lotion can give.
Apply at night: Take a dime-sized amount and gently rub it into dry, rough hands, elbows, knees, or calloused heels. Don't forget those dry, cracked cuticles!
Let it work overnight: Hand Therapy is designed to give your skin some serious moisture while you sleep. Apply it before bed and let it do its thing overnight. You may be surprised by how much better your hands feel in the morning.
A little goes a long way: This cream is very concentrated, so you only need a small amount. Gently massage it into your skin and let it absorb rather than slathering it on.
2. Turn Down the Heat Just a Little
We're not suggesting you freeze in your own house. But if your indoor air feels dry, your skin probably feels it, too. A humidifier can help add some moisture back into the air, especially in the rooms where you spend the most time. Your hands, your lips and the rest of your skin will thank you for it later.
3. Protect Your Hands Outside
Cold wind can be especially rough on already-dry skin. When you're heading outside, grab a pair of gloves. It sounds simple, but keeping your hands covered can help protect them from the cold, wind, and dry air.
4. Be Mindful of How You Wash
We wash our hands constantly, especially during cold and flu season. But hot water and frequent washing can strip away some of the oils that help keep your skin protected. Use warm rather than hot water, choose a gentle, moisturizing bar, and pat your hands dry instead of rubbing them aggressively.
A moisturizing soap can be a great first step in caring for dry hands. Follow it with your Hand Therapy
Cream while your skin is still slightly damp to help keep that moisture in.
The goal isn't to wait until your hands hurt. It's to start protecting your skin before winter gets the upper hand.