Say No to Cracked Hands

Too much hot shower, harsh winds, environmental pollution, bacteria, unpredictable climates and central heating all take their toll on your hands, one of the most exposed extremities in the human body. The said factors strip-off moisture and essential nutrients.  All that is left then is dryness and roughness. If this gets worsened, scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), itching and skin cracking become visible. If you experience such signs and symptoms, you definitely have cracked hands. What to do? We sifted out simple steps in battling and preventing dry, cracked hands. Follow these and we are sure enough your hands will become incredibly soft, supple and healthy for decades to come.

Cracked hands in most cases can safely be treated with emollients and/or moisturizers. These are formulas designed to lock in moisture to the skin and prevent it from drying. Most of the time, its ingredients stimulate healthy tissue formation and wound healing which can benefit cracked skin.

Handwashing is one of the best practices you can do for your hands. It can remove soil, dirt, and/or microorganisms. However, doing it too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, may also contribute to cracked hands. It is medically advised though to use lukewarm water with a glycerin soap that will surely moisturize the skin, making it supple and healthy. When drying off hands, use a pat towel technique to leave moisture on the skin. Should one's hands require washing more than a few times per day, moisturizing lotion is often recommended to keep the hands from drying out.

Cracked hands happen more often in the winter where the cold air outside and the hot air inside creates a low relative humidity. This causes the skin to lose moisture and it may crack and peel.  Thus, make a promise to yourself that you will keep your hands from getting bone-dry and cracked by wearing mittens.  They are warmer than gloves. Also, be sure to choose hand creams or balms instead over lotions. They are richer and better at holding water in the skin especially during cold season. Such formulation insulates the skin, which is nice when you are constantly going between the cold outside and the drying heat indoors.

Another important thing to bear in mind is to be gentle with your hands. Avoid using cleaning agents that are harsh to your hands when doing household chores. Make sure to use rubber gloves to protect hands.