There’s nothing more uncomfortable than dry, rough hands. The skin on your hands acts like a barrier to keep moisture in, but this protective layer is disrupted by things such as extreme weather conditions and overwashing.
Over time, this can lead to calluses and cracked skin. To prevent this, experts recommend moisturizing often with a cream or ointment that contains humectants such as glycerin and urea.
1. Exfoliate
The skin naturally sheds dead cells daily to keep it soft and smooth, but exfoliating can give you an extra boost by removing the buildup of excess cell residue that can cause roughness. There are a variety of ways to physically exfoliate, such as using a scrub designed for hands or even a pumice stone. You can also use a chemical exfoliant such as alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) or polyhydroxy acid (PHAs).
A common reason for rough skin on the hands is dryness. This is especially common during winter when humidity plunges and your hands are often in contact with cold temperatures, which can further sap any natural oils they may still have.
If you find yourself with rough, scaly hands, try moisturizing frequently with a thick, rich hand cream. It is also a good idea to carry a travel-size hand moisturizer with you, so that you can apply it throughout the day as needed.
Just be careful not to over-exfoliate, as doing so can cause irritation and redness. Experts recommend a maximum of two or three times per week, but it’s important to choose the right method and products for your skin type. If your skin is sensitive, you should only use a physical scrub and not chemical exfoliants. Additionally, always use a gentle touch when scrubbing your hands, as too much pressure can lead to microtears in the skin, advises yu-be. This can leave your skin more vulnerable to bacteria and can even lead to an infection. Avoid this by gently scrubbing your hands in small, circular motions. You should also rinse your hands thoroughly afterward and immediately follow with a thick, hydrating hand cream to restore moisture.
2. Moisturize
In addition to exfoliating, moisturizing your hands is one of the best things you can do to help smooth rough skin. A moisturizing hand cream is a great way to replace the natural oils that are lost during frequent washing and can prevent dry, cracked cuticles and skin. When choosing a hand cream, look for a formula that contains emollients and humectants that help moisturize the skin and lock in moisture. Look for ingredients like lanolin, cocoa butter, shea butter, propylene glycol linoleate, squalene, and glycerol stearate on the label.
Moisturize several times a day, especially after washing your hands and before bed. You should also use a heavier hand lotion during the winter months when humidity is lower and the air is drier, which can cause your skin to become very dry.
It’s also a good idea to keep a small bottle of hand cream in your purse, car, or office and apply it whenever you feel your hands getting dry. A moisturizer formulated specifically for the hands will be more effective than a body lotion, as the formula is designed to be absorbed better by the delicate skin on your hands.
If you suffer from a condition like Atopic Dermatitis, which causes red, itchy, and irritated skin on the hands, try Eucerin AtopiControl Intensive Hand Cream. This special formula contains Licochalcone A (which soothes irritated skin) and ceramides, which help restore the skin’s barrier and support regeneration. It’s gentle enough to use during both a flare-up of Atopic Dermatitis and in the calmer phase between flare-ups. It’s an excellent choice for those who wash their hands frequently and need to hydrate their skin quickly and effectively.
3. Wear Gloves
One of the best ways to prevent dry, chapped hands is to wear gloves. This helps to keep the natural oils of your skin in place, and it also protects your hands from harsh soaps and chemicals. It’s especially important to wear gloves when doing chores that involve a lot of water, such as washing dishes or cleaning the bathroom, as prolonged exposure can lead to dryness and cracking.
There are even gloves specifically designed to moisturize your hands, with a gel lining inside the glove that massages into your skin as you use them. You can find these types of gloves at most drug stores, and they usually come with instructions that specify how long to leave them on for best results. They can be used alongside other regular hand protection, such as cotton gloves or chemical-resistant gloves.
If you do have to wear gloves regularly, you should also apply a moisturizing cream before putting them on. This will help to make them feel softer and more comfortable, and it will also ensure that the lotion isn’t rubbed off when you remove the gloves.
Another tip for keeping your hands soft is to wear the gloves that are right for your job, and take breaks between shifts when possible to let your hands air out. This can also help to reduce sweating, which can lead to abrasions and cracks on your hands. If you have a medical condition that affects the softness of your skin, such as an autoimmune disorder or diabetes, then you should talk to your doctor about your options for softer hands. A dermatologist can help you determine what is causing your dry hands and recommend treatments that will improve the condition of your skin.
4. Stay Hydrated
If you’ve got parched skin, a rich moisturizer is essential. But it’s important to hydrate from the inside as well. “Severe dehydration can make skin look dry and lifeless,” says Dr. Davis. Drinking extra water can help, but a more targeted approach is soaking hands in diluted vinegar or using a white tube sock filled with a rich cream that contains humectants (moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid).
Taking a proactive approach to hydrating skin is key. Experts recommend applying a thick moisturizer to the palms and fingers of your hands before you notice any dryness. It’s also important to wash your hands with lukewarm, not hot, water and use a gentle soap that supports skin’s natural pH. Frequent hand-washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, so be sure to choose a non-drying, fragrance-free liquid or bar soap with a mild formula that doesn’t contain abrasive scrubs.
Another tip is to keep a small bottle of hydrating hand lotion or ointment at work, in your bag, or in your car for quick and easy hydration. And always remember to pat your hands dry instead of rubbing, which can further dehydrate your skin.
Winter is tough on skin of all types, but especially so for the hands. If you’re not careful, the cold and harsh chemicals in many household cleaners can leave your skin flaky, itchy, rough, and tight-feeling. But with a little prep and simple daily care, you can restore supple, smooth, healthy-looking hands all year round. Start by getting serious about moisturizing, add a humidifier to your home, and make sure you keep a good quality, thick moisturizing hand cream in your handbag or car so you can quickly apply it after washing.
5. Keep Your Skin Clean
There are a lot of irritants out there that can leave your skin feeling rough. This is why it’s important to keep your hands clean and use gentle products that will help protect the integrity of the skin barrier. This includes using non-toxic hand soaps and moisturizers that are free from added fragrances, preservatives, dyes and other harsh ingredients.
If you’re working with chemicals or cleaning agents at work, it’s important to wear gloves when possible to protect your skin from the drying effects of those chemicals. Additionally, if you frequently wash your hands with hot water (which can strip the skin of natural oils), it’s a good idea to slather on a thick, rich moisturizing product afterward.
In addition to these steps, a simple, at-home exfoliation regimen can do wonders for smoothing dry and rough hands. Simply mix together some olive oil or coconut oil with granulated sugar and apply it to the skin, then rub gently in a circular motion for about five minutes. Repeat this daily to get rid of dead skin cells and reveal smoother, softer skin.
If you have a history of chronically rough hands, it’s a good idea to talk with your dermatologist, who can prescribe a stronger ointment to treat the issue and determine if any underlying health issues may be causing it. But for those with occasional bouts of rough-feeling skin, these quick and easy solutions can make all the difference in how your hands look and feel.
