Dry hands are a common complaint, especially during colder winter months. Actually, I asked you over at Instagram if you suffer from dry hands too. It was one of my most popular polls ever. The response was overwhelming - everyone answered yes.
It warmed my heart to know I'm not alone in the battle against dry, sore, red, and uncomfortable hands during the winter months. And that there are so many I can help!
What Causes Dry Skin on Hands?
Before we dive deeper into our newfound hand-care routine, let's take a moment to understand why our hands often become victims of dryness during the winter months.
Frequent Hand Washing: We wash our hands more than any other part of our body, especially in today's hygiene-conscious world. While this is undoubtedly crucial for health, it also means that our hands are constantly exposed to water and potentially harsh soaps. This repeated exposure can strip away the natural oils that keep our skin moisturized, leaving them dry and vulnerable.
Cold Weather: Winter weather is one of the primary culprits behind dry hands. The cold air outside and the dry, heated air indoors can sap the moisture from your skin. When your skin's natural barrier is compromised, it becomes more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and even painful cracking.
Low Humidity: In the winter, the air tends to be dry, with lower humidity levels. This lack of moisture in the air can lead to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), causing your skin to lose hydration more rapidly.
Harsh Chemicals: If you're using hand sanitizers and soaps that contain harsh chemicals, they can exacerbate the issue. These chemicals can further strip away your skin's natural oils and disrupt its protective barrier.
Lack of Moisture: The skin on our hands has fewer oil glands compared to other parts of our body, which makes them more prone to dryness. Plus, we often forget to moisturize our hands as diligently as our faces, making it even harder for them to retain moisture.
Age: As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and less able to retain moisture. This can lead to increased dryness, fine lines, and other signs of aging on the hands.
How to Keep Dry Hands Soft and Smooth?
After a journey of testing practically every hand cream available over the counter, and even formulating a few of my own, I've finally cracked the code for maintaining irresistibly soft hands, even in the harshest of winters. And guess what? It's so simple that I can't believe I didn't figure this out sooner.
You see, I realised that the key to combating (winter-induced) dryness on our hands lies in treating the skin there with the same care and attention we give to our facial skin. Much like our faces, our hands go through quite a lot, from frequent washing (often with harsh soaps) to braving the elements. This exposure can leave your hands with a compromised skin barrier, making it feel like no amount of hand cream can save the day.
So, what's the magical solution to achieving velvety-soft hands? It's all about layering your skincare products! Yes, just like you layer hydrating serums, moisturizers, and oils on your face to keep it glowing, you can do the same for your hands.
The Two-Step Hand Care: Hydration and Moisture
Start with hydration. If you have a face mist, hydrating serum, or essence at home, apply that on your hands. You can even add multiple layers of your hydrating product! This initial step infuses much-needed hydration and water into your thirsty skin.
Next up is the moisture step. Finish with a couple of drops of your favourite face oil to seal the deal and lock in all that hydration. Be sure to massage this blend into your hands, and don't forget your cuticles. They deserve some love too!
Alternatively, you can also use a hand cream as the second step. And, as winter progresses and the chill becomes more unforgiving, consider using a balm for that extra layer of protection.
Now, I've incorporated this routine into my daily life, doing it twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. And the results have been astonishing. My hands have gone from feeling tight and uncomfortable to being incredibly soft and nourished. During the day, if your hands start to feel parched, any moisturizer can work wonders.
I personally rely on Jenny Nordic Skincare's 'Rehydrate & Balance Beauty Essence' and 'Glow & Revitalize Oil Serum,' but here's the beauty of it: you can start with the skincare products you already have. No need to rush out and buy new ones, though I must admit, trying our products can be a truly transformative experience!
Join the Journey to Silky-Soft Hands
Now, here's the exciting part - I want you to try this routine for yourself, using the skincare products you already have. I'm confident you'll feel the difference, just as I did. So, take the plunge, try it out, and let me know how your hands feel after a few days. And if you do notice the transformation, don't keep it to yourself! Share this secret with your friends and loved ones because nobody should have to suffer from dry hands this winter.
In a nutshell, the secret to soft hands during the winter lies in mirroring the same skincare principles you use for your face. Layer your products, starting with hydration and ending with moisture. It's as simple as that. So, here's to a winter filled with cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and irresistibly soft hands that you'll proudly show off!
Are you new to Jenny Nordic Skincare?
We are a natural, minimal skincare brand all about that grown-up glow. Your skin is not the same as it was in your 20s - or even 30s! The skin is forever changing and you're approaching a new season. It might be showing more wrinkles and spots. You’re looking for minimal, high-performance skincare that will make you feel (and look) like a treat.
With Jenny Nordic minimal, high-performance skincare, you can take a few moments to yourself every day and care for your skin just with a few steps. I promise you'll fall in love with your skin and feel radiant.
Check out our Travel Skincare Set - it's the easiest and most convenient way to try our products!
Love, Jenny
Founder of Jenny Nordic Skincare
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