While we take the utmost care of our skin and hair, one area that we often tend to ignore are our hands. It is only when the skin on our hands feels excessively dry that we think of a remedy.
Our skin is coated with a very thin layer of natural lipids. This layer keeps your skin soft and supple and locks in the natural moisture of the skin.
When this natural layer protecting your skin is ripped off, you find your skin feeling dry and scaly. Xerosis, which is the medical term for dryness, is caused when this layer of fatty acids are eroded, leaving your skin unprotected.
There can be more than one reason for dry skin though many attribute the condition only to winter. Here are a few causes that lead to dry skin on hands.
We can’t give up on our regular work in order to keep our hands soft and supple. But we can always surely take care. Following the right skin care regimen and using the right products can go a long way in keeping your hands soft as a feather.
We use our hands all through the day except while sleeping, so it can be hard to keep moisturizers in place. Moisturize your hands before you hit the bed. If that is not possible wear a pair of clean gloves and keep it on for half an hour after lathering your hands with a good moisturizer. This will ensure that the emollients work on your dry skin.
Do not skimp on cleanliness, however do not over wash your hands either. Regular washing helps keep a number of contagious illnesses at bay. Wash your hands gently and preferably with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water as this strips the skin off essential oils.
Do not use deodorants or heavily scented soaps. These erode the top layer of fatty oils that protect your skin and keep it soft. Anti-bacterial foams too do more harm than good! All of these contain chemical additives that can leave your hands parched and aggravate itching. Use soap-less cleansers that are easily available in most stores. These are soft on the hands and also cleanse them thoroughly. Cleansers like cetaphil, aquanil and oilatum are recommended for those who suffer from very dry skin on the hands.
Only use fragrance free detergents to wash your laundry. Strange as it may seem, the chemicals in these softeners can aggravate dry skin and itchiness.
Using hard scrub brushes and wash clothes can further aggravate dry skin. If you feel you cannot do without them, opt for softer variations of the brushes and use them lightly. Always pat dry and avoid rubbing hard after a shower.
Do not wear clothes that are too tight, this can chafe your skin and cause irritation. Avoid wools, opt for cashmere instead.
Moisturizing is the key remedy to combat dry hands. Establish a routine and ensure that you moisturize your hands after each wash. Use oil based moisturizers for best results. Ointments are generally the oiliest emollients that will help nourish your skin. Test the moisturizer by putting some lotion in your palm and flip it over. If it runs or drips, simply discard for it is not good enough to treat dry skin. Look for products that have.
Dry skin may be the personification of underlying health conditions like diabetes, psoriasis eczema, and hypothyroidism. Malnutrition can also cause dryness. A regular check up will keep you abreast of any ailment that needs to be looked into.
Always use natural products, eat healthy and drink water in plenty. If you still suffer from dry skin on the hands, visit a dermatologist who will prescribe strong emollients to combat the dryness.