Introduction
Severe dry skin is a common problem that is often magnified during the winter months. However, many people suffer from dry skin year round, especially those who live in extremely dry climates. Hands are particularly susceptible to dry skin problems. This is because the oils that are found naturally in the skin are regularly absorbed by items that are touched throughout the day. The skin just gets drier as the oils are removed. Fortunately, there are many skin care products available that have been specifically formulated for dry skin. This article will discuss additional steps that can help combat extremely dry skin on the hands.
Soap
Always use a moisturizing soap to wash your hands. While many people prefer to use antibacterial soap because they believe it kills germs better than regular soap, studies have proven that this belief is false. As a matter of fact, the American Medical Association (AMA) does not support this belief, and a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has proven that antibacterial soaps do not work better than regular soap (Antibacterial Soap No Better). Moisturizing soaps are gentler on your hands, cause less drying, and kill germs effectively. Therefore, always use a moisturizing soap.
Avoid using dish soap to wash your hands. Dish soap is specifically formulated to remove grease and oils. This is why dish soap will cause excessive drying of the skin on the hands. Also make sure you always wear gloves when hand washing dishes, in order to protect your hands from the soapy water.
Hand Lotion
Always apply hand lotion after washing your hands. Do not skip this step; it must be performed every single time you wash your hands. Keep a bottle of hand lotion next to each of the sinks in your home, carry a small bottle of hand lotion with you (in your purse, glove box, etc.), and keep a bottle of hand lotion at your desk at work.
It is a common occurrence for dry skin to also be sensitive skin. Therefore, make sure you use a hand lotion that is free of perfumes and dyes. It is also recommended that people with severe dry skin stick to skin care products that contain natural or botanical ingredients. Look for a hand lotion that contains cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado oil, or olive oil. These natural ingredients provide moisturizing and healing properties to lotions.
Special Treatments
Some of the most effective deep moisturizing treatments can be made at home with ingredients that most people have in the kitchen. A particularly effective hand treatment can be made using two simple ingredients: olive oil and lemon juice (bottled lemon juice is fine). To make this treatment, simply combine 2 Tablespoons of olive oil and a splash of lemon juice in a small pan. Warm the mixture on the stove, stirring constantly until the mixture bubbles. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool. Once the mixture is cool enough to touch, rub it into your hands, nails, and cuticles. Cover the entire hand, front and back, and rub in well. This treatment should be applied right before bedtime. Cover hands with a pair of clean cotton gloves to protect the hands overnight.
A gentle exfoliating hand treatment can also be prepared at home using common kitchen ingredients. Important: Do not apply this treatment on cracked, broken, or injured skin. Simply combine 2 Tablespoons olive oil and 1 Tablespoon table salt. Rub this mixture gently over hands in a circular motion, concentrating on particularly dry spots, such as palms, knuckles, and cuticles. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a soft clean towel. Hand lotion can be applied after this treatment to add additional moisturizing benefits, as well as to seal in the moisture provided by the olive oil.
Melissa Bushman has published additional articles at Associated Content. Please click her name at the top of this page to view her other work.
References
“Antibacterial Soap No Better Than Regular Soap, NIH-Funded Study Shows”. Infectious Diseases Society of America website. URL: http://www.idsociety.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID;=5261&TEMPLATE;=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm
