Winter tends to be a harsh season for your overall skin and nail health and appearance. During winter, temperatures can be extremely low, and the cold, dry winter air can severely dehydrate your skin and compromise your skin barrier. Rarely covered, the hands and nails are subject to much more stress than any other part of your body. Hands can easily become painfully red and dry, and nails can become weak and brittle. And unfortunately, your hands don’t have much sebaceous glands that produce a natural, protective film.
Nonetheless, there are several steps you can implement in your daily life to provide significant protection to your hands and nails and enhance their ability to resist external stressors.
1. Don’t over wash your hands
Washing your hands too often can be harsh on your skin and nails. You can strip them of their natural hydration this can result in a compromised skin barrier and ultimately, result in even more dryness, irritation, and sensitivity to the cold weather.
2. Use the right soap/cleanser
Pick a moisturizing, hydrating soap, or cleanser. The idea here is to provide the extra-hydration your skin and nails need while cleansing them. This way, you can make sure your hands are kept soft and healthy.
3. Moisturize frequently
Always apply a hand cream after washing them. Find a hand cream rich in beeswax, Shea butter and olive oil and rub the cream into your hands and nails until it has fully been absorbed by your skin. If your hands are extremely dry and rough, and regular moisturizers are not providing you with enough comfort, you can use petroleum jelly/vaseline/aquaphor and other heavier creams. These types of products will help your skin lock in extra moisture for much longer periods of time and can truly provide you with real relief.
4. Protect your hands
Make sure you invest in a good pair of gloves such as cashmere or wool-lined gloves when you’re outside. If you are a vegan faux shearling lined gloves and mittens will do the trick.When you’re cleaning your house, use gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemical cleaning products.
5. Exfoliate
After washing your hands and before applying your cream, be sure to use a good exfoliator to remove dry and peeling skin.
6. Avoid Hand Sanitizers Containing Alcohol
Alcohol can be incredibly drying to your hands and nails. Avoid it at all costs and if you must really use it, make sure to apply a generous amount of cream afterwards.
7. Apply balm around knuckles and nails
Applying balm is a simple trick that can help you fight dryness and prevent moisture loss.
8. Apply SPF multiple times every day
Many people mistakenly believe that sunscreen is not a necessity in winter. Although the sun might not feel as strong in the winter, it’s a huge mistake to skip sunscreen during this time. In winter heat sensations decrease, but the sunny winter days deserve the same attention as in summer. Your skin needs year-round protection to remain healthy and vibrant. You may not be spending much time outdoors in the winter months, but your hands are still exposed to harmful rays!
9. Avoid hand dryers
Hand dryers can be very harsh on your hands. It is preferable to dry your hands with a towel or tissue.
