Rituals you need to get your hands on, stat.
– KEYS SOULCARE
*Tap, tap, tap.* Hear that? That’s the sound of your wintry hands trying to get your attention… and some much-needed seasonal TLC.
Why are your hands so dry, you ask? Turns out, the cold-weather experience of drier, itch-prone digits can be due to everything from seasonal shifts, to what we eat, to what we put on our bodies.
And as for what to do about it? We turned to our trusted source for all things skin — Keys Soulcare’s in-house dermatologist Dr. Renée Synder.
Put your hands together for soothing tips that just might save your digits this winter.
WHAT CAUSES DRY HANDS?
Small, everyday factors can contribute to your hands feeling dry or dehydrated. In many cases, dry hands are caused by environmental factors such as weather, washing them often, or exposure to chemicals.
Let’s get a little more into each one.
1. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
It’s no surprise that cold, blustery climates can wreak havoc on our skin and leave us feeling dry — and our skin in need of a little extra TLC. Lower humidity, cooler temps, and powerful wind all have an effect, stripping skin of its natural moisture. Plus, having your heater on blast and extra long, hot showers don’t help.
To help alleviate dry-feeling hands, you can reach for your favorite hand cream or body lotion AM and PM. Here are a few more wintertime skincare tips to consider from Dr. Renée.
Another hack? Place hands in socks or soft gloves helps to trap in the moisture. When done overnight, many wake up with skin that feels baby-soft!
2. FREQUENT HAND-WASHING
Using harsh soaps and frequent hand washing contributes to the dry skin on our hands. While it’s very important to wash your hands regularly — and reach for the hand sanitizer when you need it — don’t forget to nourish the skin of your hands after washing.
Our skin is a complex weave of cells held together by bonds that are lubricated by our natural oils. Failure to moisturize or replenish the oils on our skin after washing adds further insult to injury.
3. MATURING SKIN
As our skin matures, it retains less moisture and experiences changes. For example, the skin grows thinner, and you begin to produce less oil and collagen over time. All of these changes can begin to affect the moisture levels of your skin and hands.
So, not only does your skin have to contend with environmental factors and exposure to harsh elements or soaps, but you also have to consider some biological factors.
HOW TO HELP SOOTHE DRY HANDS
So, what can you do to promote and retain moisture for your hands?
Dr. Renée recommends covering your hands with gloves — particularly if you are frequently immersing them in water, like when you’re washing dishes. Gloves help to prevent the water from stripping the natural oils present on our skin barrier.
Moisturize often, particularly after washing your hands. If you notice the skin of your hands is feeling dry or parched (particularly in the winter months), it’s time for some self-care to reduce it!
KEYS SOULCARE PRODUCT OFFERINGS TO HELP WITH DRY HANDS
One way to make caring for your hands an enjoyable experience is to turn it into a beloved step in your daily soulcare ritual, whether you pay an extra moment’s attention to your hands while washing them at the sink or you’re lovingly applying lotion before bed.
RENEWING BODY WASH & HAND WASH
Another way to combat dry hands? Swap those harsh soaps with SLS or stripping ingredients for something gentler.
Enter the Renewing Body Wash & Hand Wash with Manuka Honey, a creamy gel multitasker that gently cleanses both the body and the hands. It looks chic on the bathroom counter or on your shower shelf, but the real magic is inside — the formula’s glycerin plus Manuka honey, shea butter, and cocoa butter collaborate to help deliver rich hydration and skin-plumping moisture. The subtle scent of sage and oat milk brings a sense of warmth, clarity, and calm each time you wash your hands.
SACRED BODY LOTION
Another way to help keep your hands feeling hydrated is to reach for your favorite body lotion, like our lightweight and silky-smooth Sacred Body Lotion. The formula has chia seed oil to hydrate and help lock in moisture. Meanwhile, glycerin comes to the rescue as a moisture-replenishing ingredient that helps skin feel soft.
COMFORTING BALM WITH CAMELLIA SEED OIL
Dr. Synder often tells patients to moisturize with a hydrating body or hand lotion and then cover the hands with an occlusive barrier, like our Comforting Balm with Camellia Seed Oil. You can apply the balm to areas prone to dryness, like the lips, cuticles, elbows, or knees. It also has a light, addictive vanilla scent that can’t help but lift your spirits on a cold winter’s day.
Comforting Balm contains a trio of hard-working ingredients like camellia seed oil, avocado oil, and shea butter, which work to sandwich the skin with a layer of nourishing moisture. It also has a light, addictive vanilla scent that can’t help but lift your spirits on a cold winter’s day.
What’s the hand-care go-to you’re bringing into your rituals? Share in the comments!
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