Dry hands can be quite a nuisance. Not only can they look unappealing, but can also be painful. The skin on your hands is constantly exposed to the environment, making them more vulnerable to dryness. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that can help to soften your dry hands. Let’s begin with some of the most common causes of dry hands.
What Causes Dry Hands?
Dry hands can be caused by a variety of factors. These include excessive hand washing, exposure to harsh chemicals or detergents, cold weather, and lack of moisture. Some people are also more prone to dry hands, depending on factors like genetics or field of work.
Excessive hand washing can strip away natural oils from your hands, leaving them feeling dry and rough. This is especially true when using harsh soaps or detergents that contain alcohol or fragrances. These products can strip away the natural oils from your hands, leaving them feeling dry and itchy. For some, frequent hand washing is unavoidable and you can lessen the damage by applying a moisturizer or lotion.
Cold weather can also be a major cause of dry hands. Cold air holds less moisture, so when the humidity level is low, the air can draw moisture away from your hands. This can leave them feeling dry and cracked.
Lack of moisture can also cause your hands to become dry. This is because the natural oils in your skin are not being replenished.
As you can see, most causes of dry cracked skin on your hands are unavoidable, but moisturizing regularly can help.
Symptoms of Dry Hands
The symptoms of dry hands can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms may include roughness, flaking, and itching. Severe symptoms can include cracking, peeling, redness, and even bleeding.
When your hands become dry, they can become uncomfortable. The skin may start to feel tight, and it can become difficult to do everyday tasks that require the use of your hands. The skin may also become more sensitive to the touch.
Preventing Dry Hands
Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to help prevent dry hands.
Be sure to wash your hands with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soaps. Hot water can strip away natural oils from your skin and dry it out.
You should also make sure your hands are moisturized often. Use a moisturizer that is formulated for your type of skin. Avoid using products with fragrances or alcohol, as these can irritate and dry out your skin.
You should also be sure to protect your hands from the elements. Wear gloves when you are in a cold environment and keep your hands covered when doing activities that are rough on your hands.
Natural Remedies for Dry Hands
Several natural remedies can help to soften your dry hands. Here are some of the best ones to help treat your dry hands:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great natural remedy for dry hands. It is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which help to nourish and moisturize the skin. To use coconut oil for dry hands, simply massage a small amount into your hands until it is absorbed. You can also apply it before bed and cover your hands with gloves for an extra boost of hydration.
There are many different moisturizing creams available that contain coconut oil.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is another great natural remedy for dry hands. It is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help to soothe and hydrate the skin. To use aloe vera for dry hands, simply apply a small amount to your hands and massage it into the skin until it is absorbed.
You could opt to either keep your own aloe vera plant at home (we have a few in my house) or purchase a moisturizer that contains it.
Oatmeal Bath
An oatmeal bath can also be a great natural remedy for dry hands. The oatmeal can help to soothe and nourish the skin while removing any dead skin cells. To use an oatmeal bath for dry hands, simply mix one cup of oatmeal with a few drops of water and mix it into a paste. Apply the paste to your hands and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Honey
Honey is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help to soften and hydrate the skin. To use honey for dry hands, simply apply a small amount of raw honey to your hands and massage it into the skin until it is absorbed.
In the image, you can see a bit of honey from our own beehive we ordered online, it’s 100% natural and works great!
Milk
Milk is also a great natural remedy for dry hands. The lactic acid in milk can help to exfoliate the skin and the proteins can help to nourish and hydrate it. To use milk for dry hands, simply massage a small amount into your hands until it is absorbed. Raw milk is the best option for this remedy.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can also be a great natural remedy for dry hands. The citric acid in lemon juice can help to exfoliate the skin and vitamin C can help to nourish and hydrate it. To use lemon juice for dry hands, simply cut a lemon in half and sprinkle a bit of sugar on the inside and rub it all over your skin. After a few minutes, rinse the juices off of your skin.
Tips for Taking Care of Dry Hands
Taking care of dry hands is important. Here are a few good tips:
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap when washing your hands.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from the cold air that can dry out your hands.
- Wear gloves when doing activities that could be rough on your hands.
- Use moisturizers regularly.
- Apply natural remedies such as coconut oil, aloe vera, oatmeal baths, honey, milk, and lemon juice to your hands regularly.
Recommended Products to Soften Dry Hands
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
This hand cream is specifically designed for people who work with their hands and suffer from dry and cracked skin. It contains a high concentration of glycerin, which helps to lock in moisture and improve skin hydration.
Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Hand Cream
This hand cream is made with sweet almond oil and vitamin E to nourish and soften dry hands. It has a lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly into the skin.
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
This hand cream is formulated with glycerin to hydrate and soothe dry hands. It has a fast-absorbing formula that leaves hands feeling soft and smooth.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
This hand cream is formulated with ceramide-3 and natural moisturizing factors to repair and replenish dry hands. It has a fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula that provides long-lasting hydration.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
This hand salve is made with a blend of botanical oils and natural wax to protect and moisturize dry hands. It has a thick, rich texture that forms a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture.
Takeaway
Dry hands can be quite a problem if not taken care of. Not only can they look unappealing, but they can also cause discomfort. Fortunately, several natural remedies can help to soften your dry hands. These include coconut oil, aloe vera, oatmeal baths, honey, milk, and lemon juice.
In addition, you should make sure to wash your hands with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soaps, keep your hands moisturized and protect them from the elements.
Follow a few of the tips mentioned and your hands will be soft and comfortable in no time!
