Skincare for Dry, Cracked Hands

Our hands are exposed to a wide range of harsh elements every day, from extreme temperatures and dry air to frequent hand washing and the use of harsh chemicals. As a result, it’s not uncommon for your hands to become dry, cracked, and even painful. But don’t worry, with the right skincare routine, you can prevent and treat these issues and keep your hands looking and feeling healthy. Here’s our complete guide to skincare for dry, cracked hands.

Hydrate from the inside out

Dry, cracked hands can be a sign of dehydration, so make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day and consider adding hydrating foods to your diet, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and celery.

Use a gentle hand wash

Frequent hand washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Choose a gentle hand wash that’s free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, and make sure to rinse your hands thoroughly.

Moisturize regularly

Moisturizing your hands is the key to preventing and treating dry, cracked skin. Choose a rich, nourishing hand cream that’s specifically formulated for dry skin, and apply it throughout the day, especially after washing your hands. Don’t forget to moisturize your cuticles as well.

Wear gloves

Protect your hands from the cold, wind, and sun by wearing gloves. Choose gloves made from breathable materials that won’t irritate your skin, and make sure to wear them when you’re outside or doing household chores that require the use of harsh chemicals.

Exfoliate gently

Exfoliating your hands can help remove dead skin cells and improve the absorption of moisturizers. However, make sure to choose a gentle exfoliator that won’t damage your skin or cause further irritation.

Our Top Picks

• La Roche Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream: a rich hand cream that immediately soothes hands and moisturizes. Non-greasy, it provides a long lasting hydration (up to 48h). Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated.
• Caudalie Vinotherapist Hand and Nail Repairing Cream: a luxurious, nourishing cream, it relieves skin tightness, leaving your hands feeling softer to the touch. With a sensory fragrance, it has a perfect size for you handbag.
• Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Balm: a beauty favourite of Queen Elizabeth, it’s a lightweight balm, that melts on to your skin, soothing  and providing immediate relief to dry, chapped skin. It keeps your hands hydrated and soft, and reduces the appearance of spots, for a more beautiful skin.
• O’Keeffe’s Hand Cream: a popular “miracle worker”, it’s a must have all over the world for leaving your hands with a baby skin feeling. With ultra-concentrated ingredients, it attracts moisture and protects you skin.
• Cerave Reparative Hand Cream: if your hands are sensitive and you don’t want to take any chances with fragrances, this cream is the perfect choice for you. An effective hand cream, with ceramids and hyaluronic acid, provides softening results after the first use at an affordable price.

Dry, cracked hands can be a frustrating and painful problem, but with the right skincare routine, you can keep your hands looking and feeling healthy. Remember to hydrate from the inside out, use a gentle hand wash, moisturize regularly, wear gloves, and exfoliate gently. By following these simple tips, you can prevent  dry, cracked skin and enjoy soft, smooth hands all year round.