Fall brings cooler temperatures and dryer air, which can wreak havoc on your hands. Your hands start to dry out and you may feel as though they never get moisturized, no matter how much lotion you put on them. It is hard for hand creams or lotions to really work their magic because most people wash their hands and dry them all day. So what are you supposed to do?
If you know that your hands get dry during the cooler months, it is important to apply a generous amount of moisturizer at night. This will allow the healing properties to set in. Here are a couple tips to moisturize dry hands during the fall and winter seasons.
Tip #1: Sleep in Socks
We know you are probably thinking, “Wait…I thought this article was about dry hands.” It still is, so don’t worry. We are instructing you to put socks on your hands when you go to bed. To help soothe your hands, massage Shea butter or coconut oil on your hands before putting socks over them. This gives your hands the TLC that they need. Make sure that the socks are thick enough to the point where the Shea butter or coconut oil won’t seep through onto your sheets.
When you wake up, your hands (and your nails) will be in much better shape. For best results concerning your fingernails, remove nail polish before doing the overnight sock treatment.
Tip #2: Choose the Best Hand Cream
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil contains awesome antioxidants that work to fight free radicals in the body. It also speeds up healing, while reducing possible scarring in the process. If you haven’t used it before, vitamin E oil is a great moisturizer for sensitive skin. Try a little bit on a small area before applying a large amount to your hands.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains saturated fat, which serves as a great moisturizer. Coconut oil is popularly used in the world of DIY health and beauty. The lauric acid in coconut oil works to kill bacteria and viruses, helping to sooth cracked knuckles or hands.
Olive Oil
Olive oil has been used as a beauty agent in the Mediterranean for many years. It is in most everyone’s pantry, just like it should be! It helps to soften the skin and make it more supple. Oh, and we forgot to mention that the healthy fatty acids have anti-aging benefits too!
Aloe Vera
While it may seem less appealing to use fresh aloe gel from the plant, it is truly beneficial for those with rough hands and knuckles. The properties in aloe work to calm inflammation and protect your skin’s outer layer. You can also moisturize with a combination of Aloe Vera and a few drops of vitamin E oil.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is absolutely ideal for softening hands and rehydrating dry skin. Because it is very thick, it is commonly mixed with vitamin E oil to make for easier application.
We hope you use some of these this fall and winter to keep your hands healthy and moisturized.
