Keeping Hands Healthy This Winter
There’s no escape from the onslaught indoors either as air-conditioned and over warm homes, shops, and offices all conspire to dry out and damage the delicate skin of our hands. Combining different factors can leave the skin on your hands so dehydrated at this time of year. This can make your skin crack, peel, and even bleed.
Put Up a Barrier.
Protecting your skin starts with a moisture-sealing barrier. Your skin’s natural barrier is made up of proteins, lipids, and oils, and it usually works pretty well. It leaves you prone to skin conditions like eczema and symptoms that include itching, inflammation, and drying out if it’s weakened.
The key is to stop it from losing moisture as much as possible in the first place. Try to replace any that you do lose regularly. This is where hand creams and treatments are essential. It would help if you had a physical barrier. And put the moisture back in topically. No amount of drinking water will hydrate skin that’s been chapped by the wind or cold.
Start moisturizing before your hands start showing any signs of dryness. Look for hand treatments that contain emollient and humectant ingredients for the best protection. Your professional esthetician will be happy to advise you on a range that’s suitable for you and the conditions you need it for. Call us now or book online for a session with our licensed esthetician. Our professional esthetician would be delighted to advise you with skincare tips and products that would be suitable for you.
Go Thick for a Healthy Skin
Sometimes you need a little more support with dry skin. And if your hands are already seeing signs of winter damage, repair them with therapeutic products designed to nourish and soothe cracked, chapped, and bleeding skin. Choose a thick, rich moisturizer that contains more decadent, soothing ingredients like shea and cocoa butter, dimethicone, or beeswax. Ask your esthetician what she recommends. If you have eczema or other skin conditions exacerbated by cold, wet weather, you may benefit from a doctor’s advice and medicated products. Slather on a thick layer of your chosen moisturizing product at bedtime, pop on some cotton gloves, and leave in overnight to soak in.
Watch How You Wash Your Hands.
It’s important not to let your skin dry out through frequent handwashing. You can keep your hands hydrated as well as clean if you opt for a mild hand wash or soap. And stick to warm water (not too hot), and remember to apply hand cream as soon as you’ve dried off. If you work in a profession where you have to wash your hands repeatedly, or your skin is dehydrated, you could also try gel or hand wipes instead of soap and water as they won’t dry your skin out as much.
Pop Your Hand Gloves On.
Mom was right; you need to wear gloves outside when the weather is bitter! Try to wear mittens or gloves outdoors as much as possible. Wear gloves when it’s cold or wet to protect the skin from as many elements as possible. If you’re wearing gloves and get wet, apply your hand cream as soon as possible.
Looking after your skin through the winter can pay off in spades when you get to spring, and you can take your gloves off and show off that new manicure with pride!
Or you can shop online for ultra-hydrating products that will deeply moisturize your skin.
Gift cards are also available, great gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.
Brilliant Massage & Skin
Burlington, Vermont
