Especially in the winter, having a good lotion you can rely on is the foundation of any good beauty routine. Dry hands can be especially annoying, and sometimes no matter what hand cream you try or the foods you eat, your hands can still feel flaky and itchy. But there are a few remedies and tips dermatologists recommend when it comes to cracking hands.
To learn more about preventing dry, cracking hands we spoke with board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Sanova Dermatology, Dr. Ted Lain, and board-certified physician, cosmetic dermatology surgeon, and owner of Qazi Cosmetic Clinic, Dr. Nadir Qazi, DO. They said to use hyper-hydrating, natural moisturizers like aloe vera and avoid scented lotions because they may worsen already dry skin conditions.
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Opt for aloe vera
Aloe is a cactus-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates like Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. It has been used for skin conditions, was also thought to promote wound healing, and in juice form, it has been shown to reduce wrinkles. This natural moisturizer is hyper-hydrating for dry skin, especially flaking hands in the winter.
"Aloe vera gel is an excellent replacement for skin serums if [you're] looking for a more natural approach," Dr. Qazi says. "[It] is easy to find and process at home and has been used for centuries for skin care. It was even a staple cosmetic of Cleopatra. Aloe gel absorbs water and holds it next to the skin as a natural humectant, deeply moisturizing it. It also is a natural anti-inflammatory and will help to soothe broken and damaged skin. In addition, Aloe vera is full of vitamins A, B, and C, powerful antioxidants that can fight free radicals on the skin and can stimulate collagen production to help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles." Perfect!
Aloe Vera gel has cooling properties and is anti-inflammatory. That's why it's a common remedy for sunburn or burnt skin! It's rich in antioxidants and minerals that boost the healing process. So applying this gel to dry hands adds a protective layer for the skin and it also retains moisture. Read about more hydrating serums for dry skin in the winter!
Avoid scented lotions
Scented lotions may seem great. Not only do they hydrate your skin, but they also act as a perfume. If you struggle with dry skin or even eczema in the colder months, scented lotion can further aggravate the problem, making it difficult for your skin to heal. There are other winter skincare mistakes you should avoid because they lead to dryness and wrinkles (oh no!).
According to Dr. Lain, those with cracking hands should steer clear of scented lotions. He explains, "I would recommend avoiding scented lotions as the fragrance may cause those with sensitive skin to react, and worsen existing skin issues on otherwise healthy skin." In actuality, manufacturers don't have to tell you what chemicals are used to create a fragrance. So who knows what kind of chemicals you’re putting on your skin!
Bottom line
According to medical professionals, if your skin is cracking on only your hands or finger joints, it could be caused by contact allergies from too little moisturizer or too frequent hand washing. If you're still experiencing cracking, fissures, bleeding, or no improvement this may be a more serious skin condition that you should contact a doctor about!
