Struggling With Rough Hands? Try This.

You probably know that the skin on your hands is delicate. Exposure to dirt, bad weather, chemicals, lots of water, and the sun causes the hands to look battered. Let's look at why this is so.

UP AGAINST THE ELEMENTS

Dry, cracked skin is a result of a compromised outer skin layer. Our skin naturally holds onto moisture and rejuvenates itself, but when the elements damage this layer, it can no longer retain moisture.

Damaged skin is also more defenseless against environmental pollutants and UV radiation, which accelerate aging and dryness.

The following factors can wear out the outer layer of the skin:

WATER

If you consistently have to wash your hands or immerse them in water, you'll experience a loss of moisture. Water removes the skin's natural moisturizing oils.

DRY AIR

The air in arid climatic regions and during cold seasons saps moisture out of the skin.

SOAP

Conventional soap bars and household cleansers are drying to the skin due to their harsh cleansing ingredients. They also disrupt the skin's integrity, slowing down the natural process of repair.

CHEMICALS

You're also likely to suffer from dry hands if you work with chemicals daily, or you regularly use chemical-based household cleaners. The chemicals strip the skin of its moisture and damage the protective outer layer. Your skin is left vulnerable to all kinds of problems.

Ten ways to rejuvenate rough hands

These simple tips will revive your hands and leave them feeling supple.

1. Avoid soap if possible

Don't use soaps or detergents with sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives, as these are drying. Antibacterial formulas are culprits in this regard. Go for gentle moisturizing cleansers instead, and ensure you rinse your hands thoroughly.

2. Moisturize often

Every time you wash your hands, moisturize them. Carry moisturizer in your bag to make it easy to remember. Try our Rosehip & Calendula Triple Cream, which absorbs quickly and is soothing to the skin.

3. Avoid hot-air dryers

These dryers are gaining traction because they're environmentally friendly and save money, but hot air dries out your hands. Instead, use toilet paper to pat dry then apply your moisturizer.

4. Use gloves

Gloves provide a layer of physical protection for your hands. Wearing gloves when gardening or washing the dishes will protect your hands from damage. The best materials are cotton and leather- avoid vinyl because it can dry the skin even more.

5. Exfoliate

Did you know that the skin on our hands (especially at the back) is fragile and more prone to damage than some parts of the face? For soft hands, put about 1-2 tablespoons of sugar in your palms, add a little olive oil, and all over your hands. Do this 1-4 times a week, depending on your skin's needs. Remember to apply a moisturizing lotion immediately afterward. You could also use a pumice stone after bathing to exfoliate.

6. Wear gloves at bedtime

Insufficient moisture leads to damaged hands. To cure this, deep-treat them overnight. Apply a thick moisturizer, some vitamin E, or jojoba oil, then put on wool socks or cotton gloves and go to bed.

For extra conditioning, put Ziploc bags around your hands with rubber bands around the wrists. Rinse off in the morning.

7. Humidifiers

Beat the dry air by using a humidifier. Place it in your bedroom to enjoy the benefits overnight.

8. Use pure aloe

Aloe is an excellent natural moisturizer for the skin. It also has a soothing effect, perfect for those hot days.

9. Oat baths

Oats work wonders for chapped hands. You can use them cooked or raw. Add them to your bathwater, or mix with a little warm jojoba or olive oil in a basin and soak your hands for 10-15 minutes.

10. Pure coconut oil

The unique combination of fatty acids in coconut oil revives tired skin. After washing your hands, apply the oil directly on the skin, and wear gloves.