Moisturize your hands every time you wash them. Keep small bottles at regular places around the house, so you always have some on hand. [1] X Expert Source R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPHBoard Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 19 February 2021 Look for lotions that contain shea butter, B vitamins, and retinol. These ingredients keep your skin soft long after you’ve applied the lotion. Mineral oils and lanolin help to trap water in the skin. Lotions with lactic acid and urea have soothing qualities, as well. Glycerin and dimethicone help to moisturize, while hyaluronic acid can help retain that moisture. [2] X Research source
Avocado Almond Aloe vera gels Coconut Cocoa butter Sunflower Olive
Combine a few tablespoons of white sugar with olive oil or coconut oil to form a paste, and rub it into your hands for two minutes. Rinse with warm water, and you should be left with hands that are much softer than prior to your scrub. [4] X Research source If you like, add a few drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil to add a nice smell to the lotion. If you don’t want to use sugar, use grated beeswax or salt.
Heat of a pair of clean socks in the microwave for 15 seconds. Put a generous amount of your favorite lotion on your skin, but don’t rub it in. Put the socks on your hands, and let your hands soak it all in for 10-20 minutes. Remove the socks and continue rubbing in the remaining lotion. [5] X Research source You can do this and leave the socks on overnight to help with extra dry skin. While it might seem weird, socks are usually better and easier to clean than gloves.
Vaseline actually acts as a moisture-barrier, not a moisturizer. While it is effective in preventing chaffing and “locking moisture in,” it’s not a moisturizer, and won’t treat dry hands alone. There’s some controversy about whether or not lemon juice can be used to exfoliate skin and soften it, or whether or not the citric acid in the lemon juice acts more as an irritant. [8] X Research source Never apply lemon juice if you’re going to be exposed to the sun, because it makes your skin prone to burning.
Avoid alcohol and glycerine-based hand sanitizers, which dry out the skin on your hands. Sub out regular body wash or soap for something with moisturizing ingredients as well, so that you aren’t damaging your hands in your regular showers.
Go for as high an SPF rating as you can get. If you’re out in the sun, there’s little point in wasting time with anything rated less than 20.
Alcohol can dehydrate you, which can in turn result in dryer skin. If you struggle with dry skin, avoid the overconsumption of alcohol.
