Dry Skin Help!!

I got an email the other day that read:

The skin on my hands is so rough that it’s like I’m exfoliating my face every time I apply moisturizer. I’ve tried dozens of hand lotions but nothing seems to soften longer than a few minutes. (This is largely due to the fact that I’m washing my hands every few minutes to stay a step ahead of all the cold germs flying around my house.) What can I do to keep my hands from looking like I’m 90 during the cold, dry winter months?

Yours truly,
Sandpaper Hands

Dear Sandpaper Hands,

First, let me just say, I hear you girlfriend!! I was in Hollister the other day looking for gifts for my girls. As if it isn’t bad enough my aversion to the blasting music makes me feel ancient, I couldn’t look at sweaters because the skin on my hands was catching on the fabric. I do know what will help, but it requires us to commit. It is worth it, because not only are hands are a dead giveaway to our age, they will feel so much better if you pay attention to them.

1. Think inside out! Stay hydrated. Increase your water intake and you will see a difference almost immediately. READ: 5 Simple Tips to Drink More Water

2. Use moisturizing soap. I would love to say stop washing your hands, because truly this would really help, but my medical license would be revoked. Try this Jergen’s Moisturizing Hand Soap.

3. Follow up with on of our favorite hand creams.
• Mederma Hand & Body Lotion: I did some work for them and the research behind their ingredients is very good.
• Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Use it to protect or sooth dry skin, chapped lips, eczema, cracked hands

4. In the shower, take some time to exfoliate your hands. This will remove the dead scaly skin and allow your moisturizer to soak in, as long as you remember to moisturize right after your shower. This one smells nice. As the functionality of exfoliating is more physical than chemical, any decent brand should be fine.

5. Additional products you can try:
– vit E oil
– a thick cream specifically formulated for hands like this one by Seaberry, it is known to be fast absorbing
– pick up some moisturizing gloves and wear them to bed or around the house
– plug in the humidifier. You probably have one in one of your closets. Use it.

Finally, Sandpaper Hands, and I hate to give you one more thing to do at this time of year, stay on top of it. The best thing you can do to prevent dry skin is to follow tips like these before they snowball out of control and you can’t even pick out a sweater!!

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