The skin of the hands is one of the most sensitive (along with the lips) and can suffer the consequences of the cold.
The skin of the hands is one of the most sensitive (along with the lips) and can suffer the consequences of the cold. If we add to this frequent washing or the use of hydrogel, the result, in many cases, is very dry skin that can crack.
The pharmacist Rocío Escalante, owner of Arbosana Farmacia and an expert in dermo-cosmetics, tells us how to take care of them to keep them hydrated and soft.
How is the skin of the hands? The skin of the hands has some particular characteristics: on the back, it is very thin and fragile, it has few sebaceous glands, and as it has less oil, it tends to dry out more easily, which also causes premature aging. On the palms, the skin is thicker, but there are also no sebaceous glands, which also favors dehydration. It does have sweat glands, so some people may suffer from hyperhidrosis.
What can harm them? Hands are always exposed to cold, sun, dry indoor air, water, soap, hydrogel, chemical products… All these factors can damage your skin.
Touching aggressive soaps and irritating substances (which may be in detergents and chemical products) increases dryness and causes irritations, painful cracks, calluses… That’s why it’s always a good idea to wear gloves.
The skin of the hands is one of the most sensitive (along with the lips) and can suffer the consequences of the cold
Also, constantly washing them also dehydrates them, but since it is now more necessary than ever, you have to choose mild soaps and hydrogels that respect the skin barrier. On the other hand, cold and wind accelerate dehydration, just like heat and dry environments are caused by heating.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR HANDS
-You have to hydrate them daily, as many times as necessary. Ideally, it would always be after washing them, but we should moisturize at least twice, in the morning and at night, before going to bed, so that the cream acts throughout the night.
-Avoid aggressive soaps and choose products with a pH similar to that of our skin (5.5), so-called syndet (soap without soap).
-Wear gloves whenever detergents are handled, and also in winter.
– Protect them from the sun, which can cause spots, increase dehydration and accelerate aging.
-Avoid direct heat sources: very hot water, hot air dryers…
-Special care: if our hands tend to dry out in winter, we should devote more attention to them once a week, exfoliating with a mild product, applying a specific hand mask, and moisturizing with a thick layer of cream.
