Are your hands truly moisturized? Discover simple, easy steps you can take every day.
They touch, hold, rub, wash, write, and carry. And yet, we often forget about them. Our hands are among the most heavily used parts of our body, but also the most exposed to external aggressions. Their thin skin, which has few sebaceous glands, quickly becomes dehydrated, especially in winter or after repeated washing. Redness, cracks, tightness: these signs are unmistakable.
But how often should you really moisturize your hands to avoid these problems? Which products are most effective? And how can you keep your hands soft and healthy all year round?
Why do your hands dry out so easily?
The skin on the hands has a unique structure. With little protection from the skin's natural hydrolipidic film, it is quickly affected by:
- Frequent washing, which eliminate protective lipids; ;
- Hand sanitizer, aggressive to the skin barrier; ;
- The cold and the wind, which slow down blood microcirculation; ;
- Household products, often irritating; ;
- UV exposure, responsible for premature aging.
Result: the skin feels tight, becomes rough, and then develops cracks and pigment spots.
How often should you moisturize your hands?
The keyword: consistency.
- After each wash Water and soap alter the skin's protective film. Applying cream immediately afterwards helps to restore this barrier.
- Morning and evening : In addition to washing, it is advisable to apply a nourishing treatment twice a day, especially in winter or if you work in a dry environment.
- If necessary : as soon as your skin feels tight or rough, it is important to moisturize immediately.
The ideal frequency therefore depends on your lifestyle, your environment, and the season.
How can you preserve the natural moisture of your hands?
1. Adopt the right habits
- Use a mild soap, without stripping agents, preferably cold-saponified.
- Wash with lukewarm water, never warm.
- Dry without rubbing, gently patting with a clean towel.
- Wear gloves for household chores, gardening, or when going out in cold weather.
2. Drink enough water
Skin hydration starts from within. Drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day is essential for maintaining skin elasticity.
What products should you choose for soft, protected hands?
The ideal skincare product combines hydration, nutrition, and protection. Look for formulas containing:
- Vegetable glycerin : natural moisturizer that retains water in the skin.
- Shea butter or coconut oil : rich in fatty acids for deep nourishment.
- Hyaluronic acid : captures and retains water in the skin layers.
- Vitamin E : antioxidant that protects against external aggressions.
How can you soothe very damaged hands?
When hands are already rough or cracked:
- Avoid harsh exfoliants. Choose a gentle exfoliator to avoid further irritation.
- Choose a repairing cream based on allantoin, panthenol, or urea.
- Take warm oil baths (sweet almond or olive oil) once or twice a week to restore the skin barrier.
Tip: Apply a generous layer of your repair cream in the evening, put on cotton gloves, and leave it on overnight for optimal regeneration.
What about brown spots?
Pigment spots on the hands (solar lentigines) are mainly caused by repeated exposure to the sun.
To avoid them:
- Apply SPF 50 sunscreen., even in the city, all year round.
- Use antioxidant skincare products (vitamin C, niacinamide) to protect the skin from free radicals.
- Avoid exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV rays are at their strongest.
To alleviate them:
There are skincare products containing depigmenting active ingredients such as azelaic acid, alpha-arbutin, glycolic acid, licorice extract or tranexamic acid, which act at different levels to slow down melanin production. For maximum effectiveness, cosmetic medicine can also be considered.
