Neutrogena^®

Dry skin usually has a rough, flaky, or chapped appearance. It can also be itchy and easily irritated. Dry skin occurs when skin loses its moisture content. In very simple terms, your skin does not have enough water in it. There are many factors that can contribute to dry skin including genetics, weather and excessive bathing. Dry skin is most likely to occur during the winter months due to the cold, dry conditions outside and the warm, dry environment of an artificially heated home or office. Additionally, as skin ages, it loses its natural ability to replenish moisture lost throughout the day.

What Do Dry, Chapped Hands Need?

Why do your hands become dry and chapped more often than the rest of your skin? Two common causes include frequent hand washing as well as using harsh soaps and household cleansers.

Wetting hands frequently causes moisture to escape from the epidermis, the top layer of skin. Hand creams, lotions, ointments, and moisturisers don't add water to the skin, but they do help prevent moisture on the skin's surface from escaping. By applying hand cream or lotion immediately after washing your hands, you can help "seal in" moisture.

Here are more tips to protect dry hands and help them heal:

• Avoid washing hands with hot water, which can remove natural oils from the skin. Instead, use warm water and a mild soap or non-soap cleanser.
• Use hand soaps that do not contain fragrance, dyes, deodorants, or detergents.
• After washing, pat hands dry by blotting with a soft towel. This will help your hands retain moisture and will avoid further irritating sensitive skin.
• Apply hand cream after each hand washing. Look for products that contain lanolin, glycerin, or petrolatum. These additives help draw water to the skin and keep it there.
• Hand sanitisers, an increasingly popular alternative to frequent handwashing, may contain harsh chemicals that can irritate dry skin. Select hand sanitisers that also have moisturisers added in.
• Protect your hands from extreme cold or wind. Choose gloves made of soft, non-itchy fabrics that won't irritate your skin.
• Avoid overheating your house. Warm air dries out skin, including hands.
• Wear cotton gloves for doing household cleaning. For heavy chores, wear waterproof vinyl gloves over thin cotton gloves for added protection.
• Planning outdoor activities? Hands need as much sun protection as your face and body. Look for hand creams that include broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays.

If your hands do not improve after taking these steps, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Sore, cracked, and extremely dry hands may be symptoms of conditions requiring medical treatment.