As temperatures drop and winter weather sets in, our hands become particularly prone to dryness, cracks, and irritation. The skin on our hands is thinner and more sensitive than on other parts of the body, and it is often neglected when it comes to protection from cold and wind. To keep your hands healthy and well-cared for during the winter months, regular and intensive care is essential. In this article, experts from MONLIS Studio share their best recommendations on how to care for your hands to protect them from the challenges of the cold season.
1. Why Do Hands Suffer in Winter?
Cold temperatures in winter cause humidity levels to drop, both outside and indoors, where heating can dry the air even more. This leads to moisture loss in the skin, causing dryness, tightness, and even cracks. Frequent handwashing and the use of sanitizers can further weaken the skin’s protective barrier.
Main causes of dry hands in winter:
Cold and wind: External elements dry out the skin and lead to irritation.
Heated air: Indoor heating creates drier air, drawing moisture from the skin and making it more sensitive.
Frequent washing: Constant handwashing, especially with harsh soaps, strains the skin even more.
2. Moisture Is Key
One of the most important steps in hand care during winter is regular moisturization. As the skin loses moisture, it’s crucial to replenish it regularly to keep hands soft and supple.
The right moisturizing routine:
Rich moisturizing hand creams: Choose a rich cream with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter, which help lock in moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Thicker products for nighttime: For extra protection, apply a thicker, oil-based cream or balm at night to allow your skin to regenerate while you sleep.
Frequent application: Apply hand cream multiple times a day, especially after washing your hands or before going outside.
3. Protection from the Cold
The best way to protect your hands in winter is to minimize their exposure to cold air. Gloves play a key role in this.
Tips for proper protection:
Wear gloves: Always wear gloves when going outside, preferably made of natural materials like wool or cotton that keep your hands warm while allowing them to breathe.
Use protective creams: Apply a protective cream before putting on gloves to create a barrier between your skin and the cold air. There are special cold protection creams designed for winter use.
4. Use Gentle Cleansing Products
Since frequent handwashing can further dry out your skin, it’s important to choose the right cleansing products. Gentle soaps and mild sanitizers are especially important in winter.
How to be gentle on your skin while cleansing:
Mild soaps: Use moisturizing soaps or special hand washes with replenishing ingredients to avoid over-drying the skin.
Avoid hot water: Wash your hands with lukewarm water, as hot water can dry out your skin even more.
Gentle sanitizers: If you need to use hand sanitizer, choose alcohol-free or moisturizing versions that won’t irritate your hands.
5. Exfoliate Your Hands
Exfoliation is necessary to remove dead skin cells and improve the skin’s ability to absorb care products. It promotes cell renewal and keeps the skin softer and smoother.
The right exfoliation routine:
Gentle exfoliator: Use a mild hand scrub with natural exfoliants like sugar or salt. Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin.
How often to exfoliate: Exfoliate your hands once or twice a week to keep your skin fresh and receptive to moisturizing treatments.
6. Intensive Care with Hand Masks
Hand masks offer deep hydration for particularly dry and stressed hands. They nourish the skin with moisture and nutrients.
How to use hand masks:
Overnight masks: Apply a thick layer of nourishing cream or a special hand mask at night and wear cotton gloves. Let the mask work overnight for maximum results.
Quick masks: There are also hand masks designed for quick use, providing moisture and care in 10-15 minutes.
7. Nail and Cuticle Care in Winter
Your nails and cuticles also need special attention during the winter. Dry air and frequent handwashing can lead to brittle nails and cracked cuticles.
Caring for your nails and cuticles:
Use nail oils: Regularly massage nourishing oils into your cuticles and nails to maintain moisture and flexibility.
Cuticle care: Use special cuticle creams or oils to prevent cracks and inflammation.
8. Hydration and Nutrition from the Inside
Beautiful and healthy hands are also supported from within. Ensure you drink enough water and maintain a balanced diet.
Tips for healthy skin from within:
Stay hydrated: Drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside.
Balanced diet: A diet rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids helps maintain skin health and protects against dryness.
Proper hand care in winter is essential to protect your skin from the cold and dryness. With the right products, regular moisturizing, and extra protection like gloves and gentle cleansing, you can keep your hands soft and healthy even during the colder months. The experts at MONLIS Studio are available to help you choose the best products and care routines to perfectly maintain your hands.
Visit MONLIS Studio to discover the best tips and products for your hand care this winter!
