You probably wash your hands several times a day, right? Doing so is great for your health, but can sometimes have unfortunate side effects when it comes to your skin. Frequent hand washing can make our skin dry and cracked, especially during cold winter months. So what’s the best way to combat this feeling, especially when dryness is at its peak? Read on for how to keep hands healthy-feeling and moisturized 365 days a year.
Why are hands so prone to dryness?
There are a few factors at play here: First, the palm side of our hands are actually pore less, so they don’t produce sebum, our skin’s natural oils. Depending on our jobs and hobbies, that skin can thicken and callus, making it feel drier than the rest of our skin. In contrast, the skin on the back of the hand is naturally much thinner. Although there are some sebum-producing glands here, there are far less than other areas. As a result, it can still be pretty dry in comparison.
What about when you add hand-washing and sanitizing to the mix? In addition to removing dirt and germs, soaps can also remove the skin’s natural oils. The alcohol in hand sanitizer has a drying effect, too.
Using too much soap, hand sanitizer, and even detergent can cause something called irritant contact dermatitis, according to Women’s Health. Essentially, these products peel away at our skin’s natural protective lipid barrier, which holds in hydration. When that barrier is damaged, we’re more prone to dryness and irritation.
Why do my hands get dry after washing them?
Dry hands after hand washing is, unfortunately, a common issue—but the good news is that means you’re not alone. Here are some factors that contribute to dry, irritated hands.
The soap you’re using
Most hand soaps and washes have one job: to remove dirt, bacteria, and oils from your skin. And while they may do that job very well, they can also strip your skin of its precious natural oils, leaving your hands feeling dry, less hydrated, and even irritated.
Certain soap formulas are harsher than others. If you’re noticing that your hands are drier than usual, consider trying a soap that is gentler and targeted to sensitive skin.
Water temperature
Water that’s too hot can cause your skin to dry out more quickly. According to a 2022 study, heat and water can have a “significant effect” on the quality of the skin barrier.
That being said, who wants to wash their hands with ice-cold water? (Crickets.) We recommend washing with lukewarm water for a comfortable temperature that won’t cause irritation to your skin.
Over washing
In some cases, there can be too much of a good thing. Frequent handwashing, especially if done without moisturizing afterward, can lead to more dryness. However some people have jobs that require more handwashing than the norm. Healthcare workers and those in food service, for example, may be more prone to this issue. If that sounds like you, use a gentle hand soap, and be sure to stock up on hand cream to give your skin some extra love.
Skin conditions
Your hands may also be more prone to drying out due to a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes a rash with itchy, red patches, according to the Mayo Clinic. Eczema, on the other hand, is a name for a group of conditions that can cause itchiness, dryness, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and infections, according to the National Eczema Association. Both conditions may go through cycles, or “flare-ups,” when symptoms get worse.
If you have a history of skin conditions, take note if you're experiencing flare-ups after washing your hands with certain soaps or at hotter temperatures. If you think you have either of these conditions, it’s best to speak to your dermatologist about how to treat them.
Tips to treat and prevent dry hands from washing
Of course, we can’t just stop washing our hands even if we have dry skin. So if you’re struggling with dryness during winter (or anytime), here are some ways to avoid irritated skin and find relief.
Avoid hot water
You don't have to switch to completely cold water, but scalding hot water during a handwash isn't doing your skin any favors. (Also, you don’t want to risk burning your hands!) Instead, try to turn down the temperature to lukewarm while washing your hands—and even showering—to help reduce dryness.
Remember, your hands are submerged in water for more than just cleansing. Try to use lukewarm water when you're doing other hygiene-related chores, like washing the dishes.
Opt for a moisturizing soap
Not all soaps are harsh on skin. In fact, many have skincare ingredients that help add back moisture as you wash up. Convenient, right? Here are a few moisturizing ingredients to look for in your hand soap: Skin-repairing ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil, which is naturally very similar to skin’s natural oils.
Moisturize after washing
Using a hand lotion after you wash your hands is one of the best ways to seal in moisture and prevent dry, cracked skin. We recommend keeping a tube like our Brazilian Touch™ Hand Cream by your sink to remind you to use it, plus one in your bag so you have it on the go. Made with moisturizing ingredients including cupuaçu butter, Brazil nut, and coconut oil, this fast-absorbing, creamy formula locks in next-level hydration, And as a bonus, it has the uplifting scent of Cheirosa 62™ which features notes of pistachio and salted caramel.
Treat your hands overnight
If you’re dealing with extra dry hands, give them a deeper treatment overnight. All you need is a rich hand cream, like Brazilian Touch™ Hand Cream, and a pair of soft gloves or socks (fair warning: They may end up with some hand cream residue on them, so make sure it’s not a pair you love wearing). Simply put on a generous amount of hand cream, then place the gloves or socks on top; this creates an extra barrier so the moisturizer can absorb more fully into your skin. You'll wake up with baby-soft hands!
Gently dry your hands after each wash
Your instinct is likely to towel off until not even a drop of water is left, right? Pro tip: After you’ve washed thoroughly, it's actually better to leave your hands a bit damp, rather than over-drying. And those heated hand dryers can be—you guessed it—pretty rough on skin too. Instead, err on the side of damp when drying off, then apply hand cream to seal in that last bit of moisture. Trust us on this one!
Increase your intake of Essential Fatty Acids
You’ve probably heard about the benefits of essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6 and 9), as they help condition the skin from the inside out. Oily fish, seeds, and nuts are all good sources of these nutrients. If you think you may need to supplement your intake of essential fatty acids, you can speak to your doctor about options.
Use sunscreen on your hands
The sun's rays can affect all areas of your skin, including your hands. Use a sunscreen like Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Lotion to protect the delicate skin on your hands all year round. A lightweight 100% mineral sunscreen, it’s packed with moisturizing cupuaçu butter as well as niacinamide to help even skin tone. And as a beachy bonus, it has our beachy Cheirosa 87 scent!
Exfoliate your hands regularly
Like the rest of your body, your hands need a good scrub from time to time to slough off dry, dead skin. There are hand soaps that are made with gentle exfoliants, or you can use a small amount of our body scrubs once or twice a week for a luxurious, spa-like hand treatment. And don’t forget to use hand cream afterwards to keep those hands extra soft!
Avoid harsh cleaning products
Ever notice how your hands feel extra-parched after you’re done washing the dishes? That’s because of the harsh chemicals often found in soaps and detergents, such as dishwashing liquid. Swap to a gentle dish soap and use lukewarm water to keep hands in tip-top shape. u You can also minimize your exposure to these products by wearing rubber gloves while washing dishes.
Avoid prolonged exposure to water
Being in water for too long can dry out your hands. Once your fingers hit the “prune” stage, use that as an indicator that it’s time to get out of the bath or pool. Be sure to follow up with hand cream as soon as you’re out of the water!
