If you live in a state that has brutal winters, you are well aware of the havoc it wreaks on your skin. It is near impossible to keep all areas of the body protected from the elements, at all times. As much as we try, our hands cannot always be snuggled up in a pair of $100 fur or cashmere lined tech gloves. As a matter-of-fact, my hands have NEVER been snuggled up in a pair of $100 cashmere or fur lined gloves, even as a try on. As much as I lose gloves, which is usually one glove and not the other, I better stick to Dollar General. There are measures, however, you can take to ‘Care for Winter Hands’.

5 Tips to Care for Winter Hands

1.  Drink Plenty of Water … Sometimes you have to force this, as you may find you’re not as thirsty during cold weather months. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces (ex., if you weigh 140lbs., drink approx. 70 oz. of water, per day). If you struggle getting your water in, here’s a tip – Take an empty clean milk jug, pour (in ounces) the water recommended for your body weight, mark it with a permanent marker, and work off of that, refilling each day. Eventually you won’t need to do this, anymore. Your thirst will naturally require it.

2.  Humidify The Air … To put moisture back in, humidify the air inside your house. A GREAT way to do this is by placing a plate of water near heaters. You can use Rose Water that also fills the air with a delicate scent and works as aromatherapy. This simple measure will prevent your skin, including the skin of your hands from over-drying.

3.  Moisturize Your Hands … Several times a day, use a hand cream to nourish and moisturize the skin on your hands. Really work it in, especially the often neglected top of your hands. Avoid using hand creams that contain petroleum. Petroleum just sits on the skin, which does not provide any hydration. My absolute favorite daytime hand cream is by L’Occitane. Any surprise? All of the scents smell AMAZING and work the same. But I am never without my favorite, Delicious hands. I have tubes everywhere from my car, to my purse, and all over the house. As for my bedtime hand cream, my favorite is the Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme. I have tried many others, but always go back to my tried and true. I have to warn you, however, only use this product at bedtime. It is much too greasy for daytime use. I keep a jar in the drawer of my bedside table. If waking up with baby soft hands is what you’re looking for, this stuff ROCKS!

4.  Wear Rubber Gloves When Doing House Work … Always wear Rubber Gloves while washing dishes, and especially so in the winter. Overexposure to both water and harsh chemicals in dish-washing liquids draws natural moisture and lubrication out of your hands. For the same reason, do not wash your hands too often, unless you work in a health care setting. When washing your hands, use tepid water. Hot water will only dry out your hands more.

5.  Wear Gloves … The skin of our hands is thin, delicate, and often dry, this is why it is the first to suffer from cold winds, frost, and dry heated air inside our homes. The most important hand protection from winter elements is as simple as just to wear gloves! Make it a good habit to wear warm gloves or mittens every time you go outside, even if it is just to check the mail or get into a car. This measure is especially important if your hand skin is dry and irritated.

What are some of your favorite hand products for the winter months?

Rose Water  //  L’Occitane Delicious Hand Cream or from Amazon  //   Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme