Dry winter hands are just the worst, aren't they?
Less moisture in the air during winter months can make your skin feel dry all-over, but hands have an especially hard time because they're always being washed (hopefully!)
Soap and hot water strip the natural oils from your skin, then, as the water evaporates from your hands, it draws even more moisture away from your skin.
If you're not moisturizing your hands enough in the winter, they can very quickly become dry and cracked, but the good news is that it's an easy fix!
You just have to moisturize, more.
There isn't just one product I recommend to fix everything, but rather, it's a matter of finding the right mix of moisturizers for your needs.
That's why I put my favorite twinkle hand-moisturizers together in one bundle for you. Scroll down to keep reading about the products in the Dry Hands Sample Set, and get my top recommendations for combating winter dryness.
Order the dry hands sample set here ($35)
First, be pro-active:
If you struggle with dry hands, you should be moisturizing them after every wash.
I'm gonna say that again, for the people in the back:
Moisturize after every wash.
Yes, really!
This is the best way to prevent dry hands. Apply moisturizer after every wash to re-hydrate and replenish the skin's protective oils.
(I know, it sounds so simple and obvious that it's almost silly. But your hands can't moisturize themselves. Not in the winter, at least! So if you don't want them to be dry... yeah. This is my advice.)
Everyone: Stefanie, what can I do for my dry skin?!
Me: Um, moisturize.
LOL
I created my light lotion because I wanted something that would absorb more quickly than my butter or balm after washing my hands. I also like that it's lightweight enough that I don't worry about washing it right off again and re-applying throughout the day. Note: when your hands are wet, the lotion might take longer to absorb. Fully dry your hands, then moisturize if you're in a rush!
I keep a bottle by my kitchen sink, at my desk at work, and on my nightstand to prevent moisture loss while I sleep.
If you're pro-actively moisturizing after every wash, the light lotion may be all you need.
But once your hands become overly-dry, you might need to layer on something with a richer texture, to repair and condition the skin on a deeper level.
Next, Repair with Butter and Balm
When I find that I've been slacking on pro-actively moisturizing with light lotion throughout the day and my hands start to get more dry, adding a layer of butter over (or, instead of!) my light lotion to my hands at bedtime works wonders to repair and soften any cracks or rough skin.
Butter is shea butter based, which helps to seal in its deeply conditioning and skin-repairing oils, and hold moisture on your skin longer.
It's very rich, so a little goes a long way, but once it soaks in, it shouldn't be greasy.
Then, if I have extremely dry, deep cracks or callouses, a layer of balm over that will help create a soothing, protective, skin-softening barrier layer.
Also always on my nightstand: for lips and hands!
I also keep a tube of balm in my purse so I can moisturize any trouble spots when I'm on the go.
This is what I do to prevent dry, cracked winter hands, and it works great for me.
But you may find that a different strategy works for you, and that's ok!
Maybe you just want one easy product in your life - I'd recommend the balm.
Maybe you're committed to being pro-active this winter - get the light lotion.
Maybe you want one moisturizer that you can also use on your face and whole body - the butter is what you want!
The point is to moisturize, more.
If you're not sure what you'd like, get the sample set, below!
And, good luck. :)
Stefanie
