7 Ways to Make Your Perpetually Dry Hands Softer, According to Dermatologists
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If your hands are always dry, know there are solutions available to you. It is a common concern—even for those who moisturize regularly. There are many reasons why hands are often drier than other areas of the body. “The palms of our hands, along with the soles of our feet, are the only places on the body that do not have sebaceous glands, which produce oil that helps protect the skin from dehydration,” says Dr. Kobets, a board-certified dermatologist. The skin on the hands tends to be thicker, making it harder for moisturizers to penetrate, she adds. Hands are also frequently exposed to the elements—from the cold in the winter months to warm water used to wash dishes.
We spoke to two board-certified dermatologists to find out practical solutions to make dry hands softer over time. Keep reading for their best advice, as well as recommended products to use.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Kseniya Kobets, MD, MHS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Westchester, New York.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York and New Jersey.
Avoid Irritants
External factors can play a part in having dry hands. Soap, hand sanitizer and dishwashing liquid can all be irritants. They may strip the skin of its natural oils and make the hands more susceptible to dryness, says Dr. Garshick. Make sure to protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves when cleaning for instance. Wearing SPF and thicker hand creams is also recommended in sunny weather or in low temperatures.
Switch Out Your Hand Wash
We are certainly not suggesting you stop washing your hands but it is worth noting that it can affect your skin. Detergent containing sulfates, which are commonly found in hand washes, can strip the skin of its moisture. Opt for a mild, gentle cleanser instead, suggests Dr. Kobets.
Byrdie Tip
What you use to wash your hands does not have to be specifically made for the hands. There are several face washes available to consider. Look for a formula free of sulfates, soap and fragrance. Instead, prioritize those containing ceramides and/or hyaluronic acid, which may help moisturize your skin like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
Pat Your Hands Dry Instead of Rubbing Them
Rubbing your hands dry with a towel may be your first instinct but it is recommended to blot them dry instead. Gently blotting or patting your hands with a towel will help moisture stay on the skin and avoid roughing up your hands. Applying lotion on slightly damp skin may also help moisture penetrate more efficiently into the skin.
Moisturize Immediately After Exposure to Water
Water in itself can be drying, Dr. Garshick says. Know how your fingers get pruney after a long soak in the tub? That is because the skin is dehydrated. Try to apply hand cream immediately after your hands are exposed to water. Dr. Garshick suggests keeping a tube next to your sink as a helpful reminder. If this option is not available to you, try to moisturize at least twice a day, including before bedtime.
Layer Your Hand Creams
Layering hand creams can be an effective way to ensure your hands remain moisturized. Proceed from applying the lightest formula to the heaviest for optimal results.
- First, start with a cream containing humectants (ingredients that attract and trap water on the skin) such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, says Dr. Kobets.
- Then, apply a formula featuring emollients such as ceramides, which soften and smooth the skin.
- Finally, put on Vaseline or Aquaphor. These thicker ointment formulas won’t necessarily deliver moisture when used on their own. However, they can help seal products layered underneath for the best results.
If layering feels like a lot of work, look for a formula that contains all three ingredient categories—humectants, emollients and occlusives—like beeswax, suggests Dr. Kobets.
Wear Cotton Gloves at Night
Layer or apply your hand creams, then wear a pair of cotton gloves before bedtime. “This both keeps the cream from rubbing off, making it even more effective and provides an occlusive environment to help trap moisture,” says Dr. Garshick. “Your hands will feel softer and smoother when you wake up.” We recommend using Earth Therapeutics Moisturizing Hand Gloves.
Try an Exfoliating Hand Cream
Exfoliating can be an efficient way to prevent dry skin. However, make sure to proceed with caution. Physical scrubs and chemical exfoliants may be too harsh on the hands and may cause irritation that can worsen your case.
Opt for a moisturizing cream that contains a gentle exfoliant instead, like Drunk Elephant TLC Glycolic Body Lotion. This will allow your hands to be moisturized while removing dry skin cell buildup, says Dr. Garshick.
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