{"id":1192340,"date":"2025-12-21T02:01:58","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T23:01:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1192340"},"modified":"2025-12-21T02:01:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-20T23:01:58","slug":"7-ways-to-make-your-perpetually-dry-hands-softer-according-to-dermatologists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1192340","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways to Make Your Perpetually Dry Hands Softer, According to Dermatologists"},"content":{"rendered":"
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7 Ways to Make Your Perpetually Dry Hands Softer, According to Dermatologists<\/h1>\n
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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Melanie Rud<\/p>\n
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\"person\"person<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nMelanie Rud\n<\/div>\n
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    \nMelanie Rud is a beauty writer with over 15 years of editorial experience, known for her expertise in skincare and product research. At Byrdie, she covers a range of beauty and lifestyle topics\u2014especially gift guides\u2014and personally tests the products she features.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Updated on October 29, 2024 03:57PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
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    \u00a0Studio Cavia \/ Stocksy<\/p>\n

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    If your hands are always dry, know there are solutions available to you. It is a common concern\u2014even for those who moisturize regularly. There are many reasons why hands are often drier than other areas of the body. \u201cThe 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,\u201d 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\u2014from the cold in the winter months to warm water used to wash dishes.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

    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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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    • Dr. Kseniya Kobets, MD, MHS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in Westchester, New York.<\/li>\n
    • Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York and New Jersey.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      01<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Avoid Irritants <\/span><\/h2>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      02<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Switch Out Your Hand Wash <\/span><\/h2>\n

      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.<\/p>\n

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      Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n

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      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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      03<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Pat Your Hands Dry Instead of Rubbing Them <\/span><\/h2>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      04<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Moisturize Immediately After Exposure to Water <\/span><\/h2>\n

      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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      05<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Layer Your Hand Creams <\/span><\/h2>\n

      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.<\/p>\n

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      • 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.<\/li>\n
      • Then, apply a formula featuring emollients such as ceramides, which soften and smooth the skin.<\/li>\n
      • 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        If layering feels like a lot of work, look for a formula that contains all three ingredient categories\u2014humectants, emollients and occlusives\u2014like beeswax, suggests Dr. Kobets.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        06<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Wear Cotton Gloves at Night <\/span><\/h2>\n

        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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        07<\/span>of 07<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Try an Exfoliating Hand Cream <\/span><\/h2>\n

        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.\n<\/p>\n

        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.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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        FAQ<\/div>\n
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          What can I soak my hands in to soften them?<\/span><\/div>\n
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          It is recommended not to soak your hands as water may cause dryness to the skin. Hands and feet are different in that sense. Soaking hands may make them appear softer for a short moment but will ultimately cause more dryness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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          Can Vaseline make your hands soft?<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Not in itself. Vaseline and other similar ointments don’t provide hydration. Rather, they are occlusives, which help seal in already existing moisture, says Dr. Kobets. Try layering it on top of hand cream.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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          How can I soften my hands overnight?<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Softening hands work better overtime. However, if you are in a crunch, nighttime hours are good moment to start for optimal results. Try layering different creams as indicated above and seal everything in with cotton gloves.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          Read more:<\/div>\n
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          • Skin<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Body<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

            Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/how-to-make-hands-soft-7182286<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            7 Ways to Make Your Perpetually Dry Hands Softer, According to Dermatologists By Melanie Rud Melanie Rud Melanie Rud is a beauty writer with over 15 years of editorial experience, known for her expertise in skincare and product research. At Byrdie, she covers a range of beauty and lifestyle topics\u2014especially gift guides\u2014and personally tests the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1192341,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1192340","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1192340","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1192340"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1192340\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1192341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1192340"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1192340"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1192340"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}