Chapped hands from the cold: how to repair them

Hands are one of the parts of the body that are most exposed to the cold in winter, and if we don’t protect them properly, our skin often becomes chapped and cracked because of the cold. This can cause pain, itching and can also be very sore.

Why do we get chapped skin on our hands in the cold?

During the colder periods of the year, the air tends to be drier and since our hands are almost always exposed to the elements, the protective moisturising layer is gradually lost, which causes small cracks in the skin. 
Another reason for chapped skin on our hands is sudden changes in temperature, which are very common in winter, since we usually go out into the cold from the warmth of our homes, and our skin consequently suffers. People who regularly wash their hands with hot water have a higher probability of getting chapped skin on their hands.

How to avoid chapped skin caused by cold

To prevent our hands from drying out and possibly cracking and getting sore, it is important to follow a number of skincare habits and hydration:

• Drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day.
• Dry your hands with a paper or cloth towel after washing them. If you use a hot air hand dryer you will only dry out the skin even more.
• Use mild, moisturising soap, if possible without any added fragrances. It is also important to avoid your hands from coming into contact with toxic substances.
• Lukewarm water is best when washing your hands.
• If you are going to go outside, wear gloves to protect your hands.

Cream for chapped skin on your hands

There are a lot of handcreams in our supermarkets. They range from repairing and regenerating creams, to others rich in olive oil, rosehip oil, aloe vera, shea butter and urea. We invite you to discover them in our personal care and beauty section.