Dry hands are also irritating—in more ways than one. Yes, the chapped skin can be uncomfortable, itchy, and sometimes painful, but it’s also annoying to deal with, considering how much we use our hands on the regular. Your body’s natural oil production also decreases1 as you age, which can result in cracks and fine lines. It’s why derms often tout the importance of moisture and a good, thick occlusive to keep the skin hydrated. On that last note, “Hot water evaporates faster,” board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, M.D., founder of Visha Skincare, told us about the ideal water temperature. Not to mention, hot water also has the ability to strip the natural oils and lipids from your skin; and when your lipid barrier is continuously compromised, cracks and scaly, itchy skin tend to follow suit. As for alcohol-based hand sanitizers, these don’t just kill the bad bacteria: They kill the good, necessary guys, too. “These types of alcohols do major damage to the natural lipids and fatty acids on the surface of your skin, so they damage your skin barrier,” board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., says regarding sanitizers. We’re not saying you should always skip the sanitizer (again, hand hygiene is a must, and when you’re on the go, sanitizer may be your only option!), but it’s important to be diligent about aftercare if you do go that route. That said, grab a butter-thick occlusive and slather it on whenever your paws need a hit of moisture. And for those wondering: Yes, you can find a dense cream that doesn’t make your hands too greasy. A mix of hydrators and rich butters (think aloe vera paired with shea butter) can keep a cream fast-absorbing while locking in moisture. Bonus points if your cream contains soothing ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory properties (oat comes to mind), as dry, cracked hands can quickly feel uncomfortable and itchy. See here for our favorite hand creams for dry skin. You can even take it a step further and slather your hands in a nourishing oil or moisturizer before pulling on the dishwashing gloves: The oil will infuse your skin with softening lipids and antioxidants, and the steamy, sudsy water increases the skin’s permeability3, which can help these ingredients penetrate deeper into the pores for baby-soft skin.
