The winter brings with it bright blue skies, fluffy clouds and a wonderful crisp air. But the cold season can wreak havoc on our skin. While everyone rushes to amp up the skincare for their face, do not
forget your hands.
Winter’s harsh winds and dry air can cause your hands to get rough, develop redness and even premature ageing. With frequent washing and indoor heating stripping it of natural oils, consistent hand care is important for soft and supple hands.
These five essential strategies will help shield and nourish your hands through the season.
Moisturise Relentlessly + Overnight Treatment
For soft hands this winter, apply a thick, fragrance-free cream that is enriched with shea butter. It is good practice to keep a tube handy close by whenever you wash your hands.
At night, slather on petroleum jelly or vitamin E cuticle oil and wear cotton gloves to DIY your own intensive overnight repair hand mask. This duo restores the moisture barrier fast, preventing splits and roughness.
Layer Protection: Gloves Up
Use gloves when heading outdoors and while doing the dishes, cleaning, or gardening to block harsh chemicals and scalding water that can further dry out your skin. Protection is your first line of defence.
Gentle Cleansing + Hydration Boost
Ditch those harsh, chemical-ridden soaps. Opt to wash your hands with mild cleansers and lukewarm rinses instead. Always remember to pat your hands dry instead of rubbing them. Hydration begins from within, so keep drinking water, sip herbal teas, and use a cool-mist humidifier to maintain a humidity level of 40-60% indoors. This combo fights dehydration from the inside out and keeps your hands lookin plump.
Weekly Exfoliation + Natural Masks
If you think exfoliation is not meant for winter, think again. Once a week, gently buff away the dead skin on your hands with a DIY scrub made of sugar and olive oil. Bring back the moisture to your hands with a thick cream. You can also whip up a mask at home that is made with honey and yoghurt or mashed avocado for natural antioxidants and emollients that soothe and brighten. Leave it on your hands for 15 minutes and avoid overdoing it to prevent irritation.
Cuticle Care + Daily SPF
Soften and push back cuticles with a wooden stick after oiling; apply nightly for strong nails. Don’t forget broad-spectrum SPF 30+ hand cream daily—UV rays penetrate clouds, accelerating wrinkles even in winter. This final step ensures long-term youthfulness.
