Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments for dry and chapped hands

Symptoms of dry hands

Unsure of the tell-tell signs of dry hands? Here are some of the common symptoms which you may have noticed on your hands, including in between your fingers, on your finger-tips, on your knuckles and around your nails. These may indicate that your hands are in need of some extra TLC.

• The sensation of tightness: The most common symptom if you have very dry hands is tight skin. Dry hands may feel tense and tight, which can be uncomfortable and also limit mobility. This feeling of tightness may be aggravated by hand movements, gestures, activities that require its constant use.
• Peeling: Dry hands often have peeling skin, with the appearance of small flakes or loose skin. This can cause an uncomfortable feeling on the hands.
• Roughness: The skin on dry hands tends to become rough and unpleasant to the touch. You may feel that your hands are devoid of their natural softness and feel them worn and aged.
• Cracks: Extreme dryness of the hands can lead to the formation of small cracks in the skin. These cracks can be painful and lead to the feeling of discomfort of dry hands. If so, be especially careful, as the cracks can become infected and cause larger wounds.
• Redness: Dry hands may also have reddening of the skin, such as on the knuckles. This is due to a lack of adequate hydration, which can cause discomfort of the epidermis of the hands.
• Dull appearance: The skin of very dry hands tends to lose its natural luster and can look dull and lifeless.
 

The causes of dry, chapped hands

Very dry hands is a common condition that can appear due to a variety of causes. The skin on the hands is thinner and more delicate than the skin on other areas of the body and contains fewer sebaceous glands, which makes them more prone to dryness and dehydration. Furthermore, as our hands face constant contact with the external environment, their barrier function tends to be much weaker.

 
• Extreme temperatures: This includes very high or low temperatures.
• Lack of moisture: Lack of hydration can cause dryness.
• Low humidity: Low humidity environments can dry out your skin, including your hands.
• Harsh products: Using aggressive products can aggravate dry skin and result in dry hands.
• Conventional soaps: Regularly using conventional soaps can strip the skin of its natural moisture, which can worsen dry hands.
• Ageing: Can also contribute to dryness and cracking of the skin, as it loses its ability to retain moisture.
• Underlying skin conditions
 

Dry hands in winter

Winter can be ruthless with our hands, leaving them dry and cracked due to the cold weather. Exposure to cold air and wind can strip natural moisture from the hands skin, resulting in a compromised skin barrier and cracked skin.

 
To combat this, here are some simple but effective tips:
• Regular moisturising: Apply a rich, nourishing moisturiser to your hands several times a day, especially after washing. Look for a cream with active ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which helps to retain skin moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
• Protection: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the cold and wind when you are outdoors. Gloves made of soft material, such as cotton, are ideal for keeping your hands warm without causing additional skin irritation.
• Avoid hot water: Hot water can remove moisture from the skin of your hands, worsening dryness and cracking. Try to wash your hands with lukewarm water and avoid prolonged exposure.
 

Dry hands in summer

Although we associate summer with humidity and heat, our hands can also suffer from dryness during this season because of exposure to the sun, sea salt, and chlorine from swimming pools. Here are some top tips to keep your hands hydrated and healthy-looking during the summer:

• Sun protection: Apply broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ sunscreen to your hands to protect them from the sun's harmful UV rays. Don't forget to reapply sunscreen frequently and generously, especially after swimming or washing your hands.
• Moisturise after exposure to water: Sea water and chlorine from swimming pools can increase dehydration, so it is important to moisturise your hands after swimming. Use a moisturiser that contains nourishing and skin barrier-repairing active ingredients.
• Gentle exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your hands once a week to remove dead skin cells and promote the absorption of moisturiser. Opt for a gentle exfoliator that does not increase sensitivity.
• Drink enough water: Keep your body hydrated from the inside out by drinking enough water during the summer. Adequate hydration will help to keep the skin of your hands and body healthier.
• Avoid excessive use of air conditioning: Air conditioning can dry out your skin, including your hands. If possible, try to reduce the time you spend in air-conditioned rooms.
 

Treatment to prevent dry hands

Very dry hands can be frustrating, especially when they affect your daily well-being. We'll provide you valuable information about how to treat and prevent dry hands, so you can enjoy soft, healthy-looking hands at any time.

 

1. Repairing the skin barrier

The skin barrier is a crucial protective layer that helps to retain moisture and keeps the skin hydrated. When this barrier is damaged, it can lead to water loss in the skin and the appearance of dry, cracked hands. For this very reason, it is essential to repair the skin barrier as part of your treatment to prevent dry hands.

 

To restore the skin barrier, it is important to use moisturising products containing ceramides. These products can help with restoring the skin's lipid barrier, which retains water and protects the skin from external agents.

 

2. Deeply moisturising dry hands

Moisturising is an essential step in any skincare routine, especially when it comes to treating dry, chapped hands. Deep hydration helps to restore moisture to the skin and keep it soft and supple. It is important to moisturise the skin regularly because water is an essential nutrient component for the proper functioning of the epidermis.

 

To keep your skin hydrated, it is advisable to use of products with hyaluronic acid, a powerful moisture-retaining agent.

 

3. Use moisturising soaps

Choosing the right soap also plays a key role in treating dry hands. Conventional soaps can be harsh and strip the skin of its natural moisture, which can worsen dry hands. Therefore, a good election is to opt for moisturising soaps that gently cleanse without damaging the skin barrier.

 

If you are looking for a skin-friendly soap that moisturises while removing dirt, CeraVe Moisturising Cleanser has been specially designed to deeply cleanse and protect the skin barrier, without causing sensitivity.

 

CeraVe Moisturising Cleanser is a cleansing product with a smooth, creamy texture designed to cleanse and remove impurities from the skin without causing dryness or discomfort. Formulated with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and three essential ceramides, it reinforces the skin layer by layer to keep it looking moisturised and healthy all day long.

 

Its formula contains MVE technology, which gradually releases moisturising ingredients to provide long-lasting hydration and helps to restore the skin's protective barrier. Thanks to this, the formula is suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive and dry, and can help to improve skin texture and softness with regular use.

 

Key ingredients in hand creams for dry hands

Look out for products with the ingredients ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Formulas with these ingredients can help to retain skin moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier is key to keeping moisture in and external aggressors out.

 

Our best products for dry and chapped hands

Our best cream for very dry, cracked hands

CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream is ideal for dry and chapped hands because it rehydrates in two different ways. Firstly, this hand cream has MVE technology, which consists of the gradual release of moisturising agents that guarantee all-day hydration.

 

Secondly, its formula is composed of three ceramides, meaning this hand cream helps strengthen the protective skin barrier of the hands. This can reduce discomfort and help to reduce any itching that is often associated with dryness.

 

This moisturiser has a texture that is quickly absorbed, and you will notice its highly beneficial effects from the very first use.

 

Our best ointment for very dry, chapped skin

 

Alternatively, CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment​ is a multi-purpose ointment that seals in moisture for lasting hydration and instant relief on very dry, chapped and cracked skin on the face, body, and lips.

 

It combines 3 dermatologist-recommended occlusive ingredients, including pharmaceutical-grade Petrolatum, Hyaluronic acid, and 3 Essential Ceramides. It creates a protective layer over the surface of the skin that can shield wounded or vulnerable skin from harsh external elements and bolster the skin's own barrier capabilities for up to eight hours.

 

This ointment is also suitable for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.


 

Our best body cream for very dry skin

Do not forget the rest of the body, as you may experience dryness or itching on any other part of the skin’s surface. At CeraVe, we offer two moisturising care products to include in your routine.

 

Both moisturisers have the same hydration capacity and within their formulation, we should highlight the MVE technology to provide prolonged hydration for 24 hours besides the three essential ceramides. This formula will help to repair the skin barrier. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid and glycerin are included to provide extra hydration and nourishment.

 

CeraVe Moisturising Cream has a creamier texture, is quickly absorbed, which is perfect for very delicate skins that require deep hydration.

   

CeraVe Moisturising Lotion: has a milky texture that is immediately absorbed and is perfect for all skin types.

   

All these products are very useful if your hands are dry and cracked due to environmental factors or lack of hydration. In addition, as they are fragrance-free, they are highly recommended for sensitive skin.

 

Selecting the right hand cream or ointment is crucial for preventing and treating dry hands effectively. With a range of products tailored to different needs, CeraVe offers solutions that hydrate, repair, and protect dry hands, ensuring your skin remains soft and looks healthy regardless of the season or cause of the dryness.