Protecting Your Hands from the Cold: All Our Tips!
Chapped hands, severely damaged hands, and cracks—as temperatures drop, our hands become more fragile and painful. So, how can you protect your hands from the harsh cold? Here are all our tips and tricks!
Protecting Fragile Hands from the Cold
Of course, it's recommended to protect your hands in winter to increase comfort and avoid very dry and damaged hands, as well as redness, chapping, burns, and tightness.
But this becomes even more essential if you suffer from atopic skin (atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that can cause itching, eczema, and red patches), severe dry skin, or dry cuticles that bleed easily.
It is therefore necessary to protect your sensitive hands to avoid worsening these conditions.
In any case, if you notice unusual or persistent symptoms, consult a dermatologist. The advice provided here does not replace the expertise or treatments prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Wearing Gloves Against the Cold
We'll start with this first piece of advice, which is obvious to some but can quickly be forgotten: wear gloves! They are the first line of defense against external aggressions.
Choose a soft material to avoid irritating the delicate skin on your hands: combed cotton, ideally with silver thread for its antibacterial properties.
If you find them impractical because they don't allow easy use of your mobile phone, know that there are touch-sensitive gloves compatible with screens.
Carrying a Hand Warmer
Cold is not the only cause of damaged hands in winter. Constant exposure to ambient air leads to a permanent hot-cold cycle, between a heated indoor environment and the cold winter air, which weakens the epidermis of the hands. It is for this reason, in particular, that it is better to avoid resting your hands against a radiator or immersing them in hot water.
To reduce the temperature difference between inside and outside, you can take a mini hot water bottle for your hands or a pocket warmer with you when you go out. Most of these contain a small metal disc with a liquid that, when crystallized, becomes solid. This change of state generates heat while the liquid solidifies.
Simply slip the hand warmer into your coat pocket and bend the disc!
Doing a Nail Treatment in Winter
3-in-1 nail polish treatment: Hardener, ridge filler, and beautifier
Does this advice surprise you? However, nails can get damaged and become fragile, just like skin, due to temperature changes.
Often overlooked when it comes to protecting oneself from the cold, it is nonetheless necessary to take particular care of your nails, which can quickly develop ridges, split, or break much more easily.
For this, you can do a treatment with a treatment nail polish rich in vitamins B1, B2, and B3, such as #13 Parfaite, which strengthens nails and eliminates ridges, by applying three coats of polish every 3 days for 3 weeks. Our other treatment polishes, #16 Puissante and #14 Audacieuse, are also particularly recommended to strengthen nails against external aggressions, as well as to protect cuticles.
Finally, during this period, be especially gentle with your nails, especially if they are fragile and damaged.
Treatment nail polish #16 Puissante and #14 Audacieuse: enriched with vitamins
Washing Hands Gently
Winter encourages more frequent hand washing to prevent illnesses and viruses. However, soap and the limescale found in water dry out the epidermis and weaken its hydration level.
For this reason, it is preferable to use gentle soaps and not exceed 30 seconds of washing to effectively remove bacteria without excessively drying out the skin. You can even opt for soap-free cleansing oil, which, while gently cleaning the skin, moisturizes and soothes it.
Also, be sure not to use water that is too hot, and wash your hands with lukewarm or room-temperature water.
Finally, hand sanitizer should only be used if you are outdoors and cannot wash your hands otherwise. Indeed, being composed of alcohol, it can quickly irritate the skin and particularly fragile skin. Always prioritize washing your hands with soap and water if you have the option. And note that the gel can destroy the bacteria necessary for your skin flora, which protects against infections.
Drying Your Hands Thoroughly
Also remember to dry your hands thoroughly after washing them, especially if you're going outside. Why? Because humidity accelerates skin dehydration by drawing water and lipids from the lower layers to the upper layer of the skin.
Avoid rough fabrics and opt for soft, fluffy towels.
And if you don't have a towel but an automatic hand dryer, don't leave your hands there for too long if the temperature is too high. In any case, it will be better than letting them air dry.
Moisturize Your Hands Regularly
The grandmother's remedy for very dry hands: moisturize! There's no real secret. But choose appropriate products.
Regularly moisturize your hands with a light cream or shea butter. Both help to strengthen the skin's water barrier, which is weakened by cold and wind.
But that's not all!
Also remember to apply oil (for dry hands or a homemade hand oil) that seals in moisture and, in addition, strengthens the lipid film on the surface of the epidermis. Apply it ideally after your cream or after washing your hands.
If this is too cumbersome for you, consider hydrating your hands well overnight by doing a "moisturizing mask" as advised just below.
Performing a Hand Mask
You can also take preventive action when you start to feel the appearance of small inflammations or cracks on your hands.
Some treatment ideas to try in winter:
- Cracked hands: the ideal natural remedy is shea butter with a few drops of rose geranium or true lavender essential oil, as they promote wound healing;
- Inflammations: several layers of aloe vera to relieve itching and moisturize, with a few drops of Roman chamomile essential oil;
- Eczema: aloe vera with a few drops of argan oil or vitamin E-enriched oil;
- Bleeding cuticles: a little apricot oil to apply with a gentle massage.
(do not add essential oils if you are pregnant)
If you don't have all these ingredients, you can go for the simpler option and create a minimalist "mask." To do this, coat your hands in a rich moisturizing cream, apply it in a thick layer, and let it sit until absorbed.
You will then find soft and smooth skin!
In any case, be particularly attentive to your hands during this cold period. Among other ways to care for your hands, remember to wear gloves when washing dishes, gardening, or doing DIY and to massage them regularly.
Do your hands tend to be more fragile in winter? If so, do you have any other tips to protect them from the cold?
