You may notice your hands getting dry if you tend to work with harsh chemicals, do a lot of manual labor, or even if your job requires you to wash your hands frequently throughout the day. While we splurge on lotions and moisturizers for our body, we forget our hands need attention too. Fortunately, these home remedies won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The ingredients are easily available and will help heal even the most cracked, dry, and irritated hands.
1. Honey
Honey has been shown to be a great hydrating agent when applied on the skin. The enzymes can help clarify the skin and the antimicrobial properties can help kill any bacteria. If you have cuts or cracks in your hands, honey can speed up the healing process.1 Apply a layer of honey over your hands and let sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to maintain supple skin and like honey, it can help heal abrasions. It’s even said to help strengthen nails, which makes olive oil a great product to use on your hands.2 Apply liberally over your hands before you go to sleep and put on cotton gloves to allow your hands to breathe. You can use this method with all the oils mentioned on this list since using them during the day can be inconvenient and just plain messy.
3. Almond Oil
Almond oil contains folic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and zinc, all of which are useful in treating skin disorders. Many people notice that almond oil helps rejuvenate and smoothen their skin. In some cases, people even notice reduced scarring.3
4.Coconut Oil
You knew coconut oil had to be on this list! It’s a great remedy for countless things and of course, it can help heal your dry hands. Coconut oil has been proven to show improvement in skin hydration and increase in skin surface lipid levels with regular consistent use.4
5. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly acts as a barrier that stops moisture escaping from the skin. It locks in hydration and can also soothe minor burns. This is useful, especially if you have sun damage on your hands.5 Before going to sleep, apply a thick layer onto your hands and put on gloves. In the morning your hands should feel silky smooth.
6. Yogurt
Face packs that include yogurt have been shown to increase moisture, brightness, and elasticity of the skin. It will do the same for your hands.6 The cooling effect of yogurt can help soothe dry, cracked hands. Mix together two tablespoons of yogurt with a spoon of honey and teaspoon of olive oil. You can also add just enough flour to make it a spreadable paste that won’t run off your hands. Keep this on your hands for about 10 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water
7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties when used on the skin. It’s also shown to be incredibly hydrating and even helps soothe itchy and irritated skin.7 Not to mention, oatmeal can be used an exfoliant. It can get rid of the dead skin on your hands and make them feel soft and new. Mix ground oatmeal with enough honey and water to make a paste. Rub this mixture onto your hands and wash off after 10 minutes.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains plenty of enzymes that help reduce inflammation on the skin. It helps tighten skin and increase elasticity. The amino acids in aloe vera can even break down and soften hardened skin. Aloe also contains zinc which tightens pores and prevents moisture from escaping.8 As if this wasn’t enough, aloe vera also contains substances that have a cooling effect that can soothe irritated dry skin. Use store-bought pure aloe gel or extract some from a blade of the actual plant if you own one. Apply generously all over your hands and rinse off after 5 minutes.
Things To Avoid
If you do have irritated, dry hands, it’s possible that you have sensitive skin. If this is the case, these are some things you should avoid:
- Harsh hand soaps: These can leave your skin irritated and dry. Use a gentle, neutral soap instead.
- Lotions with alcohol: Lotions or hand creams are popular cosmetic products but stay away from those that contain alcohol since it can dry your hands out.
- Hot air dryers: Using these machines can suck the moisture out of your hands.
- Hand sanitizer: Like the hand creams, the alcohol in them can have a drying effect on your skin.
Caution: Hands that stay dry persistently despite the repeated use of moisturizing treatments may be indicative of underlying problem like eczema. See your physician if you notice this in your hands.
Your hands do a lot for you throughout the day but they’re a part of our body that we tend to neglect. With these home remedies, you can give your hands the special treatment they deserve.
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