How to Get Rid of Dry Hands? Causes & Remedies

Discover the causes of extreme dryness on hands and learn how to help prevent them with expert hand care tips and remedies.

What's in this article:

Read Time: 5 minutes

What are dry hands?
What causes dry hands?
4 signs & symptoms of dry hands
Facts overview
Hand care routine for dry hands with NIVEA
How to prevent dry skin on hands
3 Home remedies for dry hands
How to get rid of dry hands? - At a glance
FAQs

What are Dry Hands?

Dry hands occur when the skin loses moisture, leading to roughness, tightness, and sometimes cracking. Factors like weather, frequent washing, and harsh products can strip your skin of its natural oils. Keeping your hands hydrated with the right care could restore softness and comfort.

5 main causes of dry hands

What Causes Dry Hands?

Frequent Handwashing & Sanitisers

Washing hands too often, especially with hot water and harsh soaps, can strip away natural oils, leaving skin dry and irritated.

Cold Weather & Low Humidity

Winter air and indoor heating can reduce moisture levels, making hands more prone to dryness and cracking.

Harsh Soaps & Cleaning Products

Detergents and antibacterial soaps can sometimes contain chemicals that dehydrate the skin and weaken its natural barrier.

Lack of Moisturising

Not applying hand cream regularly can cause moisture loss, especially after washing or exposure to drying elements.

Skin Conditions & Allergies

Certain skin conditions and allergies can cause excessive dryness, irritation, and sensitivity on the hands.

4 Signs & Symptoms of Dry Hands

Your hands work hard every day, and when they start feeling dry, it is their way of telling you they need extra care. Recognising the early signs of dryness can help you restore moisture before discomfort sets in. Here is what to watch for:

Chapped or flaky skin:

When your hands lose moisture, they may start to feel rough, peel, or develop flaky patches. This is a sign your skin’s natural barrier needs replenishing.

Tightness and rough texture:

If your hands feel stiff or uncomfortable after washing, exposure to cold air, or contact with harsh products, they may be lacking essential hydration.

Cracks or irritation:

In extreme cases, dryness can lead to small cracks or even painful splits in the skin. This can make everyday activities uncomfortable and increase sensitivity.

Itching and redness

Dryness can cause irritation, leading to red, itchy skin that feels sensitive to touch. This is your skin’s way of signalling it needs deep nourishment.

How To Get Rid of Dry Hands

facts-overview

Causes: Dry hands can be caused by factors like cold weather, frequent washing, low humidity, dehydration, and skin conditions.

Signs & Symptoms: Dry hands can show rough texture, cracks, redness, itching, tightness, and flaky skin.

Prevention tips: Moisturise regularly, wear gloves in cold weathers, avoid hot water, and protect from UV rays.

Hand Care Routine for Dry Hands with NIVEA

Gentle Hand Wash

Start with a mild, moisturising hand wash to cleanse your hands without stripping away natural oils. The NIVEA Cream Care Hand Wash is a mild creamy hand wash formulated with Almond Oil to help protect your skin and care for it whilst washing.

Moisturise Immediately After Washing

Right after washing, while your skin is still slightly damp, apply a rich moisturiser to lock in moisture. With regular use, the NIVEA Intensive Moisture Hand Cream gives your hands a feeling of care and softness all day long. The fast-absorbing formula is enriched with natural Almond Oil, and Shea Butter which work together with the other ingredients in the formula to provide intense hydration, leaving your hands feeling soft and smooth.

Exfoliation

To keep hands feeling soft and smooth, exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells. Use a gentle scrub and follow with a moisturising cream. Gently rub it on your hands in circular motions to promote skin renewal.

Overnight Care

For intense hydration, apply a generous amount of hand cream before bed, and wear soft cotton gloves overnight. This allows your skin to absorb the rich moisture from the cream, helping to regenerate the skin of dry hands while you sleep.

Discover NIVEA Hand Creams

NIVEA Soft Daily UV SPF 15

The NIVEA Soft Daily UV SPF 15 provides essential moisture to face, body, and hands while effectively helping with dryness and providing basic daily protection against harmful UV rays. With SPF 15, this cream helps shield your skin from UV-related skin damage, helping to maintain a healthy-looking appearance. Combine it with a sun cream with a higher SPF to be applied regularly when exposed to the sun. With Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil, its light, refreshing formula provides long-lasting hydration while leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and cared for.

This daily product is designed for versatility, making it a cream you can use anywhere and anytime. Whether you are at home, at work, or on the go, this fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula ensures prolonged hydration for face, body, and hands, with a medium sun protection for everyday needs.

How to Prevent Dry Skin on Hands?

Preventing dry skin on hands involves a combination of lifestyle habits and skincare practices to keep your skin hydrated and protected. Here are some effective ways to prevent dry hands:

Moisturise Regularly:

Use an intensely hydrating moisturiser daily, especially after washing your hands. Look for creams or lotions that notably contain ingredients like Glycerin, Shea Butter, or Almond Oil, which help retain moisture.

Avoid Hot Showers:

Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water when showering or washing your hands to avoid further drying out your skin.

Use Gentle Products:

Harsh soaps and detergents can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to irritation. To help prevent dryness, opt for a gentle, fragrance-free product that helps nourish and protect your skin. If you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin, you can also choose an unscented formula.

Wear Protective Clothing:

Harsh winds and low temperatures can lead to dry hands in winter, so always cover your hands with gloves to shield them from cold weather. The winter air can strip moisture from the skin, leaving hands vulnerable to dryness and cracking.

Avoid Over-Washing:

Washing your hands can strip your skin of natural oils. Limit washing to necessary occasions and always apply moisturiser afterward.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun:

UV rays can lead to dry and damaged skin, so always wear sunscreen on exposed areas like your hands, even on cloudy days.

3 Home Remedies for Dry Hands

If your hands are dry, cracked, or rough, always opt for purpose-made products such as those offered by NIVEA, which can provide the best care. However, if ever that isn’t an option, these simple home remedies could help restore moisture and softness:

Almond Oil & Honey Mask:

Mix equal parts Almond Oil and Honey, apply to your hands for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Almond Oil contains Vitamin E and is packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that contribute to nourish and hydrate the skin, while Honey is a natural humectant with a light exfoliationg efffect that locks in hydration and softens the skin.

Aloe Vera Gel:

Apply fresh Aloe Vera gel to soothe irritation and to help hydrate the skin. Aloe Vera contains vitamins and minerals as well as Polyscaccharides and Phytosterols that help soothe dry, irritated skin, reduce redness, and provide hydration to help relief dry skin. Be careful if you prepare Aloe vera gel yourself, as it may be contaminated with yellow latex, which contains irritating substances. If in doubt, seek specialist advice.

Milk & Oatmeal Soak:

Soak hands in a mixture of lukewarm milk and ground oats for 10-15 minutes to soften dry skin. Milk could help to soften the skin, while Oats have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe cracked or irritated hands.

We recommend proceeding with caution when it comes to home remedies and be sure to consult a professional if necessary.

Summary

Dry, cracked hands do not have to be a daily struggle. By understanding the causes - whether it's frequent handwashing, cold weather or lack of moisturising - you can take proactive steps to help restore your skin's natural moisture. The key to managing dry hands is creating a consistent hand care routine that nourishes and protects your skin. From using purpose-made products from NIVEA, which are designed to intensely hydrate and repair, to incorporating simple home remedies when needed, there are plenty of ways to keep your hands soft, With the right care, you can prevent further damage and enjoy smooth, hydrated hands.

FAQs

How can I prevent dry hands in the winter?

To prevent dry hands in the winter, use a humidifier indoors, wear gloves when outdoors, and apply a more nourishing moisturiser after washing hands. Avoid hot water and opt for lukewarm water when washing your hands.

What are the best hand creams for dry skin?

The best hand creams for dry skin provide intense hydration, retain water in the skin and strengthen the skin barrier for long-lasting protection and relief. They often contain ingredients like Shea Butter, Glycerin, and Almond Oil.

Can dehydration cause dry hands?

Yes, dehydration may contribute towards dry hands. When your body does not have enough water, your skin loses moisture and becomes dry, especially on the hands, which are often exposed to environmental elements.

Is it safe to use hand sanitiser on dry hands?

While hand sanitisers are effective in killing germs, frequent use can worsen dry skin, as they often contain alcohol which disrupts the skin barrier, promoting the elimination of water from the skin. It is important to rinse well and to follow up with a hand moisturiser after using hand sanitiser. There are also some alcohol-free disinfectants and antibacterial soaps that can be less drying.

What are some natural remedies for dry hands?

Natural remedies include applying Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, or Honey as a moisturiser. You can also soak your hands in a mixture of lukewarm water and Oatmeal or Aloe Vera gel to soothe dryness. However, care should be taken when using home remedies, especially if you prepare the Aloe vera gel yourself. If in doubt, seek professional advice or use commercial products that have been tested for skin tolerance.

Can allergies cause dry hands?

Yes, allergies to soaps, lotions, or environmental allergens like pollen and dust can cause skin reactions, which in turn can lead to dryness and irritation on the hands. Identifying and avoiding allergens can help manage symptoms.

How can I treat cracked skin on my hands?

To treat cracked skin, apply a healing ointment or a nourishing hand cream. You can also wear gloves overnight after applying moisturiser to allow for better absorption and healing.