Are your hands dry? Reasons and what to do

The skin on the hands is most often exposed to the harmful effects of external factors. For this reason, it requires constant care. Otherwise, itching, cracking or peeling may occur, which is associated with the so-called loss of the lipid layer, which forms a protective function. In this case, the skin is unable to retain moisture and loses its natural elasticity.

Causes of dry skin

There are several reasons for dryness, here is a list of the most common:

Cold

During the colder months, skin is more susceptible to stress, dryness and cracking. This occurs due to slow blood flow and temperature fluctuations, which often drop well below freezing.

Excessive hand washing and aggressive detergents

Frequent hand washing, and above all, using chemicals, although it removes viruses and bacteria, but at the same time reduces the lipid barrier.

UV radiation

We are regularly exposed to UVA and UVB radiation, so sooner or later pigment spots appear on the skin due to the action of so-called free radicals. The sun also causes loss of hydration and, as a result, dryness.

Irregular drinking regime

If your drinking regimen does not meet the recommended daily water intake, the result may be general dehydration, which manifests itself as skin problems.

Age

With age and under the influence of hormones, the elasticity of the skin decreases. Both the production of collagen fibers and the content of hyaluronic acid are reduced, causing the skin to lose its natural ability to form lipids.

How to deal with dry skin

Moisturizing and regeneration

After washing or during the cold season, you should always lubricate your hands with oil-based creams. Products containing, for example, shea butter or almond oil are excellent.

Hand washing

When washing, use warm water (not hot) and environmentally friendly soap that has a pH similar to that of skin (healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH in the range of 4.5-5.5). Use cotton towels for drying.

Wear gloves

During the winter months and bad weather when there is strong wind, wearing them is necessary, as there is a danger of severe drying out. Leather exposed to frost loses its elasticity and is even at risk of cracking. Gloves should also be used even when doing manual labor and working with chemicals.

Regular drinking regime

Maintaining the correct drinking regime and moisturizing the skin from the inside is important both in winter and summer. It is important to replenish fluid reserves in any weather and even without feeling thirsty.

Vitamins and minerals

Dry skin can be a result of a lack of certain vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function properly. Most often, the body lacks mainly zinc and vitamin B7. Another vitamin that affects skin elasticity is vitamin C. A deficiency leads to a lack of collagen in the skin tissue and cracking of the skin. Therefore, it is worth balancing your diet.