How to care for dry hands

Dry hands are a problem many of us are familiar with, especially during periods of frequent hand washing, cold weather, or exposure to harsh chemicals. When hands become so dry that they crack, it can be painful and actually limit you in everyday life. The good news, however, is that with the right care and prevention, you can restore softer, healthier hands.

Why do hands become dry and cracked?

When the skin on your hands becomes dry, it is often because the skin's natural barrier has been compromised. This barrier consists of lipids and natural oils that protect the skin from moisture loss and harmful external influences. When the barrier weakens, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness, rough texture, and in the worst case, cracks.

The most common causes include:

• Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing: Soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizers can dry out the skin by stripping its natural oils.
• Cold weather and low humidity: In winter or dry climates, the skin can quickly lose moisture, especially without protection.
• Exposure to chemicals: Cleaning products and other irritants can damage the skin's surface.
• Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis: These conditions can worsen dryness and make the skin more vulnerable to cracking.

What can you do about dry, cracked hands?

Treating dry and cracked hands involves two things: moisturizing the skin and rebuilding its barrier. Here are some steps you can follow:

Choose a gentle hand soap

Avoid soaps with sulfates and harsh chemicals. Our Hand Wash is an excellent choice because it moisturizes and nourishes with Macadamia Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Aloe Vera. It cleans effectively without drying out the skin.

Moisturize your hands often

After each hand wash, you should use a nourishing hand cream. Apeer's Hand Cream is especially ideal for this purpose. It contains Almond Oil, Apricot Oil, and Squalane, which quickly regenerate the skin and leave it thoroughly moisturized without being greasy.

Avoid further irritation

Protect your hands by wearing gloves when working with cleaning products or outdoors in cold weather.

Intensive night care

Apply a thick layer of hand cream before bed and wear cotton gloves to allow the cream to work deeply overnight.

Exfoliate gently

Remove dead skin cells once a week with a mild exfoliant to improve the skin's ability to absorb moisture.

What to look for in a hand cream?

A good hand cream is crucial for caring for dry hands, but not all products are created equal. Here are some ingredients you should look for:

• Moisturizing ingredients: Squalane and Glycerin bind moisture to the skin and improve elasticity.
• Natural oils: Almond Oil, Macadamia Oil, and Jojoba Oil provide nourishment and help restore the skin's barrier.
• Vitamins: Vitamins A, E, and F promote skin healing and protect against environmental damage.
• Soothing substances: Aloe Vera reduces irritation and redness, which is important for cracked hands.

Our Hand Cream meets all these criteria and is particularly suitable for very dry hands. It absorbs quickly and leaves hands soft and well-cared for without a greasy feeling.

Preventing dry hands

The best remedy for dry hands is to prevent the problem before it starts. Here are some simple but effective tips:

• Wear gloves: Whether you're cleaning, working with chemicals, or going outdoors in freezing weather, gloves can protect your skin from harmful influences.
• Keep your hands hydrated: Apply hand cream several times daily, especially after washing your hands. Always carry a small tube of hand cream in your bag so you can moisturize your hands on the go.
• Avoid hot water: Use lukewarm water for hand washing, as hot water can dry out the skin further.
• Drink enough water: Hydration from within is just as important as external care. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Products from Apeer for dry hands

At Apeer, we have developed products that not only care for your hands but also prevent dryness and cracks.

Hand Wash
A mild yet effective hand soap that cleanses without drying out the skin. With Macadamia Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Aloe Vera, it moisturizes the skin and protects against irritation.

Hand Cream
A quickly absorbing hand cream with Almond Oil, Apricot Oil, and Squalane. It provides intense moisture and rebuilds the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Both products are developed with dermatologically proven ingredients that ensure your hands feel well-cared for and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions about dry hands

What are the most common causes of dry, cracked hands?

The most common causes are frequent hand washing, cold weather, exposure to chemicals, and skin conditions such as eczema. These factors can weaken the skin's natural barrier and lead to moisture loss.

What is the best hand cream for very dry hands?

A good hand cream for very dry hands should contain moisturizing ingredients like Squalane and Glycerin, as well as nourishing oils such as Almond Oil and Macadamia Oil. Apeer’s Hand Cream is ideal as it quickly absorbs and rebuilds the skin's barrier.

How do I care for dry hands in winter?

Use a gentle hand soap that doesn't dry out the skin, and apply hand cream after each hand wash. Wear gloves when going outdoors, and consider applying an extra layer of cream at night with cotton gloves for intensive care.

Can I prevent dry hands?

Yes, you can prevent dry hands by using a mild hand soap, moisturizing your hands regularly with a good hand cream, and avoiding hot water when washing your hands. Also, wear gloves for protection against cold and chemicals.

How often should I use hand cream?

You should use hand cream every time you wash your hands, and at least a couple of times a day to keep your skin hydrated and protected. For intensive care, you can apply a thick layer before bed.