Fall Beauty Tips: Say Bye to Dry Hands

Hi guys, as much as I love Fall, this season also brings the most dreaded: dry skin, especially dry hands. I am one of those girls with chronic dry hands all year around - so I have always been seeking tips and advice on how to keep hands from drying out and being super irritated. The last thing I want is my hands in sub-optimal shape for my significant other to hold! Every girl wants nice, soft, smooth hands that are hand-holdable :) Few of my simple tips to preventing/treating dry skin:

• Use a gentle wash/cleanser  Avoid using soaps/cleansers with heavy deodorant, antibacterial, foaming, or scents - all of the above likely contain elements that "strip" fats from your skin. These fats (aka "good fats") help hold in much-needed water during the dryer seasons, so look for moisturizing soaps (like Jergens Extra Moisturizing Hand Wash) or even try a soapless cleanser (my favorites: Aquanil Cleanser and Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar).

• Keep clean & wash up  Key is to wash gently - always use warm water (not HOT), as hot water strips the skin of natural, protecting oil that your skin needs during the colder weather. Regular, thorough hand washing is essential in preventing flu, colds, and other illnesses that Fall/Winter season brings. See - being clean pays off!

• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!  As cliche as it sounds, moisturizing is crucial in preventing, treating, relieving irritated/dry skin. But not just any moisturizer will do. Some are made mostly of water, which means they do NOT help lock in moisture. Key is to find oil-based moisturizers - ointments tend to be the most oil-based, followed by creams. Lotions contain the most water. Look for products with at least one or some of the following:
  
  • Petroleum jelly, mineral oil, hyaluronic acid and lanolin - these elements retain water in the skin
  • Lactic acid and urea - these elements can help soothe severely dry skin
  • Glycerin and dimethicone - these elements draw water to the skin
• Wear gloves  Hey, who says you can't be fashionable with gloves? Moisturize your hands well at night, and try wearing gloves during the day when you're outside.

Stay tuned for upcoming post on my picks for Hand Cream :)
cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)