How to Have Soft Hands

Have you got dry hands? They sure can be uncomfortable; undoubtedly, nobody likes them. There are a number of factors that cause dry hands; it could be the weather, your occupation, or even some medical conditions. The good news is that there are home remedies with which you can make your hands much smoother and softer. We`ll discuss dry hands, its causes, home remedies to combat it, some prevention tips, and some interesting skin facts.

What Causes Dry Hands?

Skin dryness is usually due to environmental factors. Some irritants and health conditions can also cause your skin or hands to become unusually dry. What are some of these factors?

Weather

You must have noticed that your hands and some other parts of your body get drier in winter. That`s because the cold season makes the air dry, and your hands can’t get any moisture, so they go dry too.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions like diabetes and lupus affect blood flow and can cause dryness. Also, skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema can also make your hands go dry.

Workplace Conditions/Environmental Irritants

People who wash their hands multiple times and use sanitizers are more likely to have dry hands. This also applies to those who wash many dishes often. The powerful surfactants in detergents and soaps can get rid of the natural oils in your skin, and as a result, cause extreme dryness.

8 Natural Ways to Get Softer Hands

Coconut Oil

The emollient properties of coconut oil can help enhance skin hydration and boost lipid levels on the skin surface. This is why a topical application of coconut oil can help make your hands softer. You only need two teaspoons of extra virgin coconut oil and a pair of gloves for this treatment.

What to Do

• Apply some coconut oil to both hands.
• Wear a pair of gloves so the oil can penetrate your skin.
• Leave it on overnight.
• You may do this every night.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal moisturizes the skin and enhances skin barrier function. It combats skin dryness and makes the hands softer. You need a tablespoon of powdered oatmeal and half a tablespoon of coconut oil for this.

What to Do

• Add the coconut oil to the powdered oatmeal.
• Mix thoroughly and apply it to your hands.
• Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
• You may also use moisturizers made of oatmeal.
• Do this once daily.

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly has robust moisturizing qualities. Applying it to your hands regularly can make them softer. You only need some petroleum jelly and a pair of cotton gloves for this.

What to Do

Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to both hands before bedtime every night.
Wear a pair of light cotton gloves and go to bed.

Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are packed with lecithin, an emollient that conditions the skin. It is great for combating dryness. You only need an egg yolk for this treatment.

What to Do

• Whisk the egg yolk properly.
• Apply it to your hands and let it stay for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with mild soap and water to eliminate the odor.
• Do this 3-4 times a week.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil comprises fatty acids that moisturize the skin. They`re also great for making the hands soft. You only need sweet almond oil and a pair of gloves for this.

What to Do

• Apply sweet almond oil on your hands.
• Leave it on until it dries.
• Wear a pair of gloves if you`re leaving the oil overnight.
• Do this once daily.

Sugar Scrub

Your hands can get dry when dry skin cells accumulate on your skin. The grainy texture of sugar granules can be super helpful in exfoliating your skin. You need a tablespoon of sugar and half a tablespoon of coconut oil for this treatment.

What to Do

• Blend a tablespoon of sugar with half a tablespoon of coconut oil.
• Apply it to your hands and scrub gently.
• Rinse with water.
• Apply a good moisturizer.
• Do this twice every week.

Honey

Honey is great for soothing, hydrating, and moisturizing your skin. Its emollient nature is also perfect for softening your hands. You only need raw honey for this treatment.

What to Do

• Put some honey in your hands.
• Spread it gently over both your hands.
• Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing your hands.
• You may do this twice daily.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera extracts are loaded with polysaccharides that moisturize the skin. This is why they`re used in many skin products. You only need a tablespoon of aloe vera gel for this.

What to Do

• Get a tablespoon of gel from an aloe leaf.
• Blend the gel and apply it to your hands.
• Let it stay for about 20 minutes before rinsing.
• Freeze the remaining gel to use later.
• Do this twice daily.

How to Prevent your Hands from Getting Dry

• Use a humidifier in your home to keep the air moist.
• Avoid using soaps that cause dryness.
• Wear gloves when you expose your hands to water for long periods.
• Exfoliate your hands once a week to eliminate dead skin cells.
• Moisturize daily.
• See your doctor immediately you notice skin disorders.
  Manage stress properly, as some health conditions like eczema that are caused by stress can cause dryness on your hands.
• Use toilet paper instead of air dryers.

Some Skin Facts

• The thinnest skin is on the eyelids; it`s 0.02mm thick.
• The thickest skin is on the feet; it`s 1.4mm deep.
• Scar tissue lacks hair and sweat glands.
• You lose about 20-100 hair strands from your skin each day.
• Hair is made from a protein called Keratin.
• Every hair has a small muscle called the pili, which makes your hair to be raised when you`re cold or in a heightened emotional state.
• Keratin forms the dead outer layer of human skin and fingernails.
• About half the dust in your home is dead skin.
• The skin renews itself every 28 days.
• A natural fat called lipid keeps the skin`s outer layer moist and healthy. Detergents and alcohol destroy lipids.
• The skin sheds over 30,000 dead cells every minute.
• Sweat is odorless; it’s actually bacteria that causes body odor.
• This skin has bacteria microbiomes of over 1000 species and billions of bacteria.

Now that you Know…

Nobody wants to have or touch dry hands, and you`ve learned eight ways to get your soft, alongside tips on preventing dryness. It is not uncommon to find a number of people wash their hands often, especially since the outbreak and spread of the coronavirus. Undoubtedly, repeated hand-washing is a leading cause of chapped and cracked skin. We have more people washing their hands in hot soapy water and regularly using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. This is fine, however, be careful of the soap you use, and remember that it`s okay to use a hand cream after washing your hands. Just ensure that you dry your hands thoroughly before applying some hand cream. Also, move around with your tube of hand cream. Don’t go using hand creams from public restrooms or sharing yours with others. Sharing is not advisable because you can’t ascertain who has washed their hands properly before touching the tube. Remember to stay safe and keep your hands at their best look and feel.