Dry and cracked skin can happen at any time and to any person, but it’s definitely most common during the cold months of the year. Winter weather saps the air of moisture, as colder air holds less humidity. Still, it’s easy for the skin to dry out even when indoors. But when you add the cold outdoor cold this further stresses the skin.
The problem is exacerbated if you suffer from skin conditions like eczema, or any of the many forms of dermatitis. Often, issues like these leave rashes and dry spots on and around the hands and joints. Fortunately, if this sounds like you, there are ways that you can treat these painful and inconvenient issues. Here are the best tips we have for cracked skin around the fingers and joints.
Lotion
It may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t use lotion at all, even when they suffer from chronically dry skin. Perhaps they aren’t in the habit, or maybe they don’t know which lotion products to choose.
Dr. Ohhira’s Hadayubi Lavender Moisturizer and Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic Magoroku Skin Lotion from Essential Formulas are skin support formulas that seek to provide dry skin relief with natural ingredients, including lavender and probiotics. When you excessively wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, your skin suffers. These lotions are substances that your body uses to help create conditions that support the health of the skin.
As an alternative, a dab of coconut oil rubbed into dry skin can also do wonders. Combine coconut oil with any lotion to see how it benefits you!
Lanolin
Lanolin is a natural oil secreted by sheep for the coating and protection of their wool. It’s a waterproof product sold in jars as an isolate, and as an ingredient in many products.
When shopping for products with lanolin, look for those formulas with a single ingredient, which will appear as a thick clear-to-brown colored substance. When you spread it around on your hands or joints, it’s so thick (even warm) that it stays in place. A thin coating will remain on your skin, almost like a glove, often for hours. It will be incredibly sticky at first, but after a couple of minutes, you’ll be able to go about your day using your hands like normal, and the lanolin will greatly help to retain moisture in the skin. Try it right before bed to see that helps to provide optimal support.
Gentle Soap
If you have dry skin on your hands or body, it’s essential to use gentle soaps that don’t damage your skin by stripping away important oils and good bacteria that help to maintain skin health. There are many gentle, natural cleansers you should look for when it comes to hand soap.
Hand Wash Refill Concentrate from Miessence is almost all you need. If you already have a soap dispenser, fill it with this formula that works to help clean the hands after using the bathroom or after cooking in the kitchen. While giving a good clean, this formula won’t dry out your skin.
Hydration
If you have chronic dry skin anywhere on your body, chances are that dehydration has at least something to do with it. Most of us don’t drink enough water, particularly in the hot months of summer and cold months of winter. Why not have a glass or two right now? Drinking more water might not be enough to fix all of your skin problems, but it will help make all of your other efforts more effective.
Dry skin around the fingers and joints comes with the territory around this time of year, but there are fortunately things that you can do to help alleviate the worst of the discomfort. Good luck!