Dry, Cracked Hands? Why It Happens + 5 Ways To Keep Your Paws Supple

So we'll get right to it: If you're wondering how to save your raw, dry hands, here's how to keep them supple. 

The root of your scaly, cracked hands? Well, there could be a couple of culprits: 

Your body's natural oil production also decreases1 as you age, which can result in cracks and fine lines. It's why derms often tout the importance of moisture and a good, thick occlusive to keep the skin hydrated. 

On the topic of transepidermal water loss, did you know it happens more during the winter? Cold, dry, arid weather can weaken your skin barrier function, especially if you oscillate between the frigid outdoors and the cozy, indoor heat. And so we repeat: When your barrier weakens, it's easier for water to seep out, which can cause dryness, flaking, and discomfort. 

On that last note, "Hot water evaporates faster," board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, M.D., founder of Visha Skincare, told us about the ideal water temperature. Not to mention, hot water also has the ability to strip the natural oils and lipids from your skin; and when your lipid barrier is continuously compromised, cracks and scaly, itchy skin tend to follow suit.

As for alcohol-based hand sanitizers, these don't just kill the bad bacteria: They kill the good, necessary guys, too. "These types of alcohols do major damage to the natural lipids and fatty acids on the surface of your skin, so they damage your skin barrier," board-certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., says regarding sanitizers. We're not saying you should always skip the sanitizer (again, hand hygiene is a must, and when you're on the go, sanitizer may be your only option!), but it's important to be diligent about aftercare if you do go that route. 

"Hand eczema, or hand dermatitis, is characterized by redness, blistering, cracking, flaking, and itching of the palms and fingers," board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., tells us about the condition. It's a common area to experience flare-ups if you have eczema, as your hands come into contact with a bunch of environmental triggers (including contact allergens, like sanitizers and detergents); so if you're genetically predisposed to the condition, your hands may be quick to crack and dry. 

To restore your hands back to supple and soft, we recommend the below:  

Bonus points if your cream contains soothing ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory properties (oat comes to mind), as dry, cracked hands can quickly feel uncomfortable and itchy. See here for our favorite hand creams for dry skin.

Yes, you should still wash your hands. Just find yourself a soothing, hydrating hand soap, stick to a room-temperature rinse, and apply moisturizer immediately after toweling off (Bowe recommends waiting no longer than two minutes). You may also want to favor hand soaps over sanitizer whenever you can, as the large concentrations of ethanol and isopropanol are a bit harsher on the skin, even coupled with conditioning agents like aloe. 

"Ideal soaps are made without harsh sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate, that can damage the skin barrier," Bowe tells us. "I also love seeing hand soaps that are enriched with soothing, hydrating ingredients like milk, aloe, honey, and oatmeal. Also, any ingredients that restore the barrier and help bring the pH back to the normal range—slightly acidic—are imperative. Our skin has an invisible layer called the 'acid mantle,' and we need to respect the pH of our skin to keep it healthy." (See here for our favorite, non-stripping soaps for dry skin.)

You can even take it a step further and slather your hands in a nourishing oil or moisturizer before pulling on the dishwashing gloves: The oil will infuse your skin with softening lipids and antioxidants, and the steamy, sudsy water increases the skin's permeability3, which can help these ingredients penetrate deeper into the pores for baby-soft skin. 

If the discomfort is bordering on painful or severe (say, if you notice intense scaling or bleeding), it's best to see a professional who can find targeted treatments for any potential infections. Oftentimes, dry hands are nothing to sound the alarm over—but it's always a good idea to consult your derm if you're at all concerned. 

The cause of dry hands is a tough nut to crack, considering all the factors (environmental, lifestyle, and genetic) that can contribute to a scaly appearance. No matter: With these steps, you can alleviate some of the discomfort and keep your paws baby-smooth.