1.  Wear gloves …

The skin of our hands is thin, delicate, and often dry, this is why it is the first to suffer from cold winds, frost, and dry heated air inside our apartments. The most important hand protection from winter elements is as simple as just to wear gloves!

Make it a good habit to wear warm gloves or mittens every time you go outside, even if it is just to check the mail or get into a car. This measure is especially important if your hand skin is dry and irritated.

2.  Humidify the air …

Moisten the air inside your house by placing a plate of water near heaters. I usually use rose water that also fills the air with a delicate scent and works as aromatherapy. This simple measure will prevent your skin, including the skin of your hands, from over-drying.

3.  Wear rubber gloves when doing house work …

Always wear rubber gloves while washing dishes, and especially so in the winter. Overexposure to both water and harsh chemicals in dishwashing liquids draws natural moisture and lubrication out of your hands. For the same reason, do not wash your hands too often, unless you work in a hospital. Nurses, who have to frequently wash their hands with soap, often develop extremely dry, cracked, and painful hand skin that is hard to cure.

4.  Moisturize your hands …

Several times a day, use a natural hand cream or, better yet, coconut oil, or shea butter, to nourish and moisturise the skin of your hands. To make a rich hand cream at home, mix some unsalted butter with a bit of honey and several beneficial herbs, such as coltsfoot or nettle. This rich, nourishing cream is the most effective for a winter time. Avoid using store-bought moisturisers if you are going to expose your hands to a cold weather. Never use any commercial hand creams that contain petroleum.