How to avoid dry hands & damaged nails this Winter

Winter in Australia is in full force, and with it comes the cold weather and harsh winds that can wreak havoc on our skin. One of the most commonly affected areas is our hands – they often become dry and cracked, making them sore and uncomfortable to handle.

If you do find yourself with dry hands or damaged nails this winter, don’t despair! There are ways to treat them so you can get back to feeling comfortable again. In this article, we will outline some of the best ways to avoid dry hands and damaged nails this winter. We will also discuss some dry skin causes and ways to treat these issues.

What causes dry hands?

There are a few different things that can cause dryness in winter. The most common is the weather itself. Cold temperatures and low humidity levels can cause the skin to become dry and cracked. In addition, windy conditions can remove moisture from the skin, further exacerbating the problem. Frequent hand-washing is another of the more common dry skin causes around the hands. This is especially true if you use soap containing harsh chemicals or foaming agents. When you wash your hands, these chemicals strip away the natural oils that protect your skin. If you do this too often, it can lead to dryness and irritation.

How to avoid and treat dry hands

If you do find yourself with dry hands this winter, there are a few things you can do to treat them. One of the best and most simple things you can do is drink plenty of water. This will help to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Also, try using mild soap-free washes rather than regular soap with warm water when washing your hands. Avoid hot water, as this can further dry out your skin. It would be best if you also used a sensitive skin hand cream or lotion immediately after washing your hands. Apply it liberally, and be sure to pay attention to any areas that are particularly dry or cracked. If your hands are still feeling dry and irritated, you may want to try using a humidifier in your home. This will add moisture to the air, which can help to hydrate your skin.

Can Winter weather affect your nails too?

The answer is yes! In addition to your hands, the cold weather can damage your nails during winter. This is because the cold weather causes the nail to dry out. When the nail dries out, it becomes brittle and can break easily. The cold weather can also damage the cuticles, the protective layer around the nail. Damage to the cuticles can allow bacteria and fungi to enter the nail, which in turn can lead to a nasty infection.

Signs of damaged nails

We’ve already outlined some of the dry skin causes to your hands, which can also affect your nails, but what are some signs that your nails may be damaged? Here are some things to keep an eye out for.

• Brittle nails that break easily
• Irritation or bleeding around the nail and cuticle
• Nails that are split or peeling
• Nails that are discoloured or have white spots
• Sore and peeling skin around your nails

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take care of your nails so they don’t become further damaged.

How to avoid damaged nails

One of the best ways to avoid this is to keep your nails shorter, trim them regularly and file them smooth to prevent them from breaking. This will help reduce the amount of surface area exposed to the elements: just be careful not to get too carried away, as overzealous trimming can damage the nail bed.

You should also use a hand cream or lotion every day and cuticle oil at least once a day to help to keep the nails hydrated and prevent them from becoming dry and damaged. Another thing to be wary of is using nail polish remover – choose an acetone-free formula to avoid drying out your nails.

We hope this article has helped outline some of the best ways to avoid dry hands and damaged nails this winter. Remember, if you do find yourself with these problems, there are ways to treat them so that they get back to looking and feeling their best. Just follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to healthy, hydrated hands and nails in no time!