Dry Hands: Best Cold Cream And Lotion in Winter Weather

Hands are probably the most frequently used body part. Health conscious people who use their hands throughout the day tend to wash them frequently. Most people use soap to wash their hands. Only those who have some knowledge of chemistry can really appreciate how soap effects the hands. Not only does soap strip away the natural lipid layer which keep skin moist and healthy, but it removes the acid mantle. The acid mantle is a very fine film on the surface of the skin designed to protect it from being penetrated by viruses, bacteria and other potentially harmful contaminants. The acidic nature of this mantle is effective in neutralizing these invaders because they are primarily basic in nature and acids neutralize bases. Neutralizing these invaders is essential because dry hands allow these invaders to be absorbed into the bloodstream and promote their spread to others. According to Claude Burton MD, professor of dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine "Your intact, healthy skin is your body's primary defense against infection."

One of the leading causes of dry air exposure during the cold, winter months. Wearing gloves outdoors will protect the hands from being de-moisturized. Dry air draws the moisture out of the skin. In addition to the dry, winter conditions, dry, indoor conditions caused by the use of a furnace means constant exposure to dry air. A couple of ways to limit exposure to indoor, dry air during the winter is to turn down the thermostat a bit and place a humidifier in the bedroom.

Other causes of dry hands include washing hands in hot water, taking long, hot showers, exposure to hot, dry weather, drug medications, health conditions such as nutrient deficiency, hypothyroidism and diabetes.

One of the best ways to treat dry hands is with a good hand moisturizer. There are several things to consider when choosing and applying a moisturizer. According to dermatologist Petronic-rosic you can perform a test with the skin lotion you present use. Put some lotion on the palm of your hand and turn it over. "If it runs or drips, it's not thick enough for dry skin." When applying a hand moisturizer, the skin should be slightly damp. This allows the moisturizer to trap the moisture on the skin. Moisturizers should not contain alcohol or fragrances or other additive such as mineral oil which can clog and irritate the skin.

Choosing a moisturizer with pure, safe ingredients is the best way to give hands the moisture and nutrition needed to become healthy again. I’ve tried many products over the years have failed to produce effective results. Finally, I found two products which really work:

Arbonne FC5 Ultra Hydrating Hand Crème is a rich hand moisturizer formulated with fresh kiwi cell extracts and Moisture Fresh™ Complex. It helps maintain the skin’s youthful appearance, and leaves them feeling supple and soft. It can be used daily or as needed. The Hand Crème uses a fresh kiwi cell extract technology which has powerful antioxidant properties.

Arbonne's Moisture Fresh Complex contains a number of botanicals which include clover blossom, cucumber, watercress, birch leaf, clover blossom and St. John's Wort.

For extremely dry, irritated hands I recommend combining Arbonne FC5 Ultra Hydrating Hand Crème with Arbonne Skin Conditioning Oil. Key ingredients are moisture fresh complex of cucumber, clover blossom, St. John’s wort, watercress, jojoba oil, avocado oil, grapeseed extract, sunflower oil, safflower oil, olive oil, germanium oil, vitamin A and E.

Keeping your hands moisturized and healthy not only prevents the irritation, pain and unpleasant appearance of dry hands but can help prevent against infection, especially during the winter months.