Why are my hands so dry?: Six common reasons

Understanding why our hands feel dry is the first step in knowing how to treat dry hands and waving goodbye to dry skin for good. So, here are six reasons why dry skin could be making an unwelcome comeback.

What are the signs of dry hands?

When your hands are dry, you’ll often know by the rough, flaky texture and chapped, tight or sore feel. They may be itchy, irritated or painful at times or throughout the day.

“Address dry hands early to prevent further irritation and skin barrier damage. With the right care, dry skin often improves within 1 to 2 weeks” says Dr. Toral Vaidya, Dove’s dermatologist. “Using the Dove Advanced Care Hand Wash with lukewarm water, followed by a nourishing hand cream to lock in moisture, can help relieve symptoms. If dryness persists or you suspect a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, consult your PCP or a dermatologist for proper evaluation and treatment.”

What causes dry hands?

If you’ve been asking yourself ‘why are my hands so dry?’ we’ve come to the rescue. The good news? Preventing dry hands is a simple fix. Here are the main reasons…

1

Frequent washing

We hear you – if water is hydrating, why does frequent washing cause dry hands? Like everything in life – moderation is key. After washing and drying over and over again, the natural oils in your skin can be stripped back, leaving behind dehydrated, dry hands.
2

Hot water

Want to replenish dry, cracked hands? We know it’s tempting to warm our hands up under the tap on a cold day, but it’s best to avoid hot water. Like over washing, hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils, further drying out your skin. So, if you're wondering ‘why are my hands really dry?’, try sticking to warm water when washing.
3

Changing seasons

It often seems like, when we welcome the winter months, we open the doors to dry hands , but why is that the case? The main reason is a lack of moisture, which can be caused by cold air, a drop in humidity and indoor heating.
4

Your trusty sanitizer

Hand sanitizers are great at fighting off germs, but not all of them nourish your skin at the same time. It’s important to keep on top of your hand hygiene, but you can still take care of your skin while doing it.
5

Harmful skincare ingredients

To combat dry hands, you’ll want to stay away from harsh chemicals, like sulfates, silicones and parabens. Using a hand wash with a gentle, hydrating formula will not only clean your hands, but it’ll moisturize hands and leave dry skin as a distant memory too.
6

Feeling stressed

When you feel stressed, your body releases an overproduction of cortisol, the stress hormone, which breaks down the collagen and elastin in your skin. The result? Hands that feel dry, tight and irritated and are more prone to dry skin conditions. One of our top ways to de-stress? Spend 20-30 minutes walking in nature, whether that’s your local park or a green space near your workplace.

How to cure dry hands

Our hands do so much for us. That’s why it’s important you’re using a hand wash for dry skin that’s made with a hydrating formula, like Dove Advanced Care Deep Moisture Hand Wash, or our Advanced Care Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla Hand Wash, which deeply hydrate and cleanse hands for long-lasting softness. Remember to apply a hand cream several times a day to help restore moisture into your skin, especially after washing your hands.

Extremely dry, cracked hands are your skin’s way of telling you it needs a boost of hydration. The solution? Reach for Dove’s dry hand washing heroes, from our ultra-moisturizing Advanced Care hand washes to our deeply hydrating Prebiotic Boost hand wash range.