Why are my hands so dry?: Six common reasons

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.