Why Does Winter Make Dry Hands Worse?
When temperatures drop, the body reduces blood flow to the extremities in order to prioritise vital organs. This reduces the supply of essential nutrients to the skin.
At the same time, the natural production of sebum, which acts as a protective layer, also slows down. As a result, the skin on the hands loses its hydration, becomes rough, and cracks.
Add to this frequent hand washing, hydroalcoholic gels, or exposure to wind, and you have all the ingredients for dry hands in winter.
Good Habits to Prevent Winter Dryness
In winter, looking after your hands doesn't require a complicated routine, just consistency.
Cold, humidity and dry air quickly damage skin if it isn't protected. Regular attention is enough to keep your hands soft, even in freezing temperatures.
Adopt these two habits to protect your hands over the long term:
- Apply a nourishing cream several times a day, especially after washing your hands and before any exposure to the cold. In the evening, apply a thicker layer to create a "repairing mask" effect overnight. As a preventive measure, or if your skin is sensitised, URGO Honey Repair Hand Cream is ideal: it intensely nourishes the skin and promotes skin regeneration, with a non-greasy, non-sticky texture.
- Wear suitable gloves outdoors, whether wool, lined leather or technical fabric. Even for a short errand or a quick trip, avoid going out bare-handed: brief but repeated exposure to the cold can be enough to trigger dryness, tightness and numbness. Gloves help retain natural warmth and protect the skin from sudden changes in climate.
Which Cream Should You Use?
Choosing the right moisturising treatment is important to prevent dryness and stop the skin from deteriorating further.
A good cream should combine effectiveness and comfort of use. Choose a formula rich in repairing active ingredients such as shea butter, panthenol, glycerine or ceramides, while remaining light on application so it can be used during the day without a sticky feeling.
As a preventive measure, a classic moisturising cream is enough. But at the first signs of dryness, or if the skin is damaged, it's best to turn to a treatment specifically for dry to very dry skin, such as URGO Honey Repair Hand Cream. This treatment combines intense nutrition and repair, and is suitable for frequent use throughout the day.
The URGO Product You Need: URGO Intensive Repair Honey Hand Cream
What If Dryness Has Already Set In?
When the skin becomes rough, streaks appear, or the hands become painful to the touch, it's important to act quickly to stop the situation from getting worse.
One common mistake is to keep washing hands with harsh products or to neglect hydration. It is therefore recommended:
- To reduce harsh washing and opt for a gentle soap, free from sulphates and fragrance.
- To apply a repairing treatment several times a day, with a more generous layer in the evening.
If cracks or fissures appear, use a specific device such as URGO Filmogel® Hand Cracks. It forms a protective film that relieves pain, closes the cracks and promotes healing.
Also think about the environment you're in: dry air in heated homes is an aggravating factor. To limit its impact, you can install a humidifier in living spaces, or place a bowl of water near the radiator to restore a gentler level of humidity for the skin.
👉 To find out more, discover our full advice on preventing and treating cracks on the hands and feet.
The Importance of Diet and Hydration
Looking after your hands also starts from within. In winter, we often tend to drink less, which encourages skin dehydration. Yet sufficient hydration is essential to maintain supple, resilient skin. Drink regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Diet also plays a fundamental role. To preserve skin quality, choose foods rich in vitamins A and E (wheatgerm oil, sweet potato, avocado) and essential fatty acids found in oily fish (salmon, mackerel), nuts, flaxseed and cold-pressed vegetable oils.
In winter, your hands deserve extra attention. A few simple habits, regular hydration and suitable skincare are often enough to restore softness and comfort, despite the cold. To discover targeted, practical solutions, explore the URGO range dedicated to dry, cracked or callused skin.
