5 Essential Tips to Care for Rough, Dry Hands

Are you thinking about how you’re taking care of those paws of yours? As the temperatures drop, those trusty mitts of yours are probably feeling a bit, well… sandpapery, so it’s definitely time. Cold weather, indoor heating, and all those daily washes can leave your hands cracked, rough, and dry, making even a simple handshake feel like sandpaper on suede.

Let’s break down some straightforward tips for keeping those hands soft and hydrated. Trust us, everyone in your life from co-workers to significant others are gonna thank you for a little bit of hand TLC. Keep your hands smooth and crack-free this winter with a few easy, no-hassle hand care tips.

Tip 1: Moisturize Those Mitts

Moisturizing is non-negotiable, especially in the colder months. Think of lotion as a shield that protects your hands from the elements, like a force field against the wind, cold, and that dry, recycled air in your office. Keep a good lotion by your bedside and apply it every night (and after washing your hands if possible). Look for options with natural ingredients like shea butter, aloe, and plant oils as they can be more gentle on your skin and help prevent further irritation.

Tip 2: Gloves Are Your Friends (But Only When You Need Them)

Gloves aren’t just for construction work or hiding your poker face; they’re also a key defense against dry hands in winter. Wear them outdoors in chilly weather to protect your skin from the elements, including, cold, dry air and wind.

Tip 3: Watch Your Soap Game

Harsh soaps can strip the natural oils from your hands faster than your dog can rip apart a new toy. Opt for a moisturizing hand soap with natural ingredients to keep your hands clean without drying them out. Using the right natural soap plays an important role also, and soaps that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates (more on that here) can strip and out and irritate your skin, only making it more prone to dryness.  Remember, keeping your hands clean doesn’t have to mean stripping them dry. And if you’re washing your hands constantly (thanks, cold and flu season), try following each wash with a dab of lotion. It may feel like overkill, but trust us—your hands will thank you as you’ll continually be helping your skin’s delicate layers with extra moisture.

Tip 4: Hydrate Like a Champ

Keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out is just as important as applying lotion. Yes, that means drinking water. It sounds simple, but many of us are walking around dehydrated without even realizing it. Set a goal to drink a decent amount of water each day—your hands (and the rest of you) will appreciate it.

Tip 5: Don’t Forget the Night Shift

Take advantage of the nighttime hours to lock in extra moisture. Before hitting the sack, apply a layer of rich hand lotion and give it time to work while you sleep. This is when your body is in repair mode, so you might as well maximize the opportunity. You’ll wake up with hands that are smoother and ready to take on whatever the day throws at you, whether that’s a pile of lumber or a long commute.

Wanna do a deeper dive on the ins and outs of dry skin and how to fight it? Check out this post right here.

Level Up Your Hand Care with Natural Lotion

If you’re ready to step up your hand game, we’ve obviously got just the ticket. Our natural hand and body lotion is packed with the good stuff and none of the bad. We’ve mixed up a manly formula that absorbs easily (no more slippery doorknobs and phones!) and is free from petrolatum and parabens. We fortify ‘em with powerful natural moisturizers like Vitamin E, Coconut Oil, and Shea Butter, for long-lasting 24-hour moisture and soft, healthy skin. Plus, you won’t find any over-the-top synthetic scents, just the rugged, naturally-derived Squatch scents you know and love.

Taking care of your hands doesn’t make you any less rugged; it just makes you a guy who knows the value of a good grip. Give these tips a try, grab a lotion that does the job, and keep those hands smooth, strong, and ready for action.