The Do’s and Don’ts of Winter Hand Care - Expert Tips for Long-Term Skin Health

The approaching winter months will bring a drop in temperature and humidity – even on the coast – which can take a toll on the skin - particularly the hands. The result is often chapped, dry, and cracked hands during the colder months if skincare routines aren’t started early.

“Our hands are one of the most exposed parts of our body, making them particularly vulnerable to harsh weather conditions,” explains Lynsey Hammond, MD for Kroko, a leading South African manufacturer of skincare products. “The cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even painful cracks. Proper hand care is essential not only for comfort but also for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier during winter.”

Best Practices for Winter Hand Care

To prevent an unnecessarily uncomfortable winter, Hammond shares her expert advice on the do’s and don’ts of winter hand care to maintain soft, healthy hands all season long.

1.       DON’T Wash Hands with Hot Water

Wash hands with lukewarm water instead of hot water as this can strip the skin of its natural oils. It’s often tempting to use hot water to warm up in winter, but it can leave skin feeling dry and irritated.  

2.       DO Moisturise Regularly

After washing hands, be sure to add emollient hand cream, ideally one with UV protection, to prevent the skin from becoming dehydrated. It’s a good idea to keep moisturiser near the basin for use directly after washing.

3.       DO Use Gentle Soaps

Many hand soaps contain harsh chemicals that can dry out the skin even more. Rather choose, all-natural, moisturising hand soaps that will replenish the skin while washing.

4.       DO Wear Gloves

People living in particularly cold climates or with sensitive skin should consider wearing gloves outdoors to protect their hands, as well as using rubber gloves when washing dishes or cleaning. This protects the hands from cold air and harsh detergents.

5.       DO Exfoliate Gently

It’s important to limit exfoliation of the hands to once a week, using a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells without damaging the skin barrier. Excessive exfoliation can damage the skin’s barrier, making it more prone to dryness and cracking.

6.       DO Stay Hydrated

Just as in summer, it’s important to drink plenty of water during the winter months to maintain skin hydration from within.

7.       DO Protect Cracked Skin

Despite the best intentions, fingers can still dry out and crack during the winter months. It’s best to use a fast-acting healing solution like Kroko’s FingerFix. This is a colourless, hygienic treatment to protect, cover, and help heal cracked skin on fingers without the need for bulky plasters.

Beyond healing cracked fingers during the winter months, FingerFix is a great solution for people who suffer from dry hands generally, and those in the habit of picking at the skin on fingers and hands. FingerFix is also the perfect healing solution for those who use their hands predominantly for work, such as chefs, butchers, doctors, carpenters, anglers, artists, and even office workers.

“Winter can be harsh on our hands, but with the right care before and throughout winter, you can keep them soft and healthy,” says Hammond. “At Kroko, we understand the importance of effective skincare, which is why Kroko FingerFix is designed to provide targeted solutions for even the most stubborn skin issues.”

To find out more about Kroko FingerFix or other Kroko products, visit www.kroko.co.za or email info@kroko.co.za. Keep updated on all Kroko news by following Krokofootcare on Facebook or kroko_footcare on Instagram.