How to Keep Hands Hydrated in a Dry Climate

Arid climates can wreak havoc on your skin from head to toe, but especially your hands. Frequent washing--though important to keep germs off--robs your skin of its natural moisture, making hands some of the most vulnerable parts of your body to dryness. With dedication to a skin care regimen, however, you can avoid rough, painfully dry hands--even in the driest conditions.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lotion or cream
• Almond oil
• Soft cloth

1. Wash your hands with lukewarm, not hot, water. Hot water increases the amount of oil that is removed from your hands when you wash them.

2. Pat hands dry with a soft, clean cloth. Wiping them dry is more harsh for your skin.

3. Apply a thin layer of almond oil to your hands while they are still damp.

4. Squeeze a thick cream or lotion on the backs of your hands. Rub the backs of your hands together, to avoid getting your palms greasy with the cream.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 each time you wash your hands, since washing will remove the lotion you've put on previously.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase almond oil at health food stores.
• Avoid using harsh soaps or alcohol-based antibacterial gels, which will dry your hands further.