How to Save Your Hands This Winter, According to Experts
Follow these steps to keep your hands hydrated and soft during the cold weather months.
Is this a safe space? Because I have a confession. I love skincare. I love body care. You can easily find me spending my evenings glazing myself in serums, lotions and creams like I’m prepping for a close-up. But all of that devotion tends to clock out at my wrists. My hands? An afterthought. Which is ironic, considering they’re one of the first places to show signs of aging and endure far more than the rest of my carefully cocooned skin ever does.
“Cold weather generally means drier air, which can increase the rate that moisture is lost from our skin. Exposed skin, including the face, hands and ankles, are generally the most affected,” explains Dr. Danny Guo, a double board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Rejuvenation Dermatology in Calgary. “Hands are particularly bad because we have to use them to interact with our environment leading to more exposure and more hand washing.”
Award-winning manicurist and owner of Tips Nail Bar, Leeanne Colley, says your nails are also at risk of becoming extremely brittle in winter weather. “Decreased moisture in the air, [coupled] constant temperature shifts, moving from cold outdoor air to indoor heated spaces weakens the nail structure and leaves both the skin and the cuticle more susceptible to damage,” she explains.
So how do we keep dry hands and brittle nails healthy in this cold, punishing weather? Here’s what the experts say.
Wash Smart, Not Harsh
With coughs, sniffles and sneezes making the rounds, it’s only natural to double down on hand washing in winter. Your immune system approves. Your hands? Not so much. The trick is to cleanse without going full sandpaper. Reach for a gentle formula that lifts dirt and germs while keeping your skin barrier intact.
And as satisfying as scalding-hot water feels on a freezing day, resist the urge. High temps strip away natural oils, leaving skin tight and nails fragile. Stick to warm water instead, then dry thoroughly. Damp hands may seem harmless but lingering moisture can soften and weaken the nail plate.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
“The main problem with cold winter air is loss of moisture, so products that help retain hydration are key,” Guo says. “At the very least, select a moisturizer that can restore barrier damage and seal the skin.” When layering, apply products from thinnest to thickest. If you’re building a routine, start with a mist and work your way up to a richer cream or ointment. “The thicker the category, the more occlusive and the more it can prevent water loss,” he says. Moisturize as often as possible throughout the day, especially after washing.
Oil Up, Buttercup
“Nails actually tend to grow slower in winter due to reduced circulation and less sun exposure,” says Colley. “Regular manicures during colder months help seal the nail plate, protect against moisture loss and prevent breakage.” Translation: winter is not the time to neglect your nail care. Investing in a high-quality nail and cuticle oil is essential. Look for blends with nourishing ingredients such as jojoba, almond, avocado and vitamin E. As Colley explains, “they’re rich in essential fatty acids that help restore flexibility, seal in hydration and create a protective barrier against water exposure, cleaning chemicals and environmental stressors.” Just as important is what’s left out. Avoid formulas with synthetic fragrances, dyes or harsh preservatives, which can further dry the skin.
And when it comes to application, be sure to apply cuticle oil to the underside of the nail as well. “This area is often forgotten, but it’s especially helpful for anyone wearing gel or long-lasting coatings because it supports flexibility and helps prevent lifting from the underside.” Colley recommends applying your cuticle oil at bedtime to let it fully absorb while you sleep. And if you can’t make it in for regular manicures, push back your cuticles once per week and use a fine-grit nail file to shape and keep them smooth.
Sharing Is Caring
Most of the skincare products you use on your face can pull double duty on your hands. Guo recommends sheet masks, like the viral Biodance Bio Collagen Mask, as one option. “The shape is not designed for them but I have done it before and it’s very hydrating,” he says. A more affordable and practical standby is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. “This is the GOAT of skin repair barrier creams. Use this at night time on moist skin and watch it repair itself.”
Exfoliation also plays a role in keeping hands smooth and resilient. “Removing dead skin cells allows moisturizers and oils to properly absorb and work effectively. You can instantly improve softness and hydration,” Colley says. And just as you would with your face, daily sunscreen is non-negotiable. Over time, it helps maintain skin health and ward off visible signs of aging. “Don’t just use leftover sunscreen from your face. Actually get another fingerful of sunscreen to use on your hands specifically,” says Guo. He adds that you can even use your favourite LED device and serums on your hands for an extra boost of repair and recovery.
Ebonie is a writer with a keen interest in fashion, beauty, and pop culture, who is interested in how each of those things interact with—and influence—the societies we live in. In addition to FASHION, she has words in Refinery29: Unbothered, S Magazine, SHARP, Elle Canada, and Bully Magazine. When she’s not writing, she’s probably reading, eating, or strolling (she’s very much trying to spend less time scrolling).
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