Chapped hands in winter: how to protect them

In winter, hands become chapped because the cold and wind dry out the skin, and frequent washing with hot water and detergents removes the oils that protect it. To protect your hands, simply adopt three habits: use a gentle soap, apply hand cream after every wash, and use a richer treatment in the evening, perhaps with gloves.

During the day

• Wash your hands with lukewarm, not hot, water and a gentle cleanser.
• Dry them thoroughly, including between the fingers.
• After every wash, apply a light cream that absorbs quickly: Splash by Jeu des Garçons or the Nutrient Body and Hand Cream by Parco 1923.
• When outdoors, wear gloves: the cold is your hands' greatest enemy.

In the evening

This is the time for a richer cream, applied generously: Hand-Regen by Bakel or the Repairing Hand Cream by Insium. If your hands are very dry, you can wear a pair of cotton gloves overnight.

Don't forget

• Cuticles: apply a little cream or oil there too.
• Lips, which suffer in the same way: we'll talk about them in skin in winter.
• If chapped skin hurts, bleeds, or doesn't improve, talk to your doctor or dermatologist.

Frequently asked questions

Why do hands become chapped in winter?

The cold, wind, and dry air from heating remove moisture from the skin, while frequent washing removes the oils that protect it.

How often should I apply hand cream?

After every wash, if possible, and once more with a richer cream in the evening.