Having dry hands isn’t fun. I have dry skin and when it is winter my skin is in its the worst condition.
Probably like everyone else who has dry hands: I Googled the “best hand creams for dry hands”
But whatever cream I used nothing worked. It didn’t matter if the cream was the highly recommended or how expensive it was. Nothing worked. It probably wasn’t the hand creams fault. My skin was just too dry, to absorb the cream.
I am not gonna lie. When my hands are dry, it becomes gross, flaky and inflamed. Almost like a bright red alligator. Yep. The typical symptom of eczema. It also didn’t help that I bake a lot, hence lots of hand washing.
If you only did one step, do the FIRST STEP. It is the most effective step I found that worked for me.
1.Dont reach for THAT thick cream yet, instead…
This might be counter-intuitive but don’t use a thick cream! Yes. I mean it. Don’t reach for that vaseline or salve. What do you use then?
What is the Korean 7 Skin Method?
It basically is a method where you apply a hydrating toner 7 consecutive times to intensely hydrate your skin for plump glowy skin.
We layer a toner 7 times because when your skin is super dry it won’t absorb anything. What helps me imagine this, is imaging the skin like a sponge. If the sponge is too dry, it can’t absorb anything. As the sponge becomes more hydrated, only then can it absorb products.
Okay….but isn’t the Korean 7 skin method, for the face?
Yes, but my secret method is inspired by it.
Instead of applying the toner to your face, you apply it to your hands. It doesn’t really have to be 7 layers, it could be less or more depending on you.
I like to use a spray bottle and just spray my hands whenever. I got mines from Diaso but you can probably get it anywhere.
My current favorite is the Imju Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner (which is fairly affordable esp for its large bottle ~$10-20 a 500ml bottle). I believe Secret Key Aloe or Milk Toner would work as well or any moisturizing toner will do. Make sure you stay away from those astringent toners like witch hazel.
I spray a couple layers at first then spray it whenever I feel dry or just happens it see the bottle. Keep layering it till your skin is hydrated.
This will help hydrate the skin deep within. After the deep layers are hydrated, only then can you use a thicker cream.
2. Use thicker creams
Only after the deep layer is hydrated, you can move on to thicker creams. I don’t have a favorite hand cream, but try to avoid fragrances. Fragrances can irritate your skin and if your skin is dry aka more sensitive then it can further irritate your skin.
3. use humidifier
Yes. This will help you. Do you ever notice how humidifiers come out in the winter in Korea? That’s because people know that humidifiers help with dry skin. It basically adds moisture in the air. If you applied a water drawing product that contains hyaluronic acid but there isn’t moisture in the air it would draw it from your skin. By using this the hyaluronic acid would take up the water from the humidifier.
4. wear a pair of gloves when you go sleep
The gloves will act as a mask or as a barrier to prevent water loss which in turn stop dry hands.
5. try to prevent the loss of water from your skin
I won’t say too such much but you should try to prevent the loss of water. Try to limit hot water usage, try to apply a cream as soon as you come out of your shower to prevent water loss.
Need more dry skin tips? Check out my post: 5 Things to Bring for a Flight to Keep Your Skin Hydrated
A beauty lover that loves everything about beauty and skincare. She is always on the lookout to find the new “it” product. Whether it is budget friendly or high end, she plans to share with others her beauty adventures and beauty experiences on this blog.