During the winter season, taking care of the skin on your hands is just as important as caring for your face. Freezing winds and low humidity levels cause the skin on the hands to dry out rapidly. In severe cases, the dryness becomes so extreme that painful cracks appear on the skin and the outer layer begins to peel off. Instead of investing in expensive commercial hand lotions, you can easily rely on effective home remedies to heal your skin.
The Healing Power of Banana Peel and Coconut Oil Paste
Ayush medical officer Dr. Mohammad Iqbal recommends applying a special paste made from banana peels to keep the hands soft and nourished. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal explains that the inner side of a banana peel contains a pulp that works wonders for dry skin. To prepare this remedy, use a spoon to scrape out the pulp from the inside of a banana peel and collect it in a small bowl. Next, mix one teaspoon of coconut oil into the pulp to create a smooth paste.
Apply this prepared paste thoroughly onto your hands right before going to bed at night, and wash it off with clean water the following morning. The coconut oil helps lock in essential moisture deep within the skin layers and actively reduces winter dryness, leaving the hands smooth by morning.
Relief Through Rose Water and Glycerin
You can also use a combination of rose water and glycerin to keep your hands soft and supple throughout the cold months. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal points out that applying a mixture of rose water and a little glycerin to the hands before sleeping at night provides great relief. Glycerin acts as a humectant by drawing moisture from the environment and sealing it into the skin.
This treatment brings soothing comfort to rough and weathered skin. Furthermore, you should continue applying a moisturizer during the day whenever necessary. If your hand skin looks dry and features dark spots, honey can be introduced into your routine. Mixing honey with rose water and a dash of glycerin and applying it to the hands helps maintain proper hydration and a healthy glow.
Important Precautions While Washing Hands
During winter, you must avoid using very hot water to wash your hands. Extremely hot water strips away the skin's natural oils, causing the hands to become even drier and rougher. Always wash your hands using normal room-temperature water or lukewarm water. Do not forget to apply a moisturizer immediately after drying your hands.
Wearing Gloves and Practicing Safe Exfoliation
Cold winds have a direct and harsh impact on the skin of the hands. Therefore, always wear gloves whenever you step outside your home. Similarly, when performing household chores such as washing dishes or cleaning, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from harsh detergents and chemicals.
Sometimes dead skin cells accumulate on the outer surface of the hands, making the skin feel rough to the touch. To fix this, you can gently scrub your hands once a week to help remove the dead skin layers. However, if your hands already have deep cracks, are bleeding, or the skin is peeling off, avoid scrubbing entirely, as it can worsen the condition.
