Skin tends to become drier as you age. The skin on your hands can be prone to dryness and cracks, especially in cold and dry climates. In most cases home remedies will effectively soften and heal dry, cracked hands. A little TLC like wearing rubber gloves when you wash dishes, combined with diligent moisturizing can make a big difference in the feel and appearance of your hands.
Gentle Cleansing
Wash your hands in warm water with very mild soaps or a soap substitute. MotherNature.com says soaps contain detergents that can strip away your skin's natural oils. Lipid skin cleaners contain lubricating ingredients like mineral, linseed or castor oils and can help moisturize dry, cracked hands.
Vegetable and Mineral Oil
Soak your hands in warm water for a few minutes, pat them dry and rub in mineral or vegetable oil. This can help relieve dryness by locking in moisture.
Lemon Oil and Vitamin E Oil
Lemon oil and vitamin E oil may help soothe and soften dry, cracked and irritated hands. Before bedtime, mix a few drops of either oil with glycerin and rub into your hands. Glycerin helps condition the skin and is often used in creams and moisturizers. Wear plastic gloves while you sleep to allow the healing effects to penetrate your skin overnight.
Two-Step Moisturizing
Applying moisturizers to your hands can keep them soft and moist. When your hands become dry to the point of having cracks you may need to double up your efforts. Moisturize your hands as usual, using a thick moisturizer. Allow it to absorb into your skin for a few minutes then reapply. The National Institutes of Health says if your hands are severely chapped your doctor may prescribe strong hydrocortisone creams.
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