I’ve only lived in NYC a little over a year, and being a Florida native, it turns out I’m really bad at winter. Puffy jackets make me depressed, and I refuse to wear gloves because they stress me out when I need to Instagram. Due to my winter-naïveté, I have suffered the repercussions – mainly very, very dry hands. if you share my issues, take a look at these three secrets to summer-like hands.
1. Drink water. You’re probably like, “No, really?” but yes, really, and not just because it keeps you hydrated. Drinking an adequate amount of water is key to maintaining healthy skin. In order to stay supple, skin needs a certain amount of water to be taken internally. What’s that certain amount? At least two liters a day.
2. Moisturize as religiously as your morning Starbucks. This may seem like another obvious one, but most people don’t moisturize frequently enough throughout the day. You can even apply moisturizer to hands right before bed, then put cotton socks over your hands for an overnight treatment. Also, keep in mind that damp skin absorbs moisturizer better, so next time you wash your hands, don’t get too crazy drying them.
3. Give the hot water a rest. Even though it’s an arctic tundra outside, your hands want you to resist the temptation to wash them with scalding water. Hot water only exacerbates the dryness, so go for lukewarm instead. If you’re doing the dishes and there’s no avoiding hot water, wear a pair of disposable gloves. Your hands and manicure will be forever grateful.
