Cracking
Chapped hands are the result of all those thermal, chemical and physical insults that come down on our hands every day. Inordinate use of aggressive detergents, sudden changes in temperature and lack of attention to hand care can alter the natural hydrolipidic barrier that covers the epidermis; in this way, the skin of the hands progressively loses its intrinsic elasticity, appearing visibly dry, chapped, flaky and irritated.
In this article we will see what risks can be faced if chapped hands are not properly treated and which treatments can be used to prevent and solve the problem.
Identikit of recognition of chapped hands
- To the touch: the skin of the hands is rough, dehydrated, not very elastic and dry.
- Skin texture: irregular, characterized by small wrinkles and flaking.
- Color: grainy, dull, apparently unhealthy.
- Complications: the skin is red, has cracks and is warm to the touch.
Causes
The appearance of cracks on the skin of the hands is favored by a tangle of factors of a different nature. Let's see them in detail.
We all know that chapped hands are a characteristic condition of the coldest months: what we have said rightly makes us think that the presence of fissures on the hands is in some way influenced by the climate. In fact, what is considered by common thought also finds an effective scientific confirmation. Since the hands are only rarely sheltered from the climate by the aid of gloves, they are continually exposed to the action of wind and cold, the main culprits of cracking of the skin and lips. Moreover, even smog, pollution and dust can adhere to the skin of the hands, favoring a sudden change in the health of the skin.
However, we must not forget that chapped hands can occur even during the hottest months: in this case, the defendants are the extremely dangerous UV rays of the sun which, in the long run, can also damage collagen and elastin fibers, among other things. laying the foundation for the formation of spots on the skin (solar lentigo).
Brief anatomical reference to the Hydrolipidic Film
The hydrolipidic skin film is a kind of film present on the surface of the skin, consisting of a hydrophilic component (NMF) and a liposoluble fraction, consisting of sebum (95% of the total) and epidermal lipids produced by corneocytes.
The skin hydrolipidic film performs numerous and important functions. First of all, it keeps the stratum corneum hydrated, then the skin. In addition to this, this film also has a barrier function that hinders the colonization of the skin by pathogenic micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.).
Therefore, summarizing briefly, we can state that the causes of chapped hands are mainly due to the alteration of the structure of the hydrolipidic film which is no longer able to perform its protective function. These alterations are mainly caused by:
- Atmospheric agents (wind, cold, sun, etc.);
- Use of detergents that are too aggressive and / or of poor quality;
- Contact with household or clothing detergents;
- Use of poor quality cosmetics;
- Activities in which hands are often in contact with water;
- Non-optimal drying after cleaning;
- Excessive cleansing;
- Pollution.
Lastly - but certainly not least - chapped hands are affected by genetic influence: it is no coincidence that members of the same family often tend to accuse this disorder.
Finally, it is important to remember that, in some cases, dryness and the consequent cracking of the hands can be caused by the use of some drugs (for example, dry skin is a side effect of topical use of corticosteroids), or may be a symptom of certain skin diseases (such as, for example, dermatitis or psoriasis).
Symptoms
The phenomenon of chapped hands normally does not manifest itself individually, but is accompanied by other symptoms and disorders, such as:
- Dryness;
- Redness of the hands;
- Sensation of pulling skin;
- Formation of micro cuts on the skin.
If the problem is not adequately and promptly addressed, the micro-cuts that form on the skin of the hands could expand, becoming larger and leading to bleeding (bleeding fissures). Furthermore, under these conditions it is not uncommon to perceive pain and / or burning sensations. Finally, the presence of these bleeding cuts may favor the entry into the body of pathogenic microorganisms, which results in an increased risk of contracting infections.
Treatment
Of course, the treatment of chapped hands can be strongly influenced by the cause that gave rise to the disorder. Once this cause has been identified, therefore, it must be eliminated.
For example, if the chapped hands are the result of contact with aggressive detergents (for the hands, for the dishes, etc.) it is necessary to interrupt the use or - when possible - to use the gloves in order to protect the skin. If, on the other hand, chapped hands are the symptom of some disease, it will be necessary to treat it after consulting with the doctor who will be able to provide all the necessary information.
In fact, dry, cracked skin needs protection, hydration and nutrition. Starting from this assumption, the cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance of chapped hands involves the application of more specific action products.
These products will be briefly illustrated below.
Detergents
The choice of the right cosmetics should not be directed simply towards moisturizers and softeners. The "care" of chapped hands must begin, in fact, already from cleansing. Here, then, that soaps and detergents must be selected with care: undoubtedly the delicate ones, with a neutral pH, should be preferred, even better if they are embellished with functional nourishing and protective ingredients (eg coconut oil).
Creams
Creams are the main cosmetic used to combat the phenomenon of chapped hands. There are different types, each of which is formulated with specific ingredients that can prevent and combat cracking on several fronts.
The emollient, moisturizing and nourishing creams should be spread on the hands several times a day, especially before leaving the house and before going to sleep for the night.
The so-called "day creams" for chapped hands should be absorbed quickly to prevent the remaining greasiness from hindering the movements and normal daily actions. For night creams, instead, we recommend even more oily and deeply nutritious products.
To discard too perfumed creams: perfumes can in fact irritate the skin or, in the worst case, even favor allergic phenomena.
Moisturizing hand creams
We have seen that the skin of chapped hands has a low quantity of sebum and water in the superficial layers of the epidermis. To restore the water component of the skin, moisturizers are undoubtedly indicated. For this purpose, preference should be given to formulations containing glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid, pectins, mucilages and silk proteins.
Moisturizing creams can be embellished with other functional substances to speed up the healing of fissures: for this purpose, calendula and hypericum turn out to be very suitable.
Emollient and occlusive hand creams
The emollient and occlusive creams are essential to soften the skin of chapped hands while avoiding that the water of the epidermis evaporates.
The creams made with coconut oil are extremely effective in softening the skin of chapped hands: a constant application of this type of cream restores tone and elasticity to dry skin. Jojoba oil (which is actually a liquid wax), shea butter, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil and castor oil are functional ingredients widely used in the creation of emollient cosmetics for chapped hands .
Anti-age hand creams
Cracked hands are an increasingly common phenomenon among people of age no longer young. Mature women and men should turn their attention to creams that can postpone or improve the signs of premature skin aging.
For this purpose, the most suitable creams are formulated with ingredients such as:
- Avocado oil, for its solar protective, anti-wrinkle and stimulating properties for skin renewal;
- Shea butter with strong nourishing properties, emollient, regenerating and antioxidant moisturizers;
- Argan oil, with elasticising and antioxidant properties, as well as moisturizers and emollients;
- Ceramides, able to give a velvety and soft appearance to extremely dehydrated and chapped skins;
- Antioxidant substances and vitamins (vitamin A and E, coenzyme Q10, etc.);
- Pomegranate extract (rich in vitamins, polyphenols, flavonoids), with distinctly antioxidant properties.
Masks for hands
Finally, the world of cosmetics offers another type of treatment for chapped hands: masks.
The masks for hands - similarly to what happens with the most well-known face masks - are formulated with functional ingredients with the most diverse properties (moisturizing, regenerating, emollient, nutrients, anti-aging, etc.) and can be used in all those cases in which requires a shock treatment.
Among the main ingredients used in this type of masks, we mention argan oil, aloe vera gel, shea butter, avocado oil, etc.
Hand masks are basically available in two forms:
- In the form of creams or ointments that must be applied to the hands, covered with special cotton gloves (available in perfumery and supermarkets) and kept for a certain period of time, normally specified by the same manufacturer.
- Ready-to-use gloves in which the product is present. These gloves must simply be worn and left on for the time indicated on the package.
Useful tips
To prevent chapped hands in the winter months or to improve their appearance, some important tips are listed below:
- Avoid contact with detergents, solvents and other irritating substances as much as possible: the advice is to always wear latex gloves (or made with vinyl or hypoallergenic materials in case of latex allergy) to wash dishes, clothes or whatever other.
- Avoid using soaps or detergents with an excessively degreasing action; using these products the risk is to remove or damage the thin coating film of the epidermis (hydro-lipid film). For this reason it is important to prefer products with a pH compatible with that of the skin and very delicate.
- During the winter months, always protecting your hands with a pair of fleece or wool gloves before leaving the house is important to prevent the air and the cold from insulting the skin of the hands favoring the cracks.
- Drink at least a couple of liters of water a day to ensure the body is adequately hydrated even from the inside.
- To stimulate the microcirculation of the hands alternating jets of cold and hot water during washing.
- Regularly apply a cream with an emollient and moisturizing action on the hands, even in summer.
- During the summer months, it is recommended to apply a sunscreen on the hands to protect the skin from UV rays.
- Not smoking.
- Avoid excessively polluted places.
- Ensure the body a right dose of vitamins and minerals, preferring foods rich in iron, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin E: let's remember briefly that even some vitamin deficiencies can predispose to the onset of chapped hands.
DIY remedies
The rich world of DIY cosmetics certainly does not lack useful remedies to counteract the problem of chapped hands. In this regard, below you will find some recipes for the preparation of do-it-yourself cosmetics against dryness and cracking of the hands.
Calendula Hand Cream for DIY Chapped Hands
The ingredients needed to prepare a calendula cream are: 20g of fresh flowers, enough olive oil, 5g of beeswax and 5g of cocoa butter.
In a glass jar, insert the marigold flowers and cover them with oil. Let it rest for at least 12 hours. Subsequently, melt the cocoa butter and beeswax in a saucepan; add the oil, now enriched with marigold extracts, to the mixture of cocoa butter and honey bee.
DIY honey mask for chapped hands
To prepare this mask, mix a tablespoon of honey with a tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Once a homogeneous mixture is obtained, it must be applied to the hands with a light massage. After that, it is advisable to wear a pair of cotton gloves and leave for a couple of hours. For a more intense action, the hand mask thus prepared can be applied before going to bed and left on all night.
Pack with Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Chapped Hands
Even the pack with extra virgin olive oil can be a valid remedy against chapped hands. It is sufficient to apply a generous amount of oil to the skin of the hands, cover them with cotton gloves and leave for at least 15 minutes. Even in this case, however, it is possible to apply the compress before going to bed, leaving it on all night.
