As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, our hands often bear the brunt of the colder weather. Autumn can be harsh on our skin, leading to dryness, chapping, and irritation.
To keep your hands soft, hydrated, and healthy throughout the season, it’s essential to adjust your handcare routine. Here are the best handcare tips for autumn.
1. Keep Your Hands Moisturised
Hydrate Regularly: The key to preventing dry, cracked hands is to keep them well-moisturised. Opt for a rich hand cream that contains ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid. Apply it after washing your hands and before going to bed to lock in moisture. We recommend Navy Hand Balm
Use Cuticle Balm: Your cuticles can become dry and brittle during autumn. Regularly applying cuticle oil can keep them nourished and prevent hangnails. Look for oils that contain vitamin E or jojoba oil for the best results.
2. Protect Your Hands
Wear Gloves: Whenever you're outside, especially in windy or cold conditions, wear gloves to protect your hands from the elements. Choose gloves made from soft, breathable materials that won’t irritate your skin.
Household Gloves: When doing household chores like washing dishes or cleaning, wear rubber gloves to shield your hands from harsh chemicals and hot water, which can strip your skin of its natural oils.
To bring dry, irritated or chapped hands back to life we recommend using Navy Nourishing Hand Gloves packed full of shea butter rich in fatty acids and vitamins to deeply hydrate and repair the skin.
3. Avoid Harsh Soaps
Gentle Cleansers: Swap out harsh soaps for gentle, hydrating cleansers. Look for hand washes that are free from sulfates and alcohol, and contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. Navy Hand Soap handmade and aromatic not only cleanses your hands but also adds a touch of sensory indulgence to hand washing.
Limit Hand Sanitiser Use: While it’s important to keep your hands clean, frequent use of hand sanitiser can be very drying. If you need to use hand sanitiser, choose one with added moisturisers and follow with a hand cream.
4. Exfoliate Regularly
Gentle Exfoliation: Exfoliating your hands once or twice a week can remove dead skin cells and promote smoother, softer skin. Use a gentle scrub or make your own using sugar and olive oil. Massage the scrub into your hands, focusing on rough areas, and rinse with warm water. Navy Exfoliating Hand Soap
5. Stay Hydrated
Drink Plenty of Water: Hydration starts from the inside out. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help keep your skin, including the skin on your hands, hydrated and healthy.
Humidify Your Home: Using a humidifier in your home can add moisture to the air, which can prevent your skin from becoming dry and itchy.
6. Treat Yourself to a Hand Mask
Overnight Hand Mask: For an intensive treatment, apply a thick layer of hand cream or a specialised hand mask before bed, and then wear cotton gloves overnight. This will help the product penetrate deeper into your skin, leaving your hands feeling soft and rejuvenated by morning.
We recommend Navy Nourishing Hand Gloves
DIY Hand Mask: You can also make a DIY hand mask using natural ingredients. Mix equal parts honey and olive oil, apply to your hands, and leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
7. Watch Your Diet
Eat Skin-Healthy Foods: Your diet can have a big impact on the health of your skin. Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, to help keep your skin hydrated and elastic. Think leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and oily fish.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate your skin. Try to limit your intake and balance it with plenty of water and hydrating foods.
8. Be Mindful of Temperature Changes
Warm, Not Hot Water: When washing your hands, use warm water instead of hot. Hot water can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
Layer Up: When transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments, wear layers to help your body adjust to temperature changes and avoid shocking your skin.
By following these handcare tips, you can protect your hands from the harsh effects of autumn weather and keep them soft, smooth, and healthy. A little extra care goes a long way in maintaining beautiful hands all season long.
