As the crisp air of autumn transitions into the biting chill of winter, our skin often takes the brunt of the changing weather. One area that tends to suffer the most during this time is our hands, which are constantly exposed to the elements. With the decrease in temperature and humidity, hands and nails can become dry, cracked, and brittle. Taking extra care of them as the colder months approach is essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin and strong nails.

Common Problems During Colder Months

As temperatures drop, so does the moisture level in the air, which leads to several issues with your hands and nails.

Dry, Chapped Hands: The skin on our hands is thinner and has fewer oil glands, making it especially vulnerable to the drying effects of colder weather. This can lead to tightness, rough patches, and painful cracking.

Brittle Nails: Lower humidity levels can strip nails of moisture, making them more prone to breaking, peeling, and splitting. Constant hand-washing, especially in the flu season, further contributes to dry, weakened nails.

Cuticle Damage: Cold, windy weather can leave cuticles dry and ragged, which not only affects the appearance of your nails but can lead to painful hangnails or even infections.

Post-Summer Recovery: After a summer filled with sun exposure, chlorine from swimming pools, and perhaps a more relaxed beauty routine, hands and nails may already be in need of extra attention. UV exposure can cause hyperpigmentation (sun spots) and a loss of elasticity in the skin on your hands.

Why Post-Summer Hand Care is Important

The transition from summer to autumn is the perfect time to reassess your hand care routine. Sun exposure, while enjoyable, can accelerate ageing and dehydrate the skin. By the time colder weather arrives, the natural oils in your skin have already been depleted, and the additional stress of wind and cold can exacerbate these issues.

Neglecting your hands during the cooler months can lead to long-term damage, including cracked skin and weakened nails. By doubling down on your hand care routine early in the season, you can prevent these issues before they worsen, ensuring that your hands stay soft, smooth, and healthy all winter long.

Hand and Nail Care Tips for Autumn and Winter

Moisturise Frequently: The key to preventing dryness is to moisturise as often as possible. Look for hand creams that are rich in nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and glycerin. These lock in moisture and create a protective barrier against the cold.

Wear Gloves: To protect your hands from the elements, always wear gloves when you go outside. Choose insulated gloves for warmth, but opt for natural materials like wool or cotton that allow your skin to breathe. Rubber gloves are also essential when doing the washing up to prevent your skin from becoming even drier.

Exfoliate Gently: Dead skin cells can build up on dry hands, making them feel rough and flaky. A gentle hand scrub once a week can help to slough away these cells, allowing moisturisers to penetrate more effectively.

Nourish Your Nails: Nails need extra attention during the colder months. Use a nail oil or balm rich in vitamin E or almond oil to keep them hydrated and strong. Cuticle oils are also important to nourish the skin around the nails, preventing hangnails and cracking.

Avoid Hot Water: Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, which can exacerbate dryness. Wash your hands in lukewarm water and use a moisturising soap to prevent stripping away essential oils.

Hydrate from Within: Drinking plenty of water is crucial during the colder months. Hydrated skin starts from within; consuming enough water can help maintain moisture levels in your skin and nails.

Use a Humidifier: Indoor heating can dry out the air, leaving your skin parched. Using a humidifier in your home or office will add moisture to the air and help prevent your hands from becoming too dry.

Products to Protect Your Hands and Nails

OPI Repair Mode™ Bond Building Nail Serum
OPI’s new Repair Mode™ Bond Building Nail Serum uses Patented Ulti-Plex Technology™ to penetrate the nail’s surface and rebuild keratin structure by forming new bonds inside the natural nail. The results? 99% keratin repair, 94% protection from damage, and smoother, stronger nails resistant to breakage. Ideal for nails damaged by acrylics, gels, or seasonal dryness. Get an exclusive 20% off Repair Mode until 26th September 2024 using the code “HHOPI20”.

REN Moroccan Rose Sugar Body Polish
This scrub is a luxurious exfoliating treatment infused with natural cane sugar and Moroccan rose otto oil. It gently buffs away dead skin cells while deeply hydrating, leaving skin smooth, soft, and delicately fragranced with rose. It’s also perfect for exfoliating and rejuvenating dry hands.

Pai Skincare Heavy Mettle Hand Cream
Pai’s hand cream is formulated with nourishing sea buckthorn oil and fragonia, making it ideal for soothing and repairing dry, irritated skin. It’s rich in omega fatty acids to strengthen the skin barrier, while its clean, vegan formula aligns with the clean beauty ethos.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Defence Hand Cream
This luxurious hand cream contains organic ingredients like olive oil, sunflower oil, and aloe vera to deeply moisturise and protect the skin. Its non-greasy formula makes it perfect for everyday use. Plus, it’s certified organic and free from synthetic fragrances and preservatives.

Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer
If you love having polished nails but want to avoid the damaging effects of harsh chemicals, Nailberry’s Oxygenated Nail Lacquer is a great option. This award-winning polish is free from 12 toxic ingredients commonly found in nail polish, and its breathable formula helps to keep nails healthy and hydrated during colder months.

Tropic Skincare Superfood Hand Therapy
This rich hand cream from Tropic Skincare is packed with superfoods like mango butter, macadamia oil and kokum, offering deep hydration for dry, cracked hands. The formula is 100% natural and certified cruelty-free, ensuring that it’s as kind to the planet as it is to your skin.

Omnilux Contour Glove
The Omnilux Contour Glove is an FDA-cleared red light therapy device specifically designed for your hands, offering clinically proven relief for joint pain and skin rejuvenation. It reduces inflammation, pain, and irritation while boosting cellular activity and circulation. This non-invasive, painless glove improves the appearance of sunspots, wrinkles, and dry skin, providing a natural, targeted solution for healthier hands.