What to Do For Dry Hands and How To Make Your Own Lotion At Home

By: Suzanne Kvilhaug

Now that extensive hand washing is part of everyday life, all that cleanliness may also come with dry skin. The process of washing your hands several times a day, for 20 seconds or longer (while you sing a song), strips the natural oils from your hands leaving them dried out. In addition to extra washing, continuous use of cleaning products and rubber gloves can also add to dry skin problems. 

Some signs of dry skin that you may have begun to notice are:

• Tightness of skin

• Redness

• Visible lines

• Itching

• Lichenification (skin becomes thick and leathery)

• Cracks in skin

If you are starting to experience any of these issues with your hands, you are probably in need of some serious moisturizing. One trick is to hide lotions like Easter eggs in various places in your life. Your purse, bedside table, office drawer (even your home office) and car are all prime locations for a travel-sized lotion. You can also try the overnight method if you’re open to sleeping with gloves on. 

With all that said, if your problem is bigger than drying form over-washing, you may be dealing with eczema which requires special treatment. So if your dryness persists, definitely talk to a doctor. 

Let’s Get serious about moisturizer

So you’re ready to start stashing lotions like a squirrel storing nuts for the winter, but is there a “right” choice in lotions? 

Yes and no. Some store-bought lotions can include harmful ingredients that should absolutely be avoided. Yes, you might get softer hands but at the expense of having some toxic chemicals in your body. Some commercial locations may include:

• Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) which can disrupt the endocrine system and may have carcinogenic properties. 

• DMDM Hydantoin, this preservative may contain impurities that include formaldehyde.

• Synthetic fragrances, which may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Parabens that may be linked to breast cancer and hormone disruption.

So if you’re going to buy lotion, it’s well worth your time to inspect the ingredients and look for lotions that don’t have harmful additives. When you shop, opt for products like this organic hand and body lotion from Avalon from Amazon. 

Make Your Own Hand and Body Lotions

If you want to take matters into your own (hopefully not too dry) hands, you can make your own lotion and healing balm right at home. Here are three great recipes that include natural, healthy and strengthening ingredients. 

DIY Body Butter Recipe

Made with plant-based ingredients, this DIY homemade body butter recipe from Coconut Mama is easy to make. The body butter is really nourishing, not too oily and will leave your skin feeling super soft and smooth. 

Rich Honey Hand Balm

If you're suffering from dryness and painful cracks, this Rich Honey Hand Balm recipe from Hello Glow can make a world of difference. Described as a miracle worker, you can also use it as an after-shower lotion, cuticle cream, hair conditioner or for anything else that might need a little extra moisture.

Aloe Vera and Essential Oil

This DIY lotion from Essential Moves To Wellness is a non-greasy, fast-absorbing solution for dry skin with accessible ingredients. This lotion is great for the entire body year-round, and uses essential oils like lavender or peppermint so you can feel great and smells amazing. 

We all have to continue washing our hands as often as possible, but we don’t have to suffer the consequences of dry, itchy hands. And as a bonus making your own lotion at home is a great activity for the whole family!

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