The low temperature in winter can easily cause dry and cracked hands due to lack of moisture. So, how can we avoid dry and cracked hands in winter?
【How to Avoid Dry and Cracked Hands in Winter】
1. Soaking method to avoid dry and cracked hands in winter
① Soaking hands in rice vinegar: Soaking hands is a good choice for dry and cracked hands. Pour rice vinegar into the warm water for soaking hands for half an hour. This can promote blood circulation and soften the dead skin, making the dry and cracked skin softer. After soaking, dry the hands, apply ointment, and wrap with plastic wrap. Generally, the dry and cracked areas will improve the next day.
② Soaking hands in baking soda water: Dissolve baking soda in warm water and soak hands in it. If you do this once a day, you will see improvement in about two weeks, and the dry and cracked symptoms on your hands will disappear, leaving you with smooth and tender hands.
2. Ointment method to avoid dry and cracked hands in winter
Ointment is very effective for skin problems. If the skin is severely dehydrated, a sudden large amount of hydration may cause skin irritation. Using ointment is relatively gentle. It can soften the cracked scabs and lubricate the skin. Although it is not as moisturizing as aloe vera gel, it is recommended for people with severe dry and cracked hands to use ointment first and then switch to aloe vera gel when the condition improves.
3. Exercise method to avoid dry and cracked hands in winter
Regular hand exercises can eliminate excess fat, accelerate blood circulation, and help maintain the flexibility and dexterity of the fingers. It is best to massage while applying moisturizing oil to help the skin absorb nutrients and promote metabolism.
① Finger twisting: Use the thumb and index finger of one hand to twist around the joints of the other hand's fingers, rubbing and twisting continuously for 16-24 times. Alternate between both hands.
② Finger tapping: With both palms facing each other, tap the fingertips of both hands together forcefully for 16-24 times.
③ Rubbing the back of the hand and palm: Place the palm of the right hand on the back of the left hand, with the fingers of both hands pointing in opposite directions. Extend both hands and rub the back of the left hand with the right palm. Both palms move towards the sleeve cuff. Rub at a uniform speed for 16-24 times.
④ Rubbing the sides of the fingers: With both palms facing each other, cross the ten fingers and rub them against each other for 16-24 times.
【Methods for Hand Care in Winter】
1. Exfoliate: Just like the face, the hands also need to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Doing this once a month will not only make your hands smoother, but also promote the absorption of hand cream and keep your hands' skin healthier. Choose a protein-based scrub mixed with hand cream, apply it evenly on your hands, and effectively remove dead skin cells to promote hand metabolism.
2. Apply hand cream evenly: Hand cream is a must-have for winter. However, simply applying hand cream will not achieve the desired effect. Take a soybean-sized amount and apply it to the palm of your hand. Rub your palms together to generate heat, and then apply the cream evenly on your hands, including the gaps between your fingers, fingertips, and wrists.
3. Wear gloves: When doing household chores in winter, wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from external dryness and prevent them from freezing. Also, wear gloves before going out to keep your hands warm and prevent frostbite, reducing the occurrence of dry hands.
4. Apply olive oil: Before going to bed at night, clean your hands and then massage them with olive oil. This method can moisturize your hands and prevent nail fragility and breakage. It is also effective if you frequently apply nail polish.
【What to Do If Your Hands Get Frostbitten in Winter】
1. Frostbite is a common skin condition in winter. It occurs when people have less physical activity and slower metabolism, resulting in local tissue necrosis caused by blood stagnation.
2. People with frostbite should pay attention to keeping warm and exercise more to improve blood circulation and metabolism.
3. Soaking hands in hot water can promote blood circulation in the swollen areas.
4. Use a soft towel to rub the affected area until there is a damp feeling or the stiffness disappears.
5. Apply red spirit wine, ginger juice, or chili pepper to the red and swollen areas to promote blood circulation and relieve symptoms.
Ginger slice method for treating frostbitten hands: Cut a fresh ginger into slices and gently rub it on the frostbitten area until there is a warm feeling. Another method is to heat a piece of fresh ginger, cut it into slices, and rub it on the affected area. Alternatively, crush 50 grams of fresh ginger, soak it in one or two liang of white wine, and apply the mixture on the affected area three times a day.