As January's chill tightens its grip, many people find themselves battling painfully cracked and sore hands. A medical professional has now identified a crucial everyday activity that could be worsening this common winter ailment, while also sharing her curated selection of effective hand creams.
The Critical Winter Mistake Most People Make
Dr Raj Arora, who shared her expertise via social media platform TikTok, highlighted how the combination of cold weather, frequent hand washing, and repeated sanitiser use creates the perfect storm for skin damage. "Cold weather, constant hand washing, sanitiser on repeat - no wonder your hands are cracked, sore and angry by January," she observed in her video presentation.
The doctor explained that while many people naturally experience drier hands during winter months, the solution involves more than simply applying moisturiser. "There's one mistake most people keep making all winter," Dr Arora revealed, before detailing both helpful practices and those that exacerbate the problem.
Fundamental Hand Care Technique
Dr Arora emphasised the importance of using lukewarm rather than hot water when washing hands, followed by gentle patting rather than rubbing to dry the skin. "Within a minute, put some moisturiser on so it absorbs nicely," she advised, stressing the timing as crucial for effective hydration.
Expert-Recommended Hand Creams for Winter Protection
Recording from a pharmacy setting, Dr Arora provided detailed recommendations for specific products that offer genuine relief for cracked winter hands.
Neutrogena Range Selections
The doctor first highlighted Neutrogena's Concentrated Unscented Hand Cream, particularly recommending it for sensitive skin. "This is really good if your skin gets irritated, if you react to things and get things like dermatitis on your hands," she explained, noting that its glycerin and Vitamin E content provides soothing, intensive hydration without fragrance irritation.
Dr Arora also endorsed Neutrogena's Anti-Age Hand Cream with SPF20, acknowledging that while the sun protection factor's effectiveness might be limited during British winters, "it's some sun protection at least." For those who dislike greasy textures, she recommended the brand's Fast Absorbing Hand Cream, describing it as "non-greasy and fast absorbing" and particularly suitable for regular use throughout the day.
Aveeno Therapeutic Options
Turning to alternative brands, the doctor highlighted Aveeno's Intense Moisture Skin Relief Hand Cream as an effective weekly treatment. "This repairing ointment is greasy, but if you have got really dry hands, it's nice say once a week alongside your other moisturisers," she suggested, positioning it as a intensive supplement to daily creams.
For everyday use, Dr Arora praised Aveeno's Moisturising Hand Cream as "deeply hydrating, soothing, calming and lovely," recommending it for regular maintenance of hand skin health.
CeraVe's Repair Solution
Concluding her recommendations, the medical expert endorsed CeraVe's Reparative Hand Cream, describing it as "an advanced repair ointment - and there's nothing this guy can't do" for addressing severe dryness and cracking.
Understanding Winter Hand Damage
The NHS supports this focus on hand protection, noting that daily exposure to various substances contributes significantly to skin problems. "Our hands come into daily contact with many substances such as household detergents and cleaning products; personal cleansers including soaps, shampoos and wet wipes; food components such as fruit acids and plant chemicals and water," their guidance states.
These elements strip away protective oils that maintain skin moisture, leading to chapping, dryness, and irritation. The health service specifically identifies frequent water contact as "one of the commonest causes of skin irritation," warning that once skin becomes damaged, it enters a vicious cycle prone to worsening dermatitis.
By combining proper washing technique with timely application of appropriate moisturisers, individuals can break this cycle and maintain healthier hands throughout the challenging winter months.
