My Hands Have Been Extra Dry This Winter, so I Asked a Derm for Tips

If you need something for intense dryness, Engelman calls this “the perfect moisturizer” for dry hands. “This salve is formulated with lanolin, Manuka honey and antioxidants that penetrate skin, leaving it nourished and hydrated," says the derm. "This particular formula is proven to last for over 48 hours and is free of parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances."

With some of the best emollients in the game (shea butter, avocado oil, olive oil, etc.), this formula is in the hand cream Hall of Fame. Plus, at a hefty five ounces, the tube lasts forever.

This drugstore buy has soothing ingredients like green tea extract and watermelon oil to leave skin soft and hydrated.

This super-rich cult-favorite cream is made with a whopping 20% shea butter, plus nourishing coconut oil, honey, and almond extract.

Heavy-duty dryness and eczema calls for this specially formulated cream made with colloidal oatmeal and allantoin, a powerful humectant.

It also helps to have a hand soap that adds moisture, rather than taking it away. Plus, this formula has the brand’s unmistakable cherry-vanilla scent. 

Finding a hydrating hand sanitizer is tough—after all, they are generally made with at least 60% alcohol—but this one from Dove leaves hands shockingly soft and moisturized while still maintaining the CDC’s strict safety standards.

These gloves have a gel lining infused with jojoba oil, olive oil, and vitamin E—put them on over hand cream or Vaseline for an intensive moisturizing treatment. And yes: They work with your smartphone!

The brand behind some of the best sheet masks for your face also makes an amazing hand mask formulated with strengthening ceramides and coconut milk.

Made with vitamin E, macadamia-nut oil, and shea butter, this mask both nourishes skin and strengthens nails.

This moisturizing mask smells like dessert and has an Instagram-worthy macaron print.

“A humidifier is a great way to prevent dry skin—not just on your hands but on your whole body too,” advises the derm. “The Canopy Humidifier is special because it uses evaporative (no-mist) technology to release pure, hydrated air, meaning that you don’t have to worry about mold growing or breathing in contaminants. It’s also dishwasher-safe and very easy to clean.”

A mini wireless humidifier is also a great option to have on hand for travel or for hours spent at a desk. 

“Wearing warm, protective gloves whenever you go outside in the winter prevents moisture from being pulled from the skin and helps keep your skin barrier healthy and hydrated,” says Engelman. We love this soft pair from J.Crew, which you can use with a touch screen. 

And don’t forget about the protection your hands might need indoors as well. “Wearing rubber gloves whenever your hands are submerged in water—for example, doing the dishes—can also protect your skin barrier from weakening,” says the derm. “I recommend applying lotion before putting on gloves to trap in hydration and further heal and soothe dry hands.”

This luxe cleanser has micro-particles of pumice, so it gently exfoliates hands every time you wash your hands without being too harsh.

Keep this tropical scrub in the shower for use head-to-toe, and just don’t forget to give your hands a good scrub too.

Made with vitamin C and jojoba oil, this hand polish is like a spa experience for your hands. 

Bonus: Give those cuticles extra attention with everyone's favorite affordable oil.