Taking Care of Your Hands During the Winter
As everyone knows, moms use their hands for absolutely everything. Truly—moms cook, clean, tidy, tickle, and do so much more. Unfortunately, because of this busyness, their hands suffer, especially in the harsh winter months.
If your family resides in a colder climate, you likely wash your hands in hot water to keep them warm; however, this can result in chapped, painfully red skin day in and day out. The good news is that you can relieve the sting. Let’s talk about some ways you can take care of your hands during the winter.
Lather Up the Lotion
We bet you have a stash of gifted lotions from your kids or partner somewhere. Now’s the time to pull them out! A decadent cream easily soothes itchy knuckles and palms. Plus, if you regularly moisturize your hands, you can keep them smooth and prevent cracks and flakes in the first place. Need a boost? A little bit of over-the-counter hydrocortisone treatment or Vaseline can calm particularly inflamed skin. You might say you don’t have time for this, but let’s face it—a hand massage provides a much-needed break in between folding clothes and returning phone calls.
Never Neglect Your Nails
Another sign that winter is in full swing? Peeling cuticles and split fingernails from dry hands. If you want to mitigate unsightly fingers, invest in a nail kit that includes quality accessories. Trust us—your manicure will look magnificent, even if it’s a quick and basic one with a clear polish. To ensure you don’t forget to include nail maintenance in your daily beauty routine, designate a drawer in your bedroom or master bath for all these tools.
Provide Protection
You may think that only rom-com housewives utilize rubber gloves, but think again. These gloves may seem like frivolous splurges, but they really save your hands from aggressive scrubbing and wiping. Slide them on before you wash the dishes or tackle the shower tiles. As a bonus, your nail polish will stay put—and you won’t have to be afraid of touching that unidentifiable gunk in the sink.
Of course, you can’t forget about mittens when you venture outside, either. After all, the chilly air is harsh on delicate hands. Remember to keep a pair in your coat pocket, in your car’s center console, and wherever else you think you’ll need gloves. It sounds excessive, but you’ll thank yourself later—people always seem to lose just one glove!
Switch Your Soaps
As much as you might love fruity foams, fragranced soaps can really strip your hands’ natural oils. During this time of year, however, your hands need this moisture. Consider swapping perfumed soaps for mild ones—at least while you’re still braving cooler temperatures outdoors.
Taking care of your hands during the winter may not always cross your mind, but every mom deserves to slow down and enjoy some essential — and pampering — body treatments.
