Dry hands

[ssampier]

I live at a fairly high altitude, 5,957 feet (or 1,815 m) above sea level. In the fall and winter of the year the back of my hands often get extremely dry and red.

I wash my hands a normal amount, so it's not over washing that's drying them out.

My question is what can I do so they don't dry out as much? I have tried lotions and I don't particularly like the greasiness. I am a normal guy, so I'd like the solution to be, well... not girly.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I'm a dude & my skin gets pretty dry in the winter as well- dry enough to consult a dermatologist when I was a kid.

Unfortunately, lotions are among the best options out there. Try something from a pharmacy like Amlactin or from a high-end beauty department (I know, I know) like a Neutrogena lotion and use it incrementally in small amounts, repeated as needed. Applied that way, they don't usually leave a greasy feel, and you'll be more able to gauge just how much you need to use.

You might also consider using a different soap. My dermatologist told me to try using a milder soap like Dove, Tone, or Neutrogena, all of which I've tried and all of which do alleviate some of the problem. Some of the soaps you get in fancy hotels have similarly mild formulations, and you can find them (or close equivalents) in bath stores.

However, most of the soap people are using these days are liquid soaps- often with anti-bacterials which can be harsh- so you might have some problems there.

Still, there is hope. Neutrogena (AGAIN!) offers a mild liquid body wash which could help you out there, as could body washes by other companies.

 

[freyar]

I have this problem, too, living in a region where I'm in dry, heated indoor areas all winter.

I'd agree that lotion is quite important. I don't like them greasy myself, either, and I'll recommend Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion. You just need a small drop per hand, and it's not greasy. It's also pretty reasonably priced as these things go.

For soap, I think liquid soap helps, too. Look for one that specifically says that it's moisturizing. These are generally cream-colored. I find that generic versions work ok.

Also, you might get a humidifier for your home. That can help a lot. Reminds me that I need to go get a new filter for mine.

Hope that helps!

 

[ssampier]

Thanks for the advice. I use the tiny travel-sized Jergens lotion. I have to use quite a bit and I dislike the greasy feel. I will try some of the more advanced lotions.

I do use cheap liquid soap to wash my hands. In the shower, I use Zest bar soap.

I have never used a humidifier, though I have thought about it.

 

[freyar]

You might need to try a few different lotions to find one you like. Good luck with it! The key for me is not using much at a time.

 

[Kurashu]

I don't want to seem like I'm plugging my company, but Brookstone has some good hand lotion. It's called Formula 210. Though, it's a little pricey -- $35 for a 5oz bottle and $15 for a 3.5oz bottle -- but it lasts most of the day and you only need a little bit at a time.

So, if you have one around your area, you may want to go in and try it out.

 

[frankthedm]

I am a normal guy, so I'd like the solution to be, well... not girly.

and yet...

I use Zest bar soap.

If you want a manly bath and body bar...

Grease, dirt, dead skin, only this this stuff can't clean off is a tattoo.

I strongly suggest the product below if you want something oil free and or cheap. The amazon reviews are all positive too.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Corn-Huskers-Oil-Free-Treatment-Lotion/dp/B000SY24C0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1228083631&sr=8-1"]Corn Huskers Heavy Duty Oil-Free Hand Treatment Lotion[/ame]

 

[ssampier]

Yes, I have used Lava soap, not on my body, though; ouch.

Don't real men use straight pumice anyway?

Just ... wild and crazy guys

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I don't know how much of it is genetics and how much results from the benefits of the product, but my great-uncle Marcus has been using Cocoa Butter on his skin for as long as I can remember, and his skin always looks great. He's in his 80s and hardly has a wrinkle or blemish, and he's always been an outdoorsy type, especially fishing.

Cocoa butter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hmmm, maybe I'll give it a try.

 

[ssampier]

I purchased my cornhuskers lotion today. It seems to work pretty well. I didn't even have to see a University of Nebraska fan, yuck, yuck.