First thing’s first: If you don’t already use dishwashing gloves, please go ahead and snag yourself a pair. Not only does soaking your nails in water cause them to expand and contract, thus making them brittle and weak over time, but a hot water temperature can strip the skin of its natural oils and lipids. And with a compromised barrier, cracked, scaly, crepey hands tend to crop up way faster.
But if you want to crank the hand care up a notch, why not moisturize your paws at the same time? If you have some extra cooking oil, try slathering it on your hands before pulling on your gloves. Any organic, unrefined oil will do, but some of our favorites include extra-virgin olive oil, which contains a high dose of vitamin E2; coconut oil, which can help your skin boost collagen production3 and can help improve4 moisture levels and barrier function5; and avocado oil, which contains oleic acid and monounsaturated fats.
The steamy water as you wash can also increase the skin’s permeability6, which can help those skin-softening lipids and antioxidants penetrate deeper into the pores. Call it a DIY hand mask moment.
