What are the Most Common Causes of Dry Hands?

Dry hands are a common nuisance for many people, with the cold temperatures and harsh winds of winter often the culprit. But winter isn't the only guilty party, because you can get dry hands at any time of year. So, why does it happen, and what are some recommended solutions for dealing with dry hands?

Dry Skin, Dry Hands

Skin becomes dry when it loses its supply of water and/or natural oils. Sometimes this is because of environmental influences like a dry or cold climate, and sometimes it's down to the moisture stripping action of harsh soaps or some chemicals. Some medications, such as ones used for targeting blemishes, intentionally contain skin-drying ingredients. And some underlying skin conditions result in excessive dryness.

In all of the above, the underlying cause is a compromised skin moisture barrier:

The Skin's Moisture Barrier

Our outermost layers of skin are made up of skin cells held together by ceramides, fatty acids and lipids—a bit like bricks (the cells) in a wall held together by mortar (the ceramides, fatty acids & lipids). Taken together, this acts as a barrier to prevent moisture loss, and as a shield to protect the inner layers of skin from external aggressors like bacteria, pollution, and dirt. When it's weakened, moisture evaporates more quickly—leaving skin feeling dry and more vulnerable to irritants.

And whilst this explanation is about dry skin generally, it's no less relevant for the skin on your hands.

Common Symptoms of Dry Hands

Of course, not everyone experiences identical symptoms, which often depend on the range and severity. But if you do get dry hands, here are some of the most common tell-tale signs and feels:

Visible signs

Dull-looking skin: Healthy skin has a natural glow, but dry skin looks dull.
Roughness: The skin on your hands feels bumpy and uneven, perhaps even like sandpaper.
Visible redness: Dry skin can appear red and irritated.
Flaking or Scaly skin: Dry and scaly skin may start to chap and shed small flakes.
Cracks or Fissures: In severe cases, cracked hands may develop, that sometimes even bleed.

How they feel

Tightness: A feeling that the skin of your hands is stretched tight, especially after washing.
Itchiness: Dry, irritated skin can often develop itching sensations.
Sensitivity: Increased skin sensitivity to touch, temperature changes, or irritants.

Causes of dry hands

OK, so what are the causes of dry hands? Lots of things, sadly! The following list isn't exhaustive, but it includes the most common:

Cold Weather

We've already talked about how winter weather can be drying to your hands. That's because the cold outside air has very low humidity, which together with a drying wind, sucks moisture from exposed skin, leaving you with dry hands and chapped lips! Indoors, it can be just as bad, with indoor heating often generating a dry (if warm) environment too.

Frequent Handwashing

If you need to wash your hands a lot, either at home or at work, this can strip the natural oils from your skin. And of course the alcohol in hand sanitiser (if you're using that too) is drying as well.

Harsh Soaps & Detergents

Soaps and detergents are designed to remove grease and oils. Great for washing dishes or clothes, but not so gentle on your hands (ignore those old adverts!). If you frequently hand wash these types of items, best to wear gloves to minimise natural oils being stripped from your skin.

Sun Exposure

We all know excessive exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, premature signs of ageing, and skin cancer. Which is why the regular use of a broad spectrum, high SPF 50+ sunscreen is so strongly recommended. But although we remember to apply sunscreen to our face, neck, arms and legs, so many people forget the backs of their hands! Part of sunburn's discomfort is that the heat of the sun has overly dried out your skin.

Other Skin Conditions (Eczema, Psoriasis, etc.)

Although skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are too complex and medical in nature to discuss in any detail here, they can certainly affect the skin on any part of your body and result in dry hands. Consult a healthcare professional for advice if you think you may have a skin condition such as these.

And yes, there's more...

A host of other less common factors may also contribute to dry hands. Some you can seek to avoid or counteract, like dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, contact exposure to chemicals and irritants, and some medications for other conditions. Some you can't, like genetics and age!

How to Alleviate Dry Hands

We go into this subject in more detail in our article How to Care for Dry Hands: Moisturising Tips but here's some basic guidance on the best ingredients and recommended products for looking after dry hands.

Best Skincare Ingredients for Dry Hands

Skincare ingredients suitable for alleviating dry hands fall into four main groups:

Humectants attract and retain moisture within the skin. Examples include hyaluronic acid and Glycerin.
Emollients (such as Shea Butter, Squalane, and Ceramides) smooth, soften, and help retain moisture.
Occlusives create a sealing barrier to prevent moisture loss. Heavier and best for night-time. Most common are petrolatum (petroleum jelly) and dimethicone.
Skin-Identical Lipids, like Ceramides and Cholesterol help to repair and strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the skin, and a hydrating superhero. A large carbohydrate molecule produced naturally by the body, it can retain 1,000 times its volume in water, making it one of the most effective moisturising ingredients in skincare.

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is another humectant. It draws water into the outer layers of skin both from the air and from deeper within the skin.

Squalane is a hydrogenated form of squalene. A highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant, it's particularly good for dry skin. Squalane helps restore the lipid moisture barrier while also soothing and calming irritated skin.

Ceramides - especially skin-identical ceramides in the right balance - help protect dry skin from moisture loss and environmental aggressors by filling in gaps between skin cells in the 'wall' we described above.

CeraVe Product Recommendations

Par of our dry skincare range, a non-greasy, fast absorbing hand cream and skin protectant that's deeply moisturising, Reparative Hand Cream is great for rough, dry skin and hands, even for sensitive skin. The active ingredients include hyaluronic acid, our signature three skin-identical ceramides, glycerin, and dimethicone. A reparative hand cream that features the CeraVe MVE Technology, enabling slow release of the active ingredients to provide 24 hours' hydration.

Multi-purpose Advanced Repair Balm immediately hydrates, soothes, and protects severely dry, rough hands and skin while restoring the skin moisture barrier. Combining 3 occlusives (including petrolatum) with 3 skin-identical ceramides and hyaluronic acid, Advanced Repair Balm is non-greasy and creates a protective layer over the skin's surface to help protect mildly compromised skin. Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or mild eczema-prone skin.

Lifestyle & Preventative Measures

There's a few options to prevent dry hands in the first place. Try these...

Gentle Handwashing: When you wash your hands, use a mild soap or liquid handwash and avoid using too-hot water.
Wearing Gloves: In cold, windy weather, or when you're handling garden or other potentially irritant chemicals, protect your hands with a pair of gloves.
Adequate Hydration: Drinking plenty of water boosts your internal hydration, which in turn supports skin health. Because hydrated hands are happy hands!