Dry hands in summer: what helps and what doesn't?
HLN, 22 July 2023
Dry hands in summer from sweat and chlorine? Dr Griet Voet in HLN on the causes, gloves and which hand cream ingredients are useful.
Even in summer, hands can dry out considerably, partly because of sweat and chlorinated water. In HLN, Dr Griet Voet and skincare expert Ciska Dings look at what helps. Dr Voet names repeated contact with water, soap, disinfectants and cleaning products as the main culprit. People whose work involves a lot of wet hands, menopausal women and people on acne treatment are especially vulnerable.
The dermatologist recommends plastic gloves with a cotton inner glove for dirty work or contact with irritants. In a hand cream, urea and petroleum jelly are useful according to her, although urea can sting if you have cracks. Perfume in hand cream is best avoided, and pharmacy products usually show a clear ingredient list.
Key advice
Protect your hands with gloves when cleaning or handling irritating substances.
Urea hydrates well, but can sting if you have cracks.
Preferably avoid perfumed hand creams.
“Petroleum jelly is very greasy, but it forms a good protective film on the skin.” — Dr Griet Voet
Want to know more? Read about Allergies and eczema at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.