How to Protect Your Hands and Feet from Cracking This Winter
Winter brings cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and festivals — but also dry, cracked hands and feet, one of the most common concerns I see at Skin Savvy during the colder months. The skin on our hands and feet is naturally thicker, but it also has fewer oil glands, making it more vulnerable to winter dryness, roughness, and painful cracks.
The good news? With the right care and a little consistency, you can keep your hands and feet soft, smooth, and healthy throughout winter. Here’s my complete dermatologist-approved guide to help you prevent and treat winter cracks effectively.
Why Hands and Feet Crack in Winter
Cold air + low humidity + frequent handwashing = extreme moisture loss.
Here’s why winter hits them the hardest:
Thin moisture barrier: Hands and feet have fewer oil glands → quick dryness.
Exposure to cold wind: Hands are often uncovered and lose moisture rapidly.
Hot showers: Strip natural oils and worsen dehydration.
Walking barefoot: Hardens the skin, leading to cracks.
Low hydration: Winter makes us drink less water.
This damage builds up and causes tightness, roughness, peeling, and deep cracks that often burn or bleed.
How to Protect Your Hands This Winter
1. Switch to a Gentle Handwash
Avoid strong detergents or antibacterial soaps — they strip natural oils.
Choose:
Cream-based cleansers
pH-balanced handwashes
Ones containing glycerin or aloe vera
Avoid: Dishwashing directly with bare hands (always use gloves!).
2. Moisturize After Every Wash
This is the golden rule. Apply hand cream immediately after washing, when your skin is still slightly damp.
Best ingredients to look for:
Shea butter
Ceramides
Urea 5–10%
Glycerin
Petroleum jelly
At night, apply a thick layer and wear cotton gloves to lock in moisture.
3. Use a Hand Cream with SPF During the Day
Sun exposure can worsen dryness, tanning, and even pigmentation on hands.
A lightweight SPF 30 hand cream protects your hands while keeping them soft.
4. Avoid Hot Water
Hot water dries the skin faster than cold or lukewarm water.
Stick to mild-temperature water for washing hands or bathing.
How to Protect Your Feet This Winter
1. Exfoliate Gently, Once a Week
Dead skin buildup on the heel can worsen cracks.
Use:
A gentle foot file
Chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or urea creams (dermatologist-recommended)
Never over-scrub — it makes cracks worse.
2. Choose a Rich Foot Cream
Ingredients I recommend to my patients include:
Urea 10–20% for rough skin
Lactic acid for mild exfoliation
Petroleum jelly for sealing moisture
Ceramides for barrier repair
Apply generously at night and wear socks to trap moisture.
3. Avoid Walking Barefoot
Cold floors + friction = crack formation.
Wear soft cotton socks indoors to keep your feet warm and protected.
4. Keep Feet Dry
Moisture between the toes can cause fungal infections — common in winter due to closed footwear.
After bathing:
✔ Pat dry your feet
✔ Apply cream only on the heels and soles
❌ Avoid applying between the toes
Hydration Matters—Inside and Out
In winter we often forget to drink enough water. Dehydration shows up quickly on hands and feet.
Aim for 7–8 glasses of water daily, and include hydrating foods like oranges, cucumbers, and coconut water.
When to See a Dermatologist
Visit Skin Savvy if you have:
Cracks that bleed or are extremely painful
Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus)
Persistent peeling despite moisturizers
Eczema or psoriasis flare-ups
Thickened heels not responding to creams
We offer treatments such as:
Medical-grade foot peels
Prescription healing ointments
Barrier-repair therapies
Fungal infection treatment
Customized winter skincare plans
Early treatment prevents worsening and ensures faster healing.
Conclusion
Winter cracking of hands and feet is common but completely preventable. All it takes is the right cleansing, moisturization, and protection routine — backed by a little dermatologist guidance when needed.
At Skin Savvy Clinic, Varanasi, I help patients restore soft, healthy skin even in the harshest winter months. If dry, cracked hands or heels are troubling you this season, book a consultation — your skin deserves expert care.
Stay warm. Stay hydrated. Stay glowing this winter.
For more information please connect with us:
Hospital’s Name: Skin Savvy by Dr Garima Varanasi
Address: Malviya kunj, SHARABH HOSPITAL, B31/13 D-P, Saket Nagar Colony, Lanka, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Contact Number: +91-8808872742
Email Id: contact@skinsavvybydrgarima.com
Working Days & Hours: Mon – Sat(11am–7 pm) , Sunday(12pm–4 pm)