Tag: dry

Dry, cracked, bleeding hands was something that I used to suffer with, particularly over the winter months.

Over-washing, not drying hands properly, washing with petrochemical-laiden handwash, trying to moisturise with petrochemical-laiden handcream, all contribute to the condition. Synthetic fragrance is also a big irritant.

Once I started to train as a reflexologist, I knew something had to change. I had to solve this problem as my hands were going to be the tools of my trade!

Make changes

The first thing to do is change your hand wash. Most hand washes available on the shelves on the high street will contain petro-chemicals: synthetic chemicals derived from petroleum. One main culprit is SLS or SLES (Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate). This man-made detergent will strip the skin of its natural oils and it leave it bare and unprotected, flakey and inflammed. You only have to do a quick google search to discover the known evils of this petro-chemical: a known irritant used in skin-testing trials; a penetration enhancer, a corrosive.

Next, ensure you moisturise. Many high stress products contain petrolatum, paraffinum liquidum, parfum, propylene glycol or parabens. You will not be moisturising or nourishing your hands if the product contains any of these ingredients. Your skin might feel smooth and soft on the surface but these ingredients will not be nourishing your skin to help it heal. In fact they will be doing the complete opposite: blocking the skin’s pores and upsetting its natural equilibrium. In a nutshell, it will be making the problem worse. You may also experience a stinging sensation.

Switch to a brand that you can trust to give you a high quality product containing ethically sourced natural ingredients free from anything derived from petroleum: Neal’s Yard Remedies.

My top recommendation would be the Bee Lovely Hand Wash. Feel this difference of organic honey and fragrant, uplifting organic orange and mandarin essential oils, to gently cleanse and subtly scent the grubbiest of hands. Shop now and give your hands the gentle care that they deserve! It is gentle enough for the whole hive, including children aged 3 years and over. It also comes in a large 295ml bottle made from recycled plastic which means it is safer for children to use (rather than glass).

There is also an accompanying hand cream. There are many other products from Neal’s Yard Remedies that will look after your hands; nourishing, moisturising and protecting your skin, hands and nails with organic, natural ingredients.

Harsh soaps can strip away natural oils, making dry hands even worse. That;s why I recommend starting with the Bee Lovely Hand Wash – it cleanses gently with organic honey and uplifting orange essential oil. Follow up with Baby Barrier Cream to lock in moisture and repair dry, cracked skin overnight,

 The baby barrier cream is an excellent healing and nourishing cream. Although it is marketed at baby’s bottoms(!) this cream is excellent for working hands such as gardeners or mechanics, and eczema or dermatitis sufferers, and skin thinned by aging and long-term steroid use. Shop now for the Baby Barrier Cream and start your healing journey today.

Buy now

Try organic hand care products from Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic today – your skin will thank you! Spend £50 for free postage and packaging.

Remember, if your hands are very cracked, dry and sensitive, you will need:

Hand wash

If your hands are constantly dry, cracked, or irritated, your hand wash could be part of the problem. Many soapds and hand washes contain harsh detergents, sulfates, and sythetic fragrances that strip away natural oils, leaving your skin vulnerable. Think of it like this: trying to heeal dry hands while using a harsh soaps is like bailing water out of a sinking boat – its an endless cycle!

A gentle, nourishing hand wash is the first step to healthy skin. It should:

• Cleanse without stripping – using natural ingredients that remove dirt and bacteria without drying the skin.
• Soothe and protect – with botanical extracts to calm irritation and reinforce the skin’s barrier.
• Prepare your skin for hydration – so your healing cream or daily moisturiser can actually do it’s job.

Start with the right hand wash – and your skin will feel softer, healthier, and more resilient – before you even reach for the cream!

Healing cream

If your hands are already dry, cracked, or irritated, applying a regular lotion won’t be enough. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t paint over a cracked wall without repairing it first.

A healing cream is designed to:

• Repair damaged skin by deeply nourishing cracks, splits and dry patches.
• Soothe irritation from chemicals, weather, or conditions like eczema.
• Strengthen the skin barrier to lock in moisture and prevent further damage.

Once your hands have healed and regained their softness, then a daily cream or lotion can maintain hydration and protect against future damage.

For those who struggle with chronic dryness or irritation, incorporating a healing cream into your routine – even just a few nights a week – can make all the difference in keeping hands healthy, comfortable, and youthful-looking.

Hand cream

Many hand creams contain petroleum-based ingredients that can dry out skin over time. Neal’s Yard Remedies hand creams use organic plant oils that deeply nourish without harmful additives.

Hand lotion

Hand lotion is lightweight and fast-absorbing, and provides a quick moisture boost for daytime use. Perfect after washing hands while you’re in the bathroom, and to encourage good habits.

take care

• Take care of your hands while outside. Always apply hand cream and wear gloves in cold weather.
• Make sure you dry hands thoroughly after washing, and always moisturise afterwards.
• Have hand wash and hand lotion next to each other at the basin to encourage good habits.

For those on a fertility journey, it’s essential to be mindful of the products you use. Avoiding petrochemicals is particularly important, as they can disrupt hormonal balance. Incorporating natural and organic products into your routine can support overall health. Learn more about my specialised Fertility Acupuncture and IVF Support services and discover how ear acupuncture points can enhance fertility. Additionally, consider reading about the connection between fertility and digestive health, as overall well-being plays a crucial role in conception.

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified reflexologist and clinical acupuncturist, with a particular interest in fertility and IVF support, and lymphatic therapies.

She is also an independent consultant (Group Leader) for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic. Jackie leads and mentors a growing team of consultants (many of whom are therapists integrating organic products into their existing businesses) via the NYRO social selling channel, holding regular team meetings, one-to-one coaching via phone and facetime, and a closed facebook group. All views are my own.