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Winter Hand Care: Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy, Soft Skin

13 June 2025

Winter is on the way, and with it comes colder temperatures and lower humidity. While cosy weather is welcome, your hands might not agree! Dry, chapped, and even cracked skin are common issues when the air gets chilly and indoor heating kicks in. But with a few simple hand care habits, you can keep your skin soft and protected all season long.

Why Winter Is Tough on Your Hands

Hands are constantly exposed to the elements, making them especially vulnerable in winter. Cold air, wind, and indoor heating strip away natural oils, often leading to dryness and irritation. Starting a winter hand care routine early can prevent these common issues. Kroko, a leading South African manufacturer of skincare products, has shared the do’s and don’ts to keep your hands soft and smooth this winter.

Kroko’s Do’s and Don’ts of Winter Hand Care

1. Don’t Use Hot Water

It’s tempting to warm up by washing your hands in hot water, but this can strip away moisture. Stick to lukewarm water to avoid drying out your skin.

2. Do Moisturise Often

After washing, apply a rich hand cream—ideally with UV protection—to lock in moisture. Keep a moisturiser next to your sink for easy access.

3. Do Choose Gentle Soaps

Harsh soaps can make dryness worse. Use gentle, moisturising hand soaps that clean without stripping your skin’s natural barrier.

4. Do Wear Gloves

Gloves are your best friend in winter! Wear them outdoors to protect from cold winds, and indoors when cleaning or washing dishes to avoid harsh detergents.

5. Do Exfoliate (But Gently!)

Exfoliate your hands once a week with a mild scrub to remove dead skin cells. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin’s protective layer, so keep it light.

6. Do Stay Hydrated

Hydration starts from within. Drink plenty of water, even in winter, to help keep your skin supple.

7. Do Treat Cracks Quickly

Even with the best care, you may still suffer from cracked skin on the fingers or around your nails. Kroko’s FingerFix is a fast-acting, colourless solution that protects and helps heal cracked fingers without the fuss of bulky plasters. It’s ideal for anyone who works with their hands—whether you’re a chef, carpenter, doctor, someone who may need to wear latex gloves or just someone who suffers from dry hands in winter.

Keep Your Hands Happy This Winter

With a little extra care, your hands can stay soft and comfortable all winter long. For more information on Kroko FingerFix and other Kroko skincare products, visit www.kroko.co.za or email info@kroko.co.za, or follow Krokofootcare on Facebook or kroko_footcare on Instagram.

KROKO ® is a registered trade mark of Kroko Health Care (Pty) Ltd
Copyright 2020 Kroko Health Care (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved.

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