Moisturizing Gloves: The Overnight Solution To Dry Hands You Probably Haven't Heard Of
The skin on the hands can become dry and cracked for many different reasons. In particular, the environment you live in plays a significant role. People are more likely to deal with dry hands in the winter because no moisture is in the air, and the cold wind will leave them chapped. Excessive hand washing can also be a contributing factor, as the soap strips your skin each time you use it. Certain medical conditions can lead to severely dry hands, too; people with eczema or psoriasis are more likely to deal with cracked, irritated, and peeling skin, according to Healthline.
If you notice your hands feeling dry even after putting on lotion, a simple solution to your problem may be wearing moisturizing gloves while you sleep. These gloves deliver hydration to your skin through the gel that they're lined with. Since you wear them for multiple hours, and the fabric locks in the ingredients, your hands will be incredibly smooth and supple when you take them off.
How do moisturizing gloves work?
Moisturizing gloves may be your new favorite product if you suffer from dry hands. They work by creating a barrier over your skin while delivering hydrating ingredients. That way, the moisture is locked in and can't escape from your hands. The process works similarly to the slugging trend for your face, except it's less messy, since the fabric holds the product against your skin and prevents it from getting all over the place.
There are many different versions of moisturizing gloves. Some come with products already in them, some require you to put on your own lotion, and some are only single-use paper gloves. You can even find those specifically designed for people with sensitive skin, or skin conditions, such as Dermrelief Moisture Gloves.
"Moisturizing gloves are designed to keep ceramides, nutrition, and moisture on the skin to coat, adhere, soften, penetrate and permeate our often overworked, overwashed, dry, and dehydrated skin on the hands, fingernails, and cuticles," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban told Byrdie. Formulas usually include ingredients that replenish nutrients in the skin, and those that lock in moisture; some of the most common ingredients include hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.
Tips for getting the most out of your moisturizing gloves
The best time to wear your moisturizing gloves is before bed. That way, you won't need to use your hands as much, and they can stay inside the gloves for an extended period of time. The longer you wear them, the more time your skin has to absorb the goodness within. Plus, the weather is usually cooler at night, so your hands are less likely to sweat inside the gloves and feel gross or develop heat rash, per Health Direct. Keep them by your nightstand to remind yourself to put them on before bed.
Picking the right pair of gloves is essential. If they're a reusable version, make sure they fit without feeling too tight. You don't want them to cut off your circulation! It's also important to make sure you clean them before wearing them again. Otherwise, any dirt, dead skin cells, and sweat can cause bacteria to grow and irritate your hands (via Industrial Safety & Hygiene News).
If you have gloves that already have a moisturizer inside, all you have to do next is put them on and go to bed. For the other kind, you'll need to apply a thick layer of lotion before slipping on the gloves. Then remove them in the morning for super hydrated hands.