Dry skin is uncomfortable and can be hard to treat. When your skin is dry and cracked, though, it can be even more challenging to deal with. Because the skin on your hands, feet, and elbows is thick, it can be prone to these skin issues, especially during the winter. To learn how to prevent it from happening and how to heal cracked skin in these areas, keep reading.
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What Causes Dry, Cracked Skin?
Environmental factors like cold temperatures and a lack of humidity (hi, winter) can cause the skin to become drier than usual and lead to cracking. Other causes include hot water (so stick to lukewarm showers and baths), harsh cleansers, and skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.
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How to Address Dry, Cracked Skin on Your Feet, Hands, and Elbows
Keep Your Showers Short
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that keeping showers and baths short, using a mild cleanser, and opting for a warm instead of a hot water temperature can help prevent dry skin.
Pay Attention to Skin-Care Ingredients
The AAD stresses that those with dry, cracked skin should pay close attention to the ingredients in their skin-care products. Avoid products that contain dehydrating and potentially irritating ingredients like alcohol, fragrance, and harsh sulfates.
Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers can benefit your skin all year but are particularly helpful when your skin needs extra moisture in the fall and winter. The AAD suggests using a humidifier to add some much-needed moisture into the air to help relieve dry, cracked skin.
Moisturize Your Skin Regularly and Use Healing Ointments
Moisturizer or lotion can help replenish and lock in moisture. The AAD recommends applying hand cream after you wash your hands. We like the allergy-tested La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream because it not only moisturizes with shea butter and glycerin but also helps soothe damage from cold weather and frequent hand-washing. When it comes to your feet and elbows, hydrate the areas as needed, especially after taking a bath or shower while your skin is still slightly damp.
If you’re experiencing cracked or chapped skin and your go-to cream or lotion isn’t doing the trick, reach for a soothing balm like the CeraVe Healing Ointment. Formulated to relieve irritation and extreme dryness and restore the skin barrier.
The terms dry skin and dehydrated skin are frequently used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. If your skin feels rough, flaky, and tight, it could mean that you have dry skin, but it can also mean that your skin is just in need of a hydration boost. Vague? We get it. To explain, we tapped board-certified dermatologist and BeautyLeeBar.com expert Dr. Dendy Engelman.
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The Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin
There is a minor (albeit important) distinction between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is a skin condition, and it can affect all skin types. Even oily skin can be dehydrated if it is lacking in moisture and hydration. “Dehydrated skin can be the result of not drinking enough water or liquids,” says Dr. Engelman. “It can also be caused by irritating or drying products, which can strip the skin of its moisture.”
Dry skin, on the other hand, is askin type. “ Anyone can be categorized as having a dry skin type if you have minimal oil production,” says Dr. Engelman. Many factors can play a part example age, climate, genetics, hormones, or untreated dehydrated skin.
The moral of the story? Dry skin lacks oil, and dehydrated skin lacks water.
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How to Know if Your Skin Is Dry or Dehydrated
“Dehydrated skin feels parched and crepe-y,” says Dr. Engelman. “It might have an oily film on the skin because dehydrated skin can be mistaken for dryness by skin cells, causing them to produce excess oil as a result.”
Dry skin tends to flake, so if you see lifted skin — white flecks, usually — you probably have dry skin, Dr. Engelman says. Because dehydrated skin can affect all skin types, it’s possible to suffer from dehydrated skin and dry skin at the same time. When in doubt, consult with a dermatologist.
“ Dry skin will benefit from products that replenish oil and repair the lipid layers of the skin,” Dr. Engelman says. The SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 boasts a maximized concentration of lipids in its formula — including 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids — to help restore the skin’s moisture barrier and provide up to 24 hours of hydration.
Omega Fatty Acids: Fatty, moisturizing molecules that hydrate while visibly restoring and plumping. Hyaluronic Acid: Visibly plumps and supports hydration on the skin‘s delicate surface. Acai Berry Sterols: A plant sterol that is known to mimic and support the cholesterol found naturally in skin.
Tri-Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant in three molecular sizes, that helps boost skin’s moisture content, plump, and smooth skin on multiple levels. Ceramides: A lipid that naturally occurs in skin that helps strengthen the skin barrier and moisturize. Oxygen: Upon contact with air, creates a blanket of bubbles to energize skin and help active ingredients penetrate.
Triple Lipid Complex: Helps to restore skin’s natural lipids and fatty acids for glowing, smooth, healthy-looking skin. Peptide Protein Blend: Nutripeptides support the skin barrier function and help protect the skin from free radical damage. Lily Root Extract: Tightens the look of skin, and helps reduce water loss and support long-term moisturization.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 from The Ordinary is formulated with a combination of low, medium, and high molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, as well as a next-generation hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, at a combined concentration of 2% for multi- depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of B5 for enhanced surface hydration.
Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum strengthens skin while helping defend against skin-aging stressors for youthful, radiant skin. These stressors include UV exposure, pollution and extreme temperatures along with tobacco, stress, lack of sleep and nutrition which can cause dullness, dehydration, fine lines and other signs of aging.
Pro-Vitamin B5 promotes long-term hydration and healthy looking skin. Three molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid pull moisture deep into the skin (and keep it there) to instantly smooth the skin’s surface. The silky formula is fast-absorbing and never sticky—designed to layer with moisturizers and makeup.
It’s a little known fact that face masks can solve any of life’s problems. Bad day at work? Face mask. Overplucked your eyebrows? Face mask. Rent is due next week and you have less than five euro in your bank account? Face mask. Accidentally swiped left to a super hot guy with a dog on Tinder? Face mask.
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While it may not exactly ~solve~ those problems, a face mask will, however, distract you long enough that you won’t become a nervous wreck and that’s pretty much the same thing. But face masks can be time-consuming, especially if you go the DIY route. So that’s why when sheet masks first came on the scene, our lazy but enjoys-being-pampered selves were thrilled.
Simply take out of the packet, pop on your face, leave for 15 minutes and boom, glowing skin. Easy right? Well, actually no – it’s not that simple. Turns out there’s actually a fine art to applying a sheet mask that until now, nobody was aware of.
It may be that you forgot to set a timer, you applied too much product, or you simply picked up the wrong formula. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Thankfully, this is a judgement-free zone and we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for common mistakes and a few tips on applying (and removing) a sheet mask correctly.
So okay, maybe this seems like an obvious one but we bet at some stage in your sheet mask life, you’ve bought one just because it’s metallic gold…and not because it’s actually good for your skin. Hey, no judgement, we’ve done it too, but as fun as it is to have a metallic gold face for 15 minutes, you really should start paying attention to what skin type those face masks are designed for and buying the ones that best suit you and your skin.
From foundation to ketchup, we’ve got a heavy hand when it comes to liquids and it’s no different when we use an ‘apply it yourself’ face mask. Look, there are days where our skin feels extra crap so we tend to whack on a thicker layer than usual to give our skin that bit more TLC but the truth is: it’s actually doing more damage.
If we have a special event coming up, we often get a bit too excited because it gives us an excuse to pamper ourselves. But guess what? You don’t need an excuse to treat yourself. You should be incorporating a face mask into your weekly skincare routine. If you’re unsure of how frequently you should be using a face mask, check the back of the packaging because no two face masks are the same. Some will suggest once a week only where others will recommend 3-4 times a week.
So picture this: you’re having a no make-up day and it hits about 8 pm and you’re feeling very proud of yourself for giving your face a chance to breathe so you think about treating it that bit more by doing a face mask, so you just lash it on without washing your face first. Sound familiar? Us too. Just because you haven’t applied makeup to remove doesn’t mean you can skip a cleanse. You should be applying your face mask to clean, dry skin so not giving your face a wash beforehand just means you’re layering a face mask on top of dirt and bacteria it’s picked up during the day… #gross.
Hate to break this one to you but a face mask doesn’t solve all of life’s problems. After masking, you aren’t finished. You need to carry on with your regular skincare regime, applying toner, serum and most importantly a moisturizer is key to locking in all those face mask benefits.
Okay, so maybe you’re thinking we’re the silly ones for not already knowing this but you should be cutting your face mask to make it fit your face. We mean once you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. You cut your false eyelashes to fit your eyes, so you should be cutting your sheet mask to fit your face instead of almost suffocating because it’s too big.
Now judge us all you want, but sometimes we just can’t find the energy to wash our brushes but applying a face mask with an unwashed brush is utterly pointless. Not only are you contaminating your tub of face mask by dipping a dirty brush into the pot, but you’re also then smearing all that bacteria around your face which is doing more harm than good.
It happens: the packet says to leave on for 15 minutes so you take to Instagram to fill the time but you get carried away creeping on your crush account and suddenly, an hour has gone by. Leaving a face mask on longer than it should be is actually super harmful to your skin because the benefits only apply while the mask is still wet. Once the mask dries out, it begins to draw moisture and vitamins away from your face as opposed to nourishing the skin like intended.
Again, so maybe we really just didn’t have a clue about sheet masks to begin with but we’re feeling confident that you too have at one stage or another worn a sheet mask the wrong way round. It’s time to set the record straight reveal that the side facing the paper is the side you should be applying to our skin. Groundbreaking, we know.
As a beauty editor, I spend a lot of time telling you about the stuff you need. You know, the game-changing lotions and potions that will smooth your skin, give you shiny hair, make your hands hella soft, and a whole host of other beauty wish list items. But today, I’m coming at you with a cold, hard fact you might not be ready to hear. Here’s the truth: Mediocrity abounds in the beauty industry. That’s right. So much of the stuff out there marketed as miracle workers don’t do much at all.
As you can imagine, I get an up-close, firsthand look at the ploys and truth-stretching that takes place, but as a consumer, I’m sure you’ve also had your suspicions. If I’m being totally honest, there are too many products that fall short of their trumped-up claims to even count. I suppose that’s not the most terrible thing—it offers choices and opportunities to indulge in the extras in the name of self-care—but if you’re anything like me, pointless products take up valuable vanity real estate I’d much rather reserve for products that will help me look and feel my best.
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Of course, it’s true that carrying out prolonged skin, hair, and makeup regimens can be super relaxing and, on the whole, can make us look and feel fab, even if only temporarily. I’m not disputing that at all. But when it comes down to it, there are some beauty products that, on their own, are just mediocre. I sure hope this is a safe space because I’m about to put it all on the line to share five beauty products you can absolutely skip and still be a Megan Thee Stallion-level hot girl. (Okay, maybe not Megan level—she’s in a league of her own.) Without further ado, scroll on for the five mediocre beauty products you can skip and five great ones to hold onto.
Let’s face it: Essence is extra. The charged liquids are heavily featured in K-beauty skincare lines and are said to hydrate and rebalance the skin and essentially prime it for moisturizer. But if your routine is already stacked with serums and moisturizers that leave your skin feeling adequately hydrated, this is a step you can skip without consequence. If you’re looking for a liquid to swipe over your face that will actually make a discernable difference, reach for a good chemical exfoliator to boost your glow by keeping dead skin cells at bay. Makeup artists swear by prepping the skin with gentle versions of these liquids for the most flawless application.
I’m all about saving time and shower space, but not at the expense of my hair. That’s why I’ve taken a pretty firm stance against products that combine shampoo and conditioner in the same bottle. I’ve been known to carry out the occasional conditioner-only rinse—known in the curly hair community as a co-wash—to keep my hair from drying out, but beyond that, shampooing and conditioning my hair happens in two very separate steps. I’m sure two-in-one hair cleansers can get the job done when you’re in a pinch, but the product buildup situation just isn’t worth it in my opinion. I even learned from a dermatologist recently that decoupling shampoo and conditioner is essential for combatting some inflammatory scalp issues. Hydrating shampoos like this famous Davines one help to infuse nutrients into the hair without weighing it down as certain shampoo and conditioner hybrids can.
My love of sheet masks is well documented, which is why it truly pains me to acknowledge their endless online scrutiny. (Skincare Twitter is a brutal place!) In all honesty, the thing I love most about these cloth or hydrogel face coverings is that you can’t really walk around while you wear them, so in essence, they force you to sit still and fully indulge in the act of boosting your skin’s hydration. While I’ve seen the plumping effect of these masks firsthand, I’m woman enough to admit that dropping them from my routine wouldn’t be detrimental to my skin in the slightest. Reaching for my favorite serums with hydrating, plumping, brightening, and tightening ingredients (the same stuff these masks are soaked in) is totally sufficient. And between us, I’m keeping my sheet masks on hand for those days I just need a little luxuriating.
Yes, feet have entered the chat. This topic isn’t at all glamorous, but footcare is important, too! The only thing worse than dry, cracked heels is investing in a special cream that doesn’t work any better than the thick body butter you already use on your other body parts. As with any skincare woe, smothering creams or oils over dead skin is pointless, so keeping the thick skin on our feet exfoliated is a good start for making sure any product is able to do more than just sit on the surface. Real ones know about the disgusting satisfaction of the Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel ($25), but of course, if you’re experiencing foot dryness that’s severe or concerning, be sure to check in with a trusted healthcare professional.
Shaving cream does its job just fine, but it’s just not the only product that adequately softens and conditions hair ahead of shaving. Hair conditioner, a product most people already have readily available in their showers, also gets the job done. The day I learned conditioner was the perfect substitute for the thick, mousse-like cream I’d been beholden to since the day my mom armed me with my first razor, I stopped buying shaving cream and haven’t looked back. (This happened by accident, by the way.) I like to use Nair Hair Removal Aloe Lotion ($5), it is more gentle than using a razor which causes irritation to skin. But, if I’m ever out of that, I reach for conditioner without a second thought. This hack has come in especially handy for those conditioners I’ve purchased only to discover they don’t agree with my hair. Rather than tossing them in the trash, I instead repurpose them for shaving.
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