'I'm a dermatologist – banish dry hands overnight using one item you already own'

Cropped shot of woman in robe applying moisturizer cream on hands. Concept of cold season skin protection. Female rubbing nourishing body lotion to palm over white copy space background, web banner
-Credit:Getty Images


A dermatologist has shared the easiest way to banish dry skin on your hands, and you won't need to buy any expensive products to see results.

Across the UK, temperatures remain low and wind and snow battered much of the country last week – and for many of us, our skin is bearing the brunt. Cold, wintry weather can lead to chapped hands, lips and faces, and once the damage has been done, it can be difficult to restore our skin to the condition it was in before.

Luckily, an expert has shared a simple fix that can be done overnight that he claims will have the skin on your hands feeling supple and soft once more. Taking to TikTok, New York-based dermatologist Dr Mark – who goes by Dermarktologist on the social media platform – shared that all you need to get your skin looking healthy again is a pair of cotton gloves and some petroleum jelly, like Vaseline.

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"Dermatologist saves you from cracked, dry hands," the video began. First, Dr Mark told viewers to soak their hands in warm water for five minutes before patting them dry with a towel.

It's important not to dry hands completely. Instead, make sure they are still slightly moist from the water.

Next, Dr Mark instructed viewers to "acquire [a] massive tub of petroleum jelly" before covering your hands with "large amounts" of it. Cover your hands with "white cotton gloves," he said – although cotton gloves of any colour will do the job – and wear them to bed.

"Wake up with soft hands," Dr Mark concluded. This advice was backed up by another skin expert, who goes by Dermguru on TikTok.

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She recommended soaking hands in warm water for about 10 minutes before repeating the same steps Dr Mark recommended. People were quick to comment on the video, with one person writing: "Thank you!!"

Another added: "My mom did this with my [hands] growing up (harsh desert winters) and i still have the smoothest hands to this day lmao."

However, not everyone was convinced. One person chimed in: "I do this every PM and they are smooth in the AM but go straight back to being dry and cracked again same day."

The Vaseline website recommends a similar ritual to get rid of dry, cracked skin. It says: "Before bed, rub a layer of Vaseline Healing Jelly or Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Moisture Jelly Cream onto your entire hand (including the back and between the fingers).

"Then, put on a pair of cotton gloves to help seal in the moisture. In the morning, your hands should already feel softer!"

According to to Joshua Zeichner, MD – Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Department of Dermatology at Mt Sinai Hospital in New York City – petroleum jelly can be used to alleviate symptoms of cracking or painfully dry skin, particularly if you have been over-washing your hands. Speaking to Men's Health, he said: "Most people may already have one of the best skin care products on the market in their homes. Vaseline petroleum jelly is truly a jack of all trades."