scientific shit
L98.8 –Other specified disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Xeroderma is derived from the Greek words for “dry skin”.
The main culprit
Lack of moisture –
- During winter, the humidity in the outside air plunges – inside, things are even drier. Then, washing your hands more frequently decreases whatever natural oils are left in your skin.
- The skin barrier is a mix of proteins, lipids, and oils. It protects the the skin – it’s thickness dictates reactions to harsh conditions.
- Just like everything else, it’s all about them genes, baby.
For me, I blame my profession. That and flu shots. I am forever washing my hands. Also, that powdery shit inside disposable gloves wreaks havoc on my epidermis.
those available resources
Emollients act as lubricants on the surface on the skin. They fill the crevices between cells that are ready to be shed and help the loose edges of the dead skin cells that are left behind stick together. Ingredients such as lanolin, jojoba oil, squalene, and glycerol stearate generally cause that slippery feeling you get after applying a moisturizer.
Humectants draw moisture from the environment to the skin’s surface, increasing the water content of the skin’s outer layer. Common humectants are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, and lactic acid. These tend to be absorbed into the skin more readily. Translation: less residual ickyness on hands.
During my almost thirty years in retail (insert: heavy sigh), I worked the midnight shift. Back then, winter storms weren’t named- snide comment intended. One February, my hands were screaming from the endless winter. I went out onto the sales floor and tested every available hand cream stocked. My criteria for day use of hand cream is very short – no greasy residue after application and fragrance-free. The two products I found then are still my favorites even today. Consequently, they both start with the letter most often found on my college transcript.
- Curel
- Cerave
Recently, I discovered O’Keeffe’s Working Hand’s. Wow! This stuff really … works. Though, there is the slightest grittiness after being applied. Other than that, this is some good shit, man.
prevention
- drink lots of water to maintain hydration
- vitamin supplements with biotin and hyaluronic acid
- eat Jello – gelatin is amazing for hair, skin, and nails. Besides, it’s fun – it really does jiggle
- when hand washing – use warm water and mild soap. If necessary, hand sanitizer may be substituted according to my uncited source. I disagree. I hate that shit – the smell is gross. And, it’s alcohol based. How is that good? My hands cower from pain on contact with that stuff.
- humidifier – room units or incorporated into furnace add moisture to the air
Well, that’s about it. I am officially washing my hands of the topic. I will generously apply hand cream afterward, of course. Hope the information was useful. I can’t remember what that damn Groundhog saw, or didn’t see for that matter. Either way, slather up. There’s lots of winter still to come.
