As the temperature drops outside, so does the humidity. Cold air holds less moisture. It won’t be much better inside in most cases, as heating tends to dry air out. It is no wonder so many people are troubled with dry skin during the colder months. But what can they do to solve cracked fingertips and chapped hands?
How to Solve Cracked Fingertips:
Q. In the past I had trouble with dry skin. Now after I shower I use coconut oil all over my body, including my damp hair.
This has improved my skin far better than any expensive creams and lotions. I no longer have cracked fingertips or frizzy hair. Even my complexion has improved.
Virgin Coconut Oil Is a Good Moisturizer:
A. Virgin coconut oil is often used as a moisturizer. Studies have shown it is more effective than mineral oil for easing dry skin (Contact Dermatitis, March, 2004) and eczema (International Journal of Dermatology, Jan., 2014). Coconut oil also discourages the overgrowth of common skin pathogens that can cause problems such as cracking fingertips (Dermatitis, Nov-Dec., 2008). It’s great you found a way to use it to solve cracked fingertips.
Dermatologists advise that your approach, applying moisturizer after a shower while the skin is still damp, is most effective. The skin should be blotted rather than rubbed dry with a towel, and the strongest moisturizer that can be tolerated should be applied. Most strong moisturizers are greasy, so having a product that tends to soak into the skin like virgin coconut oil is helpful.
“A Word from the Sponsor:”
As television shows used to say, decades ago, we now offer a word from the sponsor, in this case, The People’s Pharmacy. Our Winter Skin Survival Kit contains no virgin coconut oil, alas. But it does contain Udderly Smooth Extra Care 20 Cream in both a handy 2-ounce tube and a generous 8-ounce tub. It also contains three of our all-natural People’s Pharmacy Pomegranate Lip Care tubes. It’s a great collection for cold-weather moisturizing.
