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Remedies for Split Skin on Fingerstips

split skin on fingertip
The weather has gotten cold and wintry here in the Philadelphia area. That means dry skin. Our skin can get so dry and dehydrated in the cold winter air, that it can split open and feel like a paper cut. Splits in the fingertips hurt and make it hard to do everyday tasks. Plus, any openings in the skin allow germs to enter in which can cause an infection.

 My clients have been coming in with super dry skin and splits in their fingertips. The lack of humidity in the outside air and the dry heated air inside buildings, exposure to water, exposure to strong chemicals like nail polish remover and cleaning products are the perfect recipe for dehydrated skin that can lead to splits. 

 We have to take extra care to prevent the dryness that can lead to splits. For instance, I have to protect my thumb while removing the polish from my client's nails to prevent the skin on my thumb from splitting. Working with paper, clay, fabric and clothing also causes dehydration. Those materials absorb moisture and oils from our skin.

 Moisturized hands look younger and more beautiful plus they are healthier. There are a variety of things you can do to help the skin stay better hydrated and heal splits in the skin. 

Remedies to heal and prevent cracked skin:

Topical Treatments
Antibiotic Ointment
Use an antibiotic ointment especially on a deep split. Ointment is better than cream due to it's thicker, more water resistant nature. Apply the antibiotic ointment to the split area then cover it with a Bandaid to keep it protected. Apply the antibiotic ointment 2-3 times per day. Keep it covered until the split mends together.

 Lip Balm
Lip balm creates a nice waxing protective coating for split skin. This works well on splits that are not very deep. Apply the lip balm to the cracked skin to help seal it and ease the sting.

Gloves
Gloves are a fantastic way to protect your hands from getting too dry. There are gloves for all types of tasks. 

 Wear waterproof gloves when cleaning or doing dishes. 

 Wear cotton gloves when dusting or handling something that will absorb the moisture from your hands like folding laundry. 

 Wear gardening gloves when digging in the dirt. 

 Always wear warm winter gloves when you are outside.

 Lotion
Lotions and hand creams are a must! 

 Apply hand lotion or hand cream right after washing your hands. Also, be sure to apply lotion or cream frequently throughout the day. 

 Choose a lotion or cream that has a scent you like so you want to use it. If you don't like fragrance, choose an unscented lotion or cream. 

 Keep a small tube of hand cream in your handbag, in your car and at work so you have it with you to use all day long.

 Hydrating Serum
Try using a hydrating serum before you apply your hand lotion or cream for extra moisture. 

 I like Zoya Naked Manicure Hydrating Hand and Body Serum. It's a spray that instantly hydrates with a light scent. It coordinates with the Zoya Naked Manicure Healing Hand and Body cream which is also excellent!
Intense Night Time Treatment
Do the old fashioned remedy of petroleum jelly and white cotton gloves at bedtime. 

 Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or other thick treatment cream, such as Utterly Smooth, to your hands then cover them with white cotton gloves and go to bed. 

 It's amazingly healing! Look for the white cotton gloves at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon.

 Read Brittle Nails: How to Strengthen Weak Nails
 Here are a few healing creams to try:

Porter's Lotion
This product contains witch hazel, glycerin, alcohol, green soap, ammonium carbonate, camphor and rosemary to help heal cracked and peeling skin.

 Cera V Therapeutic Hand Cream
This healing cream contains Hyaluronic Acid which is fabulous for hydrating the skin.

 Udderly Smooth
This product was made to moisturize and heal cow's skin. For real!!! It contain stearic acid, lanolin and allantoin to heal dry cracked skin.

 Carmex Healing Ointment
Contains petrolatum, lanolin, beeswax, cetyl esters, mineral
oil, cocoa butter, fragrance, camphor, menthol, salicylic acid
and vanillin to soothe and heal the skin.

 Diet
Eat a nutritious diet with lots of fruits and veggies and drink plenty of water for healthier skin. Add more vitamins and fat to your diet to help the skin heal and become stronger so it is more resistant to fingertip splits.

 Water
Try for 8 8 ounce glasses each day to hydrate the skin and improve cell function. That equals about 2 liters or half a gallon.

Take Flax seed oil
It's loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids and is very beneficial for skin health. Add 1 Tablespoon to your diet each day.

 Take Vitamin D
Vitamin is needed for skin cell growth and skin repair. Take a daily supplement or eat more foods containing Vitamin D. Be sure to eat or take magnesium when taking Vitamin D. Vitamin D can deplete your magnesium causing a headache.

 Some foods containing Vitamin D: dairy products, egg yolks, fortified orange juice, fortified alternative milk products, mushrooms grown in sun and fish.

 Some foods containing magnesium: pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, brazil nuts, avocados, almonds, beans and lentils, bananas, dark leafy greens, whole grains, dark chocolate and fish.

 Eat more Omega 3, Omega 6 & Mono Unsaturated Fats
Healthy fats help prevent skin dryness and help your body create healthy skin cells.
  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids:  Soybeans, walnuts, flax seeds and salmon.

 Omega 6 Fatty Acids:  Cereals and grains, oils: flax seed, soybean, corn, sunflower, cottonseed, black currant and evening primrose and egg yolks

Eat mono-unsaturated fats- Avocados, olives, olive oil and nuts.

 Get a Manicure!
See me for a healing manicure at Styling Point in Media, PA

I hope these tips help your fingertips heal super fast and make your hands look more beautiful, especially if you have a sparkly new engagement ring!
princess cut diamond ring
Click here for information on bridal makeup
       Have a Beautiful Day! 
xo
Jill
Licensed Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Makeup Artist

 Wedding, special occasion or everyday makeup and skin care services available in the Philadelphia, Pa. area. Visit my makeup page for more information!

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