Ask Ava-Ann: Holiday Baking & Hand Care
Hey Ava-Ann! I love baking during the holidays, but my hands can get so dry from all the washing and cooking. What can I do to keep them soft and smooth? — Pat R.
First off, I totally get it—there's something magical about baking during the holidays. The smell of freshly baked cookies fills the house, and it just feels like home. But, oh boy, those repeated washings can leave our hands feeling drier than a piece of overcooked turkey! 🦃
I've been there—last holiday season, I baked up a storm, and by the end of it, my hands were begging for mercy!
So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips to keep those hands feeling soft and smooth, even while you’re whipping up all those delicious treats! 🍪
1. Start with a Gentle Cleanser 🧼
When you're baking, your hands can get pretty messy, and washing them frequently is essential. But, constant washing can strip away your natural oils, leaving your hands feeling dry and rough. 😩 That’s why it’s important to make sure you're using a soap that’s gentle and doesn’t strip away those natural oils.
You can use Dove Beauty Bar, which is super hydrating and perfect for keeping your hands soft while washing away all that flour and sugar. Or guess what? You can even use our Ocean Intense Cleanser! 💧 It’s not just great for your face; it’s gentle enough for your hands, too! It cleanses without stripping moisture from your skin, so you can wash up without worry.
2. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! 🧴
After washing, don’t forget to slather on a good hand cream. I swear by keeping a tube of rich hand cream in every room—kitchen, bathroom, even next to my bed! 🤭 It’s so easy to forget to moisturize, especially when you’re busy baking, but a quick application makes all the difference.
Tip: Look for creams with nourishing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. I’ve found that a little goes a long way, especially if you apply it while your hands are still slightly damp. It locks in that moisture beautifully!
Some of my favorite moisturizers include:
- Noche's Fresh Collagen Body Milk: This lightweight yet hydrating body milk is perfect for keeping your hands (and the rest of your skin!) soft and smooth.
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it’s a fantastic option that deeply hydrates without feeling greasy.
- L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: This classic is rich and nourishing, making it a lovely treat for your hands during the colder months.
3. Give Yourself a Hand Mask 👐
On those days when you’re spending hours in the kitchen, treat your hands to a little more TLC afterward. You can make a simple DIY hand mask with ingredients right from your kitchen!
Recipe for a Nourishing Hand Mask:
- 1 tablespoon of honey 🍯 (moisturizing)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil 🫒 (hydrating)
- Mix together and massage into your hands.
- Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse off and follow up with your favorite hand cream.
4. Protect Your Hands 🧤
Before diving into any messy baking project, try wearing gloves. I know, I know—gloves can feel a bit clunky, but they’re lifesavers! They keep your hands protected from drying ingredients and the cold water from washing dishes. Plus, they save your manicure if you have one! 💅
5. Stay Hydrated 🍋
You’ve heard it before, but hydration really matters! Drink plenty of water while you’re baking. Staying hydrated helps your skin stay supple and soft from the inside out. Sometimes, I infuse my water with slices of lemon or berries for a refreshing twist!
6. Nighttime Rituals 🌙
If you’ve been baking all day and your hands need even more care, try doing a little extra pampering right after your regular skincare routine. After washing your face and applying your usual products, take a moment to apply a thick layer of hand cream.
If you have cotton gloves, pop those on over the cream—this way, you don’t have to worry about it while you relax for the evening. You’ll wake up with hands that feel soft and pampered! 💤💖
Whisking You a Wonderful Holiday Season 🥣
Baking can be a beautiful way to spread joy during the holidays, and it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your skin. With these tips, you can keep your hands soft and smooth while enjoying all those delicious moments in the kitchen.
And Pat, feel free to share that DIY hand mask recipe with your baking buddies! 😉✨
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season filled with sweet treats and happy memories!
Ava-Ann
These are great suggestions. Thank you very much for the tips and array of products and ways to use them.