Should You Wear Cotton Gloves After Applying Hand Balm?

Key Takeaways

• Boosts Hydration: Cotton gloves work by creating a sealed environment that boosts your skin’s ability to absorb hand balm through a process called occlusion.

• Promotes Healing: The combination of This intensive hydration and a protective barrier is a are great ways to soothe and repair dry, irritated hands, and conditions like dermatitis.
  
• For Best Results: Use a quality product like Dermal Therapy Hand Balm, which works with your cotton gloves to provide a deep, restorative treatment.

Dealing with dry, cracked, and irritated hands can be a constant challenge, whether from frequent washing, harsh weather, or skin conditions like dermatitis. You may have seen cotton gloves pop up as a popular solution, but do they really make a difference? This blog explores the benefits of moisturising hands with gloves, and if they deserve a place in your hand care routine.

What Are Cotton Gloves for Moisturising?

Hand moisturising gloves are a simple but effective tool for intensive hand care. They’re lightweight gloves, usually made of 100% cotton, designed to be worn after you apply a hand balm or cream. Their primary purpose is to create a barrier that locks in moisture, allowing your skin to deeply absorb the active ingredients in your hand care product.

Why Use Cotton Gloves After Applying Hand Balm?

The effectiveness of these gloves comes from a process called occlusion. When you apply a rich balm and cover your hands with a pair of cotton gloves, you prevent the product from rubbing off and moisture from evaporating into the air. This sealed environment helps to significantly boost your skin’s hydration levels, providing an extended period for deep repair, especially when worn overnight. 

This method is backed by research. A 2021 study published in The Journal of Dermatology found that the daily use of cotton gloves with a topical moisturiser over four weeks helped reduce the severity of hand eczema.

5 Benefits of Using Cotton Gloves for Dermatitis and Dry Skin

Ready to transform your hand care routine? Here’s how a simple pair of cotton gloves could provide a new level of healing and protection for sensitive skin.

1. Enhances Hydration

Wearing cotton gloves creates a protective barrier that seals in moisture. This occlusion process boosts your skin’s absorption of hand balm, leading to more effective hydration and repair for very dry or compromised skin.

2. Reduces Irritation

As a physical barrier, cotton gloves for dermatitis prevent you from scratching dry, irritated skin, which can worsen symptoms and cause further damage.

3. Protects Skin from Irritants

The gloves shield your hands from external irritants like dust, allergens, or harsh chemicals you might encounter daily.

4. Promotes Healing

By creating a clean, sealed environment, cotton gloves support the healing process, giving your skin the ideal conditions to repair itself overnight.

5. Optimises Product Use

Gloves ensure your hand balm stays on your skin rather than rubbing off, meaning you get the most out of every application.

How to Use Moisturising Gloves for Optimal Results

To get the maximum benefit from your hand care routine, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use your moisturising gloves with Dermal Therapy Hand Balm. It contains a unique blend of 10% Uurea and 2% Ddimethicone for deep and lasting results.

1. Start with clean, dry hands: Ensure your hands are clean before applying any product to maximise absorption.

2. Apply a generous amount of hand balm: Use Dermal Therapy Hand Balm to apply a generous layer all over your hands, focusing on dry or cracked areas.

3. Put on your gloves: Immediately after applying the balm, slip on your hand moisturising gloves to lock in the product.

4. Wear overnight: For best results, wear the gloves overnight. Hydration gloves give you a full night of deep conditioning and repair.

5. Remove and rinse: In the morning, remove the gloves and gently rub any remaining balm into your skin before rinsing your hands.

For a complete routine, explore Dermal Therapy’s full range of hand-care products designed to soothe, repair, and protect even the most sensitive skin.

More Hand Care Tips from Dermal Therapy

For long-lasting results, using moisturising gloves isn’t the only step in a great hand care routine. Dermal Therapy recommends a consistent approach to keep your hands healthy and soft.

• Protect Your Hands: Wear gloves when doing household chores like washing dishes or cleaning. This shields your skin from harsh chemicals that can strip away natural oils.

• Moisturise Regularly: Keep a hand cream with you and apply it throughout the day, especially after washing your hands. This helps to replenish lost moisture and prevent dryness.

• Wash with Care: Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser that won’t dry out your skin. Harsh soaps can compromise your skin’s protective barrier.

• Exfoliate Gently: For very rough or flaky skin, a gentle exfoliation once a week can help remove dead skin cells and allow your hand balm to penetrate more effectively.

Find more helpful answers to your skincare questions in our article, How to Use Hand Balm for Damaged Skin.

The Final Verdict on Hand Hydration

Using cotton gloves with a quality hand balm is an effective way to transform dry, irritated hands. This simple method boosts hydration by creating a sealed environment that allows your skin to fully absorb key ingredients, promoting overnight healing. To find the right solution for your hands, explore the full Dermal Therapy Hand Care range.