We all know the struggle: winter arrives, the air turns cold and dry, and suddenly, our hands feel rough, tight, and anything but soft. The culprit? Harsh weather conditions paired with indoor heating that strip moisture from your skin. But here's the good news: there's a simple and effective way to fight back—and it starts with understanding occlusives.
What Are Occlusives?
Occlusives are your skin’s ultimate ally when it comes to locking in hydration. These ingredients form a barrier on the skin, preventing moisture from escaping and shielding it from external aggressors like cold air, wind, and pollution. They work by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL)—the natural evaporation of water from the skin—which is especially important for the delicate, biologically unique skin on your hands.
Why Hands Need Special Attention
The skin on your hands is thinner and has fewer oil glands compared to other parts of your body. This makes it more prone to dryness, irritation, and visible signs of aging. Add frequent handwashing and exposure to the elements, and it’s no wonder our hands need extra care. While many of us have multi-step skincare routines for our faces, our hands often get overlooked. It’s time to change that.
How Occlusives Work Their Magic
When applied over a moisturizer, occlusives create a seal that traps hydration, allowing your skin to reap the full benefits of your skincare products. Think of it as the final step in your routine—a protective layer that ensures your hands stay soft, smooth, and radiant.
You have two key options for incorporating occlusives into your hand care:
-
Occlusive Ingredients: Look for products containing petrolatum, silicones, natural waxes (like carnauba or beeswax), or rich plant-based oils and butters. These ingredients coat the skin, locking in moisture for hours.
-
Occlusive Barriers: Habelo’s Treatment-Boosting Gloves offer a next-level solution. Lined with medical-grade silicone, these patent-pending, reusable gloves create a physical occlusive barrier. Unlike thick creams, they won’t absorb your moisturizer. Instead, they seal it in, delivering deep hydration and maximizing your results. Bonus: they also provide UPF 50 sun protection, making them as functional as they are stylish.
Why This Matters Right Now
The winter cold might have us all dreaming of warmer destinations, but whether you’re staying home or planning a getaway, your hands need hydration now more than ever. Cold air and indoor heating are notorious for depleting skin of moisture, leaving hands feeling rough, dry, and vulnerable. Hydration is not just about looking good—it’s about maintaining your skin’s health and resilience.
Our Pro Tip for Ultimate Hydration
Start with a nourishing moisturizer, like Habelo’s Activating Hand Serum, packed with bioactive ingredients that work with your skin’s natural chemistry. Follow it up with an occlusive layer—whether it’s your favorite balm or our Treatment-Boosting Gloves—to lock in those benefits.
The Results Speak for Themselves
In an independent clinical trial with 33 participants over 8 weeks, after just two weeks of our Activating Hand Serum:
- 90.6% of participants said their hands became less dry.
- 87.5% noticed their hands felt more hydrated.
- 84.4% agreed their hands felt softer and smoother.
- 81.3% said their hands looked healthier.
Final Thoughts
Your hands work hard—they deserve skincare that works just as hard. Whether you’re braving the cold or escaping to warmer weather, don’t skip this essential step in your routine. With the right combination of hydration and protection, your hands can stay soft, healthy, and radiant all year long.