Winter weather can be harsh on our hands, leaving them dry, chapped, and sore. When the temperature drops, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect our hands from the cold.

Here are 30 easy ways to keep your hands warm and healthy all winter long.

1. Wear Gloves

One of the most obvious ways to protect your hands from the cold is to wear gloves. Pick a pair that is warm and insulated, and wear them every time you go outside.

2. Use Hand Cream

To keep your hands moisturized and prevent them from getting dry and cracked, apply hand cream regularly throughout the day. Choose a cream that is nourishing and absorbs quickly.

3. Invest in Hand Warmers

If your hands tend to get very cold, even with gloves on, invest in some hand warmers. These are small packets that use chemical reactions to generate heat and keep your hands warm for several hours.

4. Layer Up

When you’re heading out into the cold, make sure you’re wearing layers to keep your whole body warm. This will help to keep your hands from getting too cold as well.

5. Avoid Wet Gloves

If your gloves get wet, they will actually make your hands colder. Make sure to change into dry gloves if your first pair gets damp.

6. Carry Hand Sanitizer

During cold and flu season, it’s important to keep your hands clean to avoid getting sick. Carry hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly to kill germs.

7. Wear Mittens

If your fingers get very cold, consider wearing mittens instead of gloves. Mittens keep your fingers together, which can help them stay warmer.

8. Use Petroleum Jelly

A little petroleum jelly on your hands before you head out into the cold can help to protect them from the wind and cold air.

9. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water during the day can help to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness and cracking.

10. Avoid Hot Water

After you’ve been outside in the cold, make sure to avoid washing your hands in hot water. Hot water can further dry out your skin, leaving them even more damaged.

11. Wear Driving Gloves

If you’re driving in the winter, consider wearing driving gloves to keep your hands warm and grip the steering wheel better.

12. Use Sunscreen

UV rays can still damage your skin in the winter, so it’s important to use sunscreen on your hands if you’ll be outside for an extended period of time.

13. Avoid Harsh Soaps

Harsh soaps can further dry out your skin and make it more susceptible to damage from the cold. Use gentle, moisturizing soaps instead.

14. Wear Fingerless Gloves

If you need to use your phone or other touchscreen device while you’re outside, consider wearing fingerless gloves to keep your hands warm while still being able to use your fingers.

15. Avoid Direct Heat

When you come back inside from the cold, it’s tempting to warm your hands up quickly by holding them close to a heater or fireplace. However, this can actually cause more damage to your skin. Make sure to warm up slowly.

16. Use a Humidifier

If the air in your home is very dry, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and keep your skin from getting too dry.

17. Use a Balm

A thicker, more protective balm can be a good choice for especially cold or windy days. Look for a product that contains beeswax or another type of barrier ingredient.

18. Avoid Alcohol-Based Products

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and other products can further dry out your skin and make it more susceptible to damage from the cold. Look for gentler alternatives.

19. Wear a Scarf

Keeping your neck and face warm can help to keep blood flowing to your hands and keep them warmer as well.

20. Avoid Scratching

When your skin is dry and irritated, it can be tempting to scratch. However, this can actually make the problem worse. Instead, use lotion or balm to soothe any itching.

21. Wear Waterproof Gloves

If you’ll be outside in the snow, make sure to wear waterproof gloves to keep your hands dry and warm.

22. Avoid Overheating

If you’re inside where it’s warm, make sure to pay attention to the temperature. Overheating can cause your skin to become dry and uncomfortable, even if it’s cold outside.

23. Avoid Windy Areas

When possible, avoid areas where the wind is very strong. This can cause your skin to become very dry and chapped.

24. Use a Hand Mask

If your hands are very dry and damaged, use a moisturizing hand mask to help repair the skin.

25. Take Vitamins

Vitamins like E and C can help to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

26. Use a Nighttime Treatment

Before you go to bed, apply a thick, moisturizing hand cream or balm to your hands and let it soak in overnight.

27. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can help to keep your skin healthy and prevent dryness and cracking. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and stay hydrated.

28. Wear Liner Gloves

If you need extra warmth, consider wearing liner gloves underneath your regular gloves.

29. Don’t Rub Your Hands Together

When you’re trying to warm up your hands, rubbing them together can actually cause more irritation. Instead, try blowing hot air on them or holding them close to your body to warm them up.