As autumn takes hold and winter looms, an expert has shared a crucial tip to keep your soft and smooth during the colder months.

Dr Anil Sharma, a medical doctor at , explains that the cold air of these seasons can cause our skin to become dry, leading to sore, cracked, and even bleeding hands. He said: "In winter, noticeable signs of dry skin include flakiness, roughness, tightness, itching, and even raw or chapped areas. Our hands are particularly prone to dryness due to their frequent use."

He further explains that cold temperatures lower humidity, drawing moisture from the skin, while indoor heating systems exacerbate this dryness by reducing moisture levels in the air. Hot showers and harsh soaps can also strip the skin of its natural oils, contributing to dryness.

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For those prone to dry hands in winter, he recommends using moisturisers with nourishing ingredients like glycerin, jojoba oil, shea butter and aloe vera. Dr Sharma, a skincare expert, has shared his top tips for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy - and it involves more than just slapping on some moisturiser. He suggests wearing gloves to bed, but not for the reason you might think,

"If your cuticles are still flaky, dry, or hardening, consider establishing a nighttime routine with oils rich in vitamins and moisturising properties. Oils like coconut, argan, and almond are high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that supports the formation of protective membranes for skin cells," he explained.

He went on to say: "You might also try a multi-benefit oil like jojoba, which contains not only vitamin E but also vitamin A, promoting smooth and youthful skin, as well as vitamin B, which acts as an antioxidant and helps protect against free radicals and cell damage."

Once you've picked your oil, Dr Sharma recommends applying a few drops to each cuticle using either a cotton ball or a brush, depending on what works best for you. Then, gently massage the oil into your cuticles for a few minutes to stimulate blood circulation and ensure the oil is absorbed deeply into the skin.

The final step? Slip on a pair of cotton gloves. These gloves help trap your body's natural heat, allowing the oil to penetrate even more deeply and soften your cuticles overnight. According to Dr Sharma, cotton gloves are ideal because they promote better absorption of moisturisers and leave your skin feeling soft by morning.

To keep your cuticles in top condition, you should regularly follow this routine. "For an added step, consider applying a hand cream enriched with vitamin E or a shea butter-based formula before putting on the cotton glove," he suggested.

Alongside adding this glove step to your bedtime routine, it's crucial to use the right soap when washing your hands. The expert warns that some soaps can be drying" and if you suffer with dry skin, you should "opt for soaps with added moisturising ingredients that are gentler on the skin" which will help to prevent any dryness. "Common moisturising ingredients include glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.

For those who prefer natural options, soaps with avocado oil, shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil offer effective moisturising benefits," he said. After washing your hands, the expert recommends patting your hands dry rather than rubbing them to prevent skin irritation as rubbing your hands can irritate your skin, especially if it's already dry.

Homemade products like sugar combined with coconut oil can help gently buff away dry skin", the doctor advises.