This seems counter intuitive: dry hands mean low humidity, so why when humidity is increased, by washing hands, they become even more dry, eventually?
In particular, why such hand dryness is usually observed in a dry climate?
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3$\begingroup$ What did you find when you googled the question? What is it about the answer (which you should summarize in your post) that confuses you? Do you understand the role of oils in skin health and hydration? $\endgroup$– anongoodnurseCommented Dec 22, 2016 at 5:01
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$\begingroup$ I washed my clothes in India using clothes powder. my hands were peeling after 2-3 months. i used moisturising lotion. they were fixed. $\endgroup$– bandybabboonCommented Dec 22, 2016 at 15:36
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1$\begingroup$ @Christiaan. I disagree and think the question is relevant here.I think a biological answer about membranes, body oils, skin characteristics etc. would be a useful response $\endgroup$– theforestecologist ♦Commented Dec 25, 2016 at 14:54
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I will assume the hand washing you speak of involves soap.
The human skin (which also covers hands) is a complex organ with an underlying system of glands.
One of these is the exocrine sebaceous gland which is responsible for the production of a substance known as sebum. This substance is primarily composed of triglycerides, wax esters and other fatty acids. Sebum makes human skin waterproof as it's constituents are not water soluble (oily).
The action of soap on oily substances typically involves increasing their solubility in water so that they can be easily rinsed upon being dissolved. So when one washes their hands with soap they remove the oil layer secreted by the glands under their skin.
Removing the oil layer makes the skin susceptible to drying up as oil reduces the rate of evaporation of water on the skin to maintain a moisture balance. This is the reason why most brands of lotion have a moisturizing effect (or marketing statement).
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$\begingroup$ Good that you mentioned lack of oil, but to really answer the OP's question, I think you need to extend your answer to discuss WHY lack of sebaceous oils leads to skin drying out $\endgroup$ Commented Dec 25, 2016 at 14:57
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1$\begingroup$ The temperature of the water can also affect skin dryness. Hotter water increases solubility of oils, and in turn contributes to dryness. $\endgroup$– SudachiCommented Jan 6, 2017 at 15:57