Hand cream: it’s been a daily essential for many for a long time, but not everyone, until recently. As we increase the amount we wash and sanitise, our skin’s moisture levels decrease, and dry hands have now become a daily concern for most.
Do these side effects sound familiar to you?
1) Tight skin
2) Itchiness
3) Rashes
Even if you scored 0 out of 3, you should be moisturising. Frequent hand washing is known to impair your skin’s natural moisturising factors (NMF), the compounds/ ‘things’ that keep the outer layer of the skin protected and hydrated.
Google searches for ‘hand creams’ are the highest they’ve been in 5 years, and our inboxes are inundated with customers looking for the best hand cream, particularly for dry skin. If you’re currently using anti-bac, strong soaps or alcohol to clean your hands frequently, now’s the time to amp up the hydration. I’ve rounded up five top-rated creams that soothe, moisturise and repair fragile skin. Scroll the headings below to find your match…
#1 Best For Extremely Dry Hands
Eucerin UreaRepair Hand Cream
Customer rating: 4.8 out of 5
The Essentials
• Relieves tightness, itchiness and contact dermatitis.
• Protects your hands from dryness for up to 48 hours.
• Fragrance-free.
• Quick-drying.
How Can This Hand Cream Help Me?
Extremely dry hands? Listen up; this hand cream means business. Made with urea, a star ingredient known for regulating NMF (natural moisturising factor), this moisturiser binds water in the top layers of skin to preserve hydration. Eucerin also use Ceramide-3, a synthetic protein that’s biologically identical to the molecule in your skin that helps to regulate the skin’s natural barrier. It will ease feelings of discomfort associated with eczema. Sound good? It’s incredible.
#2 Best For Dehydrated Hands
Nuxe Reve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream
Customer rating: 4.5 out of 5
The Essentials
• Relieves tightness and dryness.
• Contains 90.6 % natural origin ingredients.
• Light texture that dries quickly.
• Smells like honey.
How Can This Hand Cream Help Me?
Powered by plants; Reve de Miel combines luxury with naturality to pamper and repair your skin. Its silky formula uses rich botanicals and oils, such as avocado and sweet almond to moisturise intensely, with no greasiness. Vitamin E and Acacia honey’s natural repairing properties make this the best cream for hands that feel parched and need instant TLC.
#3 Best For Cracked Hands
Bioderma Atoderm Hand & Nail Cream
Customer rating: 4.5 out of 5
The Essentials
• Relieves tightness and soothes itchiness.
• Alcohol, paraben and hypoallergenic free.
• Non-greasy formula.
• Delicate scent.
How Can This Hand Cream Help Me?
Bioderma call this hand cream, ‘the nourishing glove’. If you have atopic, rough or cracked skin on your hands, this is a hand cream that will bring you comfort. Without any irritations or stinging, its non-oily cream repairs even the most damaged skin; re-teaching your cells to defend themselves against hand washing and dehydration. The best part? If you use this hand cream frequently, your skin’s moisture levels will regain their optimum level of hydration – and your nails will get stronger too!
#4 Best For Sensitive Hands
Avene Hand Cream with Cold Cream
Customer rating: 4 out of 5
The Essentials
• Relieves tightness and soothes itchiness.
• Water-resistant.
• Great for cracked fingers.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Non-greasy.
• Delicate fragrance.
• 24-hour hydration.
How Can This Hand Cream Help Me?
You may have heard about cold cream from your grandmother; it’s an age-old emollient that’s exceptional for dry skin. But this one is different! This hand cream contains liquid crystals that give a gradual release of hydration. Avene have also made sure that their Thermal Spring Water, enriched with minerals, provides extra soothing care. For hands that are cracked, chapped and prone to irritations, this hand cream will form a protective barrier around any sores. It keeps inflamed areas calm, and most importantly, soft.
#5 Best For Damaged Hands
Uriage Bariederm Insulating Repairing Hand Cream
The Essentials
• Relieves tightness and soothes itchiness.
• Great for cracked fingers.
• Water-resistant.
• Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
How Can This Hand Cream Help Me?
Uriage Bariederm is a barrier cream for hands. It’s a moisturiser that offers high protection against common skin irritants, like the high percentage of alcohol in your hand san.
Bariderm protects, purifies and soothes, and it’s all down to the science behind their exclusive patent: Poly-2P helps to reduce the loss of water in your hands. When combined with the natural isotonic, Uriage Thermal Water, and Manuka honey to inhibit bacteria, your skin’s NMF (natural moisturising factor) is repaired and protected day-after-day.
Tip
To reap the benefits of moisturising hand cream, before bed, or whilst in the house, apply a thick layer of hand cream and then put cotton gloves on (you can use cotton socks or clingfilm if you don’t have any!). The heat and warmth allow the moisturiser to fully absorb – you’ll thank me the next day!
If you want to read more about hand creams and their benefits, from ageing to SPF, we’ve also picked out 6 Of The Best Hand Creams For Every Concern.
Get In Touch
Get in touch for a personalised recommendation over on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram – we’d love to help!
