Think about how much you use your hands on a daily basis. Washing dishes, typing on the computer, picking up clothes, making wild gestures while telling your friend some juicy gossip from the weekend…
And while many of us are quite happy to have a bathroom shelf full of serums, eye creams and moisturisers, only a handful (see what I did there) are committed to using a hand cream frequently.
“The hands age as fast as the face does,” says Vicki Engsall, co-founder of The Jojoba Company. “When we neglect our hands, we leave them defenceless against these effects and open to the signs of ageing such as pigmentation, wrinkles and dehydration.”
Ready to pop on a hand cream right now? We thought you might be…
How often should I apply hand cream?
This will depend on the condition of your hands and how often you wash them throughout the day. Vicki suggests applying hand cream every time you wash them or whenever they’re feeling dry or dehydrated. According to Bryan Barron, Research and Content Director for Paula’s Choice, you should also “apply hand cream with sunscreen before heading outdoors for the day. [Then] at night, apply a rich, emollient hand cream just before going to bed.”
How should I use hand cream?
There isn’t a wrong or a right way to apply hand cream, but Vicki says, “the best way to apply hand lotion is to squeeze it onto the back of your hand and rub the back of your other hand against it.” This is because the skin on the top of your hands is much thinner and has less sebaceous glands, meaning it can become dry very quickly and therefore needs the most moisture.
Bryan says when applying a hand cream with SPF to “focus application on the tops of hands [as they] take a much stronger beating from UV exposure compared to the palms.”
What if I don’t like the feeling of residue on my hands?
If this is the reason you’ve been avoiding using hand cream, there are a few ways to get around it. Firstly, Bryan suggests “looking for hand creams that, despite the ‘cream’ name have more of a lotion-like texture.” Or if all else fails, “seek out a matte finish facial SPF product and use that as your daytime hand cream.” For a fast-absorbing hand cream, try JERGENS Ultra Healing Hand & Body Cream ($5.99 at Chemist Warehouse).
Or you can simply save your hand pampering for nighttime. Vicki suggests applying hand cream before bed and putting gloves on top while you sleep. “The gloves will protect against moisture loss and there will be no greasy feeling. Then during the day, apply moisturiser just to the backs of your hands (which are usually the driest) leaving your fingertips and palms greaseless.”
What are the benefits of using it frequently?
Similar to using face cream, using a hand cream consistently will combat the signs of premature ageing, as well as boost moisture levels and skin elasticity. Not to mention protect your hands against UV exposure which can cause cracking and pigmentation. “If you care for your hands as well as you care for your face, they will age simultaneously,” adds Vicki.
Which hand cream should I try?
Any of these will do the trick (and smell amazing!)
- DU’IT Tough Hands for Her Cherry Blossom, $10.49 at duit.com.au
- Grand Nature Chamomile Hand Cream, $9.99 at grandnatureskincare.com.au
- Ocean Road Black Conditioning Hand Cream, $19.95 at thisoceanroad.com.au
- CIRCA Jasmine & Magnolia Hand Lotion, $25 at Sephora
- Beach Road Naturals Hemp Seed Oil & Juniper Berry Hand Cream, $12 at Coles
Do you use hand cream regularly? What are your tips for remembering to apply it?
I just use vitamin e. My hands are so soft I get complimented on them haha
You should try them. The first one should be a good start. It has a pleasant aroma and I got compliments from my colleagues all the time. I even had to get one for them so they can stop asking me where I got them.
I have a colleague who neglected the use of hand cream for years and now live to regret it. Her hands look somewhat like a little over 50. After suggesting to frequently moisturise her hands I saw visible results in just a week. Truly amazing.
That is an amazing result in just a week.
Actually never thought to up hand cream use if anything to boost UV coverage of my hands. Hmm!
Yes I use it multiple times a day. I keep some next to my hand wash by the basin so I see it and remember to apply it. And when I’m out of the house I have a tube in my bag and use it after I sanitise my hands otherwise it just dries my skin out so much that I get little cuts on the top of my hands.
I need some right now.
I use a few at work, as they are amazing!
spf hand creams yes but hard to find
i dont do anything different – i just feel colder lol
I constantly apply hand cream to my hands. The how to was interesting coz I always apply on the palm of my hands first and then rub it in .
Same. I wouldn’t apply it any other way.
I have tube of handcream everywhere. next to my nightstand, in my bathroom, in my car, in my handbag and in my office desk drawer . Also one in my closet ..
Love Tough Hands!
One of my hands is partially paralysed so I apply all my essences, serums and creams to the top of it!
You can also where UPF clothing to protect the backs of your hands.
I apply handcream a few times a day when I’m at work, I always forget when I’m at home though!
My hands are so dry and it’s not even Winter.
I try to remember to apply it after I wash them as I get dermatitis which leads to cracked skin that opens or bleeds if I don’t keep on top of it. The L’occitane hand creams really work for me and keep them looking and feeling good.
I tend to experience dry skin on my hands so hand cream is applied everyday – I’m currently using MOR sugar rose tiger lily hand cream
I only use hand cream a few times a year, during winter. DU’IT Tough Hands is fantastic!
Yeah I’d like to try the new Cherry Blossom one from DU’IT
I’ve got that on my try list, too – but it’ll take me so long to finish my current tube!
I don’t know how to report the pingback by Erickkasysavane a few posts above.
I saw that too.
Du’it Tough Hands is very good.
oh, I have Circa jasmine and magnolia, got last time on RR. Using as a body lotion. Love!
I leave a hand cream on the coffee table so I remember to apply each night and use residue face creams on my hands however I do neglect hand creams during the day so need to up my game
My hands are in a absaloutley shocking condition at the moment, soo dry and cracking at the knuckles. One cut is so deep it is bleeding..I really need to start taking much better care of my hands, it is so hard to find the extra time to look after them properly
I use to use one every night before bed. But I have gotten out of the habit. Would love to buy the Jurlique one
I’ve always loved beautiful hand cream and don’t mind indulging in a more expensive one if it is one that works really well.
I need to get hand cream with SPF!
Having had dry hands so far this winter, this is a good article to read
I found that a lot of body care creams are just as good, cheaper without the label of “hand cream”. I tried heaps, using a Sukin one at the moment, it is okay, at least does not leave it creasy, hate it when it does not absorb and then you need to wipe it off. Love to hear of other natural ones anyone can recommend that are not too pricey.
In my RR a beautiful Hand Cream for Essano with Rosehip Oil, it is so good on my hands I agree that we forget about putting cream on our hands especially when they are in and out of water all the time. Unfortunately your hands can make you look very old, also nurses can tell how sick you are by your hands as well.
Hand creams are fabulous as I seem to be constantly washing my hands and they get so dry. I always have one in my handbag and even have a few around the house – bedroom, bathroom – to remind myself to use one during the day. Especially good to use one before going to bed at night too.
I have tried Jurlique hand creams in the past and not that impressed.
I’m really big on looking after my hands and slather on several layers of product before hitting the sack at night. I also make sure I wear gloves during housework so I don’t dry out my hands
Gee I’m really over the moderation. It seems to happen a lot!
I use hand and or body cream regularly. My hands and legs get so dry. I am quite lucky though as I seem to get hand cream for my birthday or Christmas so always have some on hand.
I’ve always wondered when’s the best time to use hand cream in COVID times – immediately after hand sanitising? Or after hand washing? Or is it best to leave some space in between?
I use hand cream all the time and have tubes all over the house but the most used one is next to my PC.
I even use hand cream at work now
Hands are usually forgotten about but I will try to remember to do them everyday and use sunscreen during the day too
I’ve really been enjoying applying hand cream before bed lately, especially fruity fragranced ones.
Yes , I always use hand cream before going to bed. Let them work their magic overnight.
I’ve just bought a Palm Beach Hand Cream, it’s scented with Passionfruit. It’s sublime 💚💚.
Ooh that sounds good Perthchick.
Definitely using hand cream more often since the pandemic started, all that sanitiser dries them out.
I always apply them at night before going to bed.
I don’t want residue building up on my rings, so I tend to use hand cream only morning and night (when I’m not wearing them).
I absolutely love hand cream. Use several times a day. Lots of lovely hand creams available.
I need this, using so much hand sanny lately!
I use hand cream at least once a day, often twice, always before bed, sometimes in the morning too
I made it a routine, I apply hand cream every night in bed before I fall asleep. This is great to avoid dry hands ever.
I use a hand cream every night as I’m going to bed.
On a different note, I love that nail polish colour 🙂