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.”
Of course, hand creams won’t have enough SPF to provide as much protection as you’ll want. Get into the habit of applying SPF50+ like the Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotion ($26.99 at Chemist Warehouse) onto hands over your hand cream, just the way you’d apply sunscreen over your face and body moisturiser.
As usual with sunscreen, always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing in addition to sunscreen. Reapply frequently. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure.
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, $9.99 at Chemist Warehouse
- Mavala Switzerland Hand Cream, $28.95 at Mavala Switzerland
- Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate Hand Repair Cream, $19.99 at Chemist Warehouse
- Clarins Super Restorative Hand Cream, $85 at Adore Beauty
- Palm Beach Collection Sea Salt Hydrating Hand Cream, $24.95 at Palm Beach Collection
Of course if you’re not sure about purchasing a particular product just for hands just yet, you can always apply a body lotion like the Bio‑Oil Body Lotion ($22.95 at Priceline) specifically to your hands.
Do you use hand cream regularly? What are your tips for remembering to apply it?
I have tubes of hand cream in strategic places all over the house.
Yes , especially in the winter time thats a must.
I love hand creams, and yes putting spf over often akes it greasy
I always apply SPF50 to the back of my hands when I go outside. Even if it is just for a walk.
I apply hand cream each night before going to bed.
If I buy a face cream I don’t like I use it on my hands instead.
I am a fan of hand cream but have not found one brand I love, I’m still exploring….
I apply a bit of lip balm with SPF50+ on the back of my hands sometimes.
There used to be a fantastic anti aging handcream but I don’t think it’s made anymore, such a pity as it was great.
I apply hand cream with sunscreen each morning but then when you wash your hands, it’s no longer effective
I use body oil on my hands every night.