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, boosters 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 some hand cream 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, “Apply a 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, “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 NIVEA Express Hydration Hand Fluid.
Or you can simply save your hand pampering for night-time. Vicki says, “[Apply] hand cream [before bed] and put 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!)
Comments