A moment of appreciation, if we will, for something most of us tend to ignore until it’s absolutely screaming for attention: our hands. Consider everything your hands do in a given day: You type, you rub your eyes, you do the dishes (sometimes!), and hold a cold one on a Saturday afternoon.
They really are the unsung heroes of our day-to-day lives, yet often overlooked when it comes to skincare. But by the time things start to feel that way, like sandpaper, we’re frantically trying to fix it. But giving your mitts some attention shouldn’t have a chore feel. From the harsh Australian sun to dryness caused by excessive hand sanitiser, TLC never goes astray.
Why use hand cream in your skincare?
You’d never go a day without slathering on some face cream, wouldn’t you? Shouldn’t your hands get the same love? Your skin on the back of your hands is actually among the most fragile and thinnest on your whole body. It contains very few oil glands, so it can be difficult to keep moisturized.
It’s not just a “luxury” step to use a specific hand cream; it’s about protection. A great cream is much like a barrier, sealing in moisture and keeping environmental nasties at bay. Besides, it’s not that great shaking someone’s hand or catching up with your mates when you have sandpaper hands.
The importance of hand care
We often show our age on our hands long before anywhere else. Sunspots, wrinkles, and dryness can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Hand care is about more than looking good. Besides being unsightly, cracked skin is usually painful and can also open the door to infection if those cracks become deep enough.
We are the lucky country, but not just because of our weather. One minute it’s moist; the next, you’re being baked alive by a dry heat that sucks the life from your skin. Whether the Bureau of Meteorology wants to throw it all at us this week, or you could have a physically demanding job if the hots don't sweep away your swimming hole.
The benefits of using hand cream for dry hands
If your hands are a bit “crook” and dry, then good hand cream is gonna be your best friend. Here’s why:
-
Immediate Gratification: Gone is that parched, itchy sensation as soon as you slather on a replenishing cream.
-
Healing Properties: Ingredients such as shea butter or aloe vera can heal microscopic tears in the skin.
-
Elasticity: Hydrated skin is “bouncy” and youthful.
-
Nail & Cuticle Health: Many hand creams lend a helping hand to cuticles (buh-dum chhh) — well, at this point, maybe not the puns, but you get the idea.
What causes dry skin?
Sometimes it can feel like a losing battle, can’t it? You moisturize, and an hour later, they’re dry once more. Knowing the "why" can help you manage it better.
-
The Weather: Our harsh UV rays, combined with low humidity in some states, are mostly to blame.
-
Hot Water: There’s nothing like a hot shower, but it washes away your skin’s natural oils.
-
Chemicals: Cleaning supplies, dish soap, and even some hand washes can be unexpectedly abrasive.
-
Ageing: Our skin will naturally produce less oil as we age. It’s a bad thing, but that is the way it is.
-
Frequent Washing: We’re all washing our hands more than we used to. It may be great for hygiene, but it’s tough on the skin.
How to apply your hand cream?
It’s not that polished a sound - all I gotta do is rub it in, right? Well, there’s a trick to not only getting the most out of your product but also not making everything around you greasy when you look at your phone.
-
Go Easy: You’re not looking for a big old dollop. Begin with an amount the size of a 10-cent piece on the back of one hand.
-
Back-to-back: Start by rubbing the backs of your hands together. This is the area with the thinnest skin that needs your help most.
-
Don’t forget the Fingers: Massage the cream into your cuticles and between your fingers.
-
PALM LAST: Using just the leftovers on your palms. This allows you to maintain a firm grip and avoid that greased palm sensation.
-
The Wrist Factor: Do carry the cream a smidge past your wrists. It is a high-movement area and frequently gets dry.
How often should to use hand cream?
There’s no “hand cream police” coming to evaluate your stats, but most dermatologists recommend at least 3 or 4 times a day. And if you work outdoors, or in one of those professions where you’re constantly washing your hands (think health care and hospitality), it’s the kind of tube you will likely reach for six or seven times. Pay attention to your skin. When you feel it tightening, it’s time for a top-up!
What to consider when shopping for the best hand cream?
All creams are not created equal. As you scan the aisles or browse online, consider these elements:
-
Absorption Rate: Do you want something that vanishes on contact so you can get back to work, or do you prefer a rich overnight treatment?
-
Scent: Are you in search of a fresh, citric Australia scent, or fragrance-free for sensitive skin?
-
Ingredients: Scan for “humectants” (such as glycerin) that help draw water inward, and “emollients” (oils), which help trap it there.
-
Packaging: A large pump bottle is lovely to have on the kitchen bench, but a sturdy tube is vital for your bag or for keeping in the glove box of your car.
Are you allowed to use hand creams on other parts of your body?
Short answer: Yes, absolutely. Typically, hand creams are denser and thicker than body lotions. This makes them great for “rough areas” such as elbows, knees, and yes, even heels. Just don’t put them on your face. Some of those very rich oils that feel great on your hands might be a little too much for facial pores and lead to breakouts.
HOW IS HAND LOTION DIFFERENT FROM A HAND CREAM?
It’s largely a matter of the ratio of water to oil.
Hand Lotion: It's more watery. It’s lighter, more spreadable, and absorbs more easily. Perfect for the hot summer months.
Hand Cream: Contains more oil. It’s thicker, more protective, and a heftier barrier. This is what to reach for when you have a crack or really dry skin, and in winter.
The benefits of a shea butter hand cream
Shea butter is just the “holy grail” of hand care. Made from the nuts of the shea tree, it is brimming with fatty acids and vitamins.
-
Deep Hydration: It forms a protective veil on the skin.
-
Anti-inflammatory: Nice if your hands are red or irritated from working with them.
The advantages of using an aloe vera hand cream
We Aussies reckon aloe vera is the king of sunburn soothing, but it’s great for hands too.
-
Cooling: Ideal for a very hot summer day.
-
Lightweight: If you can’t stand the feeling of “product” in your skin, aloe-based creams are best.
-
Healing ability: Makes small nicks and scratches heal much faster.
The advantages of an almond oil hand cream
There’s a reason why almond oil is so classic. This is a “powerhouse” ingredient with centuries of use.
-
Vitamin E: A natural antioxidant that helps protect skin from sun damage.
-
Smoothing: It’s an even complexion, and your hands look beautiful.
-
Nutrient-Smooth: It gives the skin everything it needs to be healthy.
What are the top hand cream brands?
Though there are dozens of international labels to be lured by, some of the best innovations in texture and pigment are launching on our very own soil. Aussie labels are made for our climate and how we live here. Whether you invest in high-end boutique labels or stick to a cheap pharmacy classic, the “best” brand is the NCC Health one that you’ll enjoy using each and every day.
NCC Health Company Hand Creams
If you want something that lives in that delicious area between luxury and effective science, it really is hard to look past the range from NCC Health. We’ve invested a lot of time developing the formula so that it doesn’t just sit on your skin, but actually helps to repair your skin.
It’s no wonder our Luxury Hand Cream Australia is highly rated. It’s made for the Aussie life — rugged enough to survive the elements, but gentle on even sensitive skin. It’s full of nourishing ingredients that make your hands feel as if they've just been to a spa — without the large price tag or lingering grease that other lotions leave behind.
Buy Best Hand Creams, Skincare products in Australia Profile
Time to give your hands the treatment they deserve? Don’t wait until they’re cracking and sore. We all know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and by taking some simple steps on a daily basis, your hands will not only look youthful but feel soft for many years to come.
At Profile, we firmly believe in sourcing and making things that we actually use ourselves. We believe in being transparent with our ingredients, using the best quality items available & that our customers have 100% satisfaction with their results.
Take a look at our complete collection and pick up your next go-to hand cream here.
References:
CeraVe Australia. What is a damaged skin barrier? https://www.cerave.com.au/blog/everyday-skin-care/damaged-skin-barrier
Healthline. Chamomile benefits for skin: What the research says. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/chamomile-benefits-for-skin
