Why And How You Should Use Hand Cream

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!)

Do you use hand cream regularly? What are your tips for remembering to apply it?

112 Member Comments

Jay.dogga1986 22 Jun 2020 1:01 AM

I just use vitamin e. My hands are so soft I get complimented on them haha

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Miramarmari 21 Feb 2020 5:11 PM

I moisturise after washing my hands at work or when I have calluses on my palms from the gym and I will moisturise then, but I will have to fit into my routine

GeeJ 8 Nov 2019 5:53 AM

I need to buy a body lotion and hand cream with SPF. I need to apply hand cream throughout the day.

S-P 2 Nov 2019 11:55 PM

I'd love to try some of these brands.

BeautySwan88 30 Aug 2020 2:23 AM

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.

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I definitely use lots of hand cream during the colder months because my skin dries out very quickly.

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Margi59 24 Aug 2019 12:07 PM

Will definitely buy some of the products listed to pamper my hands more guess you don't always think about putting on hand cream.

Rose_P 24 Aug 2019 10:07 AM

The Body Shop British Rose handcream is lovely. I buy the small tube for my handbag. It absorbs really quickly, which makes it perfect for on the go. The Jurlique one is just pure luxury, but expensive. I use The Body Shop Hemp last thing at night. It’s a bit heavy for during the day but perfect for overnight.

S-P 12 Jul 2019 2:50 PM

I find it best to use hand cream last thing at night.

tinakapoor02 21 Jun 2019 7:38 PM

SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HANDS LOOK YOUNGER Your hands do everything for you. So obviously, they deserve some love and pampering! The work they do for you can make your hands age quicker than any other part of our body and deserve a break.

So to keep them looking young, you have to start taking care of your hands right now. Here is a guide to making them look younger and beautiful...

ThisIsMe 7 Jun 2019 10:03 AM

I always use a hand cream. During winter I tend to use a balm as it's more rich and my hands do get quite dry during the colder months.

Serotonin 6 Jun 2019 9:28 PM

I use hand cream, or a general moisturiser if it's all I have at the time, regularly and don't forget too often as my hands let me know. Dry, very dry, and become painful if dehydrated for too long.

xClaudia 23 May 2019 11:14 AM

I don't use hand cream all that much but I recently discovered one from The Body Shop that I had stuffed in my drawer - love this so much now. Not at all greasy and I find that it definitely keeps my hands hydrated for a few hours.

Beccaduncan23 23 Apr 2018 8:01 PM

I definitely need to use hand cream more than I do. I always forget! I love the body shop ones though

Trish_D 19 Jan 2018 4:03 PM

I'm quite good with hand cream as far as applying it often and always before bed.

bebeautiful34 1 Nov 2017 2:04 PM

I really hate hand creams due to the greasy residue. And when I wash my hands it gets all slippery from the hand cream so I just feel like my hands aren't fully cleaned and I have to scrub them

RalucaP 22 Aug 2017 5:56 PM

Hand cream is definitely a must for me , I have some even in the car.i can not do without it , especially during the winter time.

anakiee 22 Aug 2017 3:32 PM

I have always used sunscreen on my hands and have found the best night hand cream for me is Avon's Moisture Therapy Intensive Healing and Repair. I always stock up when it's on sale as I have one on my bedside table to remind me to use it before turning the light out. It has a sorbelene type feel and does take a bit to rub in but it is worth it.

Chicklet 4 Aug 2017 10:11 PM

I'm pretty good with hand cream, just need to be more vigilant with sunscreen on them.

onlyoni 14 May 2017 8:31 PM

I have hand cream in the car, on my desk, in the kitchen and in my bag to remind me to use it.

Rpear 29 Apr 2017 9:53 PM

Before bed is the only time I can get to work for me!! But I do make a point of putting sunscreen on my hands when I lather up! Yes mum alway ms said to protect your hands.. They can give your age away!

Tigerlily 26 Apr 2017 5:39 PM

Interesting article. I'm quite the opposite, I can't not moisturise with hand cream particularly after washing my hands as I can't stand that tight feeling of the skin afterwards which are obviously dry. Somewhat pleasing to read I've been applying the moisturiser in the right way!

Goddess..... 30 Mar 2017 12:39 PM

I've never used a hand cream before & now I should since I'm showing signs my skin is peeling in some places on my hand although any cream would easily do the job I do tend to like nice smelling ones mmm.....

cosmoslyn 27 Mar 2017 3:20 PM

rose hip oil does the trick on extra dry days. it's not bad

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How you should be using hand cream

How often should I apply hand cream?

How should I use hand cream?

What if I don’t like the feeling of residue on my hands?

What are the benefits of using it frequently?

Which hand cream should I try?

Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

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112 Member Comments

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