Since the coronavirus pandemic began, many of us have increased the frequency with which we wash our hands, using stronger soaps and disinfectants, and adding more cleaning products to our daily routine.
What does that mean for our skin? Well, they may feel drier and flaky as a result.
To discover the best treatments, we talked to dermatologists about the best creams to soothe and hydrate your hands. Whether you already used hand cream if moisturizing regularly is a first for you, our experts have good advice.
The best hand creams for dry skin
Ideally, moisturizers for hands, like moisturizers for other areas, should contain three components: humectants, emollients and occlusives (to keep the skin moist), explains Dr. Hadley King, a dermatologist based in New York City.
"Ceramides and filaggrin are the proteins that create the layer that holds in moisture," says Dr. Caren Campbell, a San Francisco-based dermatologist.
EltaMD So Silky Hand Crème ($ 20; amazon.com)
This lotion is one of King's favorites, who says, "The formula combines ceramides, emollients and vitamin E to nourish dry skin, and lightener, a plant-derived ingredient that helps lighten dark spots."
Eau Thermale Avène Cold Cream Concentrated Hand Cream ($ 15; amazon.com)
King says she is a big fan of this product because the cream is "fast absorbing and paraben free." She adds: "Studies showed it lasts for five hand washes," which is precisely the strength we need from a hand cream right now.
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream ($ 18.50; amazon.com)
One of our favorites, this Weleda cream has been a savior for dry winter skin, plus it has a light, refreshing scent and feels expensive and luxurious at no cost.
The best anti-aging hand creams
Another tip: it is generally better with a cream than a lotion. "Creams are always better than lotions for those with extra dry skin as they contain more moisturizing ingredients and less water," says Campbell. "Lotions contain more water than creams." And remember that "white cotton gloves can be worn at night to help keep lotions and creams on your hands and prevent rubbing."
Supergoop! Forever Young Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorn ($ 14; amazon.com)
This anti-aging cream is one of King's favorites. "It combines sea buckthorn essence to lighten dark spots and argan seed oils to hydrate without feeling too greasy," she says. "And SPF 40 protects exposed skin from UV damage."
Soap & Glory Hand Food ($ 11.50; amazon.com)
Soothe dry hands with shea butter and macadamia oil.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm ($ 36; amazon.com)
This luxurious balm melts on hands and nails when massaged in, and is packed with a shea butter formula that promises to nourish and protect dry and damaged skin.
The secret ingredient for extremely dry skin
"Many people with dry skin don't realize that they also have a problem removing the dead top layer of skin," says Dr. Clarissa Yang, chief dermatologist at Tufts Medical Center. "So one ingredient I always look for is an exfoliating agent like salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid."
AmLactin Daily Hydrating Body Lotion ($ 9.49, originally $ 15.99; amazon.com)
This classic is a dermatologist favorite. "I recommend this to my patients who need gentle exfoliation and hydration," says Campbell.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Daily Face and Body Moisturizer ($ 15.95, originally $ 18.99; amazon.com)
This daily cream "contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid and is perfect for patients with very dry skin," says Campbell.
The best hand creams for eczema
If you are experiencing eczema, then you will want to look for a cream that is sensitive enough for your skin but still provides top-notch moisturizing qualities.
Cetaphil Pro Eczema Soothing Moisturizer ($ 10.99, originally $ 15.99; amazon.com)
"This is a great lotion for many patients, particularly those with normal to dry skin," says Campbell.
Vaseline Advance Repair Fragrance Free Hand & Body Lotion, 3-Pack ($ 14.95; amazon.com)
This lotion repairs dry skin with jelly-like Vaseline micro-drops that lock in moisture. She was awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which "helps people recognize products that are suitable for the care of eczema or sensitive skin."
Working hands
Whether it's at home or in the workplace, hands doing chores or cooking or just getting dirty are going to need something extra, like "ingredients that offer more protection like paraffin to hold in moisture," says Campbell. Yang also likes to see particular occlusives, or hydrating agents, on the ingredient list.
“Occlusive ingredients tend to be petroleum-based. They help by trapping the water that the moisturizers draw out and preventing it from evaporating, ”says Yang. "Lanolin, petroleum jelly, and beeswax are common."
O'Keeffe Working Hands Hand Cream Value Size ($ 15.44; amazon.com)
Another favorite of our staff, this one has been helping the hands of workers for years. Campbell recommends it because "it contains barrier ingredients like paraffin to keep the skin moist."
Burt's Bees Milk Almond Hand Cream ($ 7.82, originally $ 8.95; amazon.com)
The sweet almond oil and vitamin E in this cream work to restore moisture to dry hands, while the beeswax locks in moisture.
Gold Bond Ultimate Intensive Healing Hand Cream ($ 3.79, originally $ 7.25; amazon.com)
This healing cream provides great care despite its price, using petroleum jelly to help restore smooth skin.
Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve ($ 24; sephora.com)
This balm is designed for hardworking hands and has wax-based properties that form a protective barrier on the skin, leaving hands soft.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.