Hand cream is a moisturizing product designed specifically for the hands. It claims to provide nourishing ingredients to hydrate the skin on the hands and make them feel softer and smoother. But is hand cream actually effective, or is it an unnecessary beauty product?
What are the purported benefits of hand cream?
Hand creams make several claims about the benefits they can provide:
- Hydration – Hand creams contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and oils that claim to hydrate the skin on the hands and prevent dryness.
- Softness – The moisturizers in hand creams help fill in cracks in dry skin and make hands feel smoother and softer.
- Anti-aging – Some hand creams contain anti-aging ingredients like retinol and alpha-hydroxy acids that may reduce the appearance of age spots and wrinkles on the hands.
- Healing – Hand cream can help heal extremely dry, cracked hands by reducing irritation and providing moisture.
- Protection – Occlusive ingredients in hand cream form a protective barrier and seal in moisture to safeguard skin from harsh weather, chemicals, and overwashing.
Do hand creams actually work?
Despite the claims, the effectiveness of hand cream depends on the specific ingredients and formulation. Here is an evaluation of whether hand creams live up to their claims:
Hydration
Hand creams do provide an extra layer of hydration compared to going without. However, simply applying lotion when hands are wet and partially dried also hydrates the skin. Occlusive ingredients like petrolatum and dimethicone in hand creams help seal in existing moisture.[1] But not all creams are equally effective as water-binding ingredients like glycerin play a bigger role.
Softness
Hand creams can temporarily make skin feel smoother and softer by filling in cracks with emollients and moisturizers. However, this soft feeling usually diminishes after a few hours as the product gets absorbed or washed off. Exfoliating first also produces smoothness without the need for heavy creams.
Anti-aging
While anti-aging hand creams are formulated with ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, and AHAs, there is limited research showing significant anti-aging benefits, especially with infrequent use. More intensive treatments like retinoids may be needed for noticeable wrinkle reduction.[2]
Healing
Thick, occlusive hand creams do help in healing extremely dry, cracked skin by providing moisture and protection. Petrolatum-based products provide the longest-lasting barrier. However, lighter lotions also work for mild dryness.
Protection
Hand creams can provide moderate protection from overwashing, weather, and chemicals thanks to film-forming and occlusive ingredients. But frequent reapplication is needed for continuous protection. Wearing gloves offers much more protection.
When is hand cream most useful?
While hand cream benefits may be limited, it can still be useful in certain situations:
- Extremely dry, cracked hands – Heavy duty hand creams help heal and repair extremely dry skin.
- After hand washing – Applying hand cream while hands are slightly damp can seal in more moisture.
- Cold, dry weather – Occlusive creams provide a thin protective layer against harsh outdoor conditions.
- Damaged skin – Hand cream provides added moisture for damaged skin after injuries or medical procedures.
- Aging hands – Anti-aging hand creams may provide mild improvements in age spots and wrinkles over time with regular use.
So while hand cream isn’t an absolute necessity for most people, it can be beneficial in specific cases of very dry, aging or damaged hands.
What ingredients should you look for in a hand cream?
The ingredients that provide the most effective hydration and protection in a hand cream include:
- Occlusives – Petrolatum, dimethicone, mineral oil. Prevents moisture loss.
- Emollients – Ceramides, fatty acids. Smooth and fill in cracks.
- Humectants – Glycerin, hyaluronic acid. Attract moisture.
- Barrier repair – Ceramides, cholesterol. Strengthen skin.
Avoid hand creams with a high alcohol content as this can be drying. Fragrant ingredients may also cause irritation for some people.
How often should you apply hand cream?
Dermatologists generally recommend applying hand cream after washing hands or as needed throughout the day when hands feel dry. Some tips include:
- Apply after every hand wash while skin is still damp.
- Use a heavy, occlusive cream at bedtime to hydrate overnight.
- Reapply cream every few hours if hands are very dry.
- Carry a small tube of hand cream to reapply after hand sanitizing.
- Apply a thicker cream before going outside in cold, dry weather.
Frequent reapplication is key to maintain hydration, as hand washing and daily activities remove the cream over time.
Should you use hand cream with or without gloves?
Using hand cream under gloves can boost hydration and softening effects:
- Occlusive gloves seal in moisture from the cream.
- Latex and rubber gloves trap heat, increasing cream absorption.
- Cotton gloves protect hands overnight while cream works.
However, oil-based creams may degrade latex gloves over time. Lotions and lighter creams are better options under gloves. Gloves also aren’t necessary to benefit from hand creams.
What are the best hand cream brands?
Some top reviewed hand cream brands include:
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| O’Keeffe’s Working Hands | Thick, petroleum-based formula provides long-lasting moisture for extremely dry hands. |
| L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream | Ultra-rich cream with 20% shea butter quickly softens rough areas. |
| Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream | Glycerin-based cream hydrates without greasiness. |
| Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Creme | Contains exfoliants and ceramides to smooth and strengthen skin. |
| AVEENO Skin Relief Hand Cream | Uses colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritated hands. |
Drugstore brands like O’Keefe’s, Neutrogena, Eucerin, and Aveeno provide effective moisturization at affordable prices. Higher-end brands like L’Occitane offer luxe formulas and fragrances.
What’s the bottom line on hand creams?
Hand cream provides an extra boost of concentrated moisture and protection for the hands. While daily use may not be essential for everyone, hand cream can benefit very dry, damaged or aging hands in need of extra hydration and care. The richest, occlusive formulas tend to provide the most intense and long-lasting moisturization. But even lighter lotionsapplied regularly after hand washing can make a notable difference in comfort and softness.
So in summary:
- Hand cream offers moderate hydration and moisturization benefits for hands.
- The strongest, occlusive formulas (like petroleum jelly) work best for very dry hands.
- Frequent reapplication is needed to maintain effects.
- Hand cream is most useful for severely dry, damaged or aging hands.
- Moisturizing after hand washing or wearing gloves boosts benefits.
While hand cream alone cannot permanently cure extremely dry skin, it can be a helpful part of an overall hand care regimen when applied consistently. With the right product and application schedule, hand cream can noticeably improve comfort and texture.
References
1. Loden M. Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(11):771-88.
2. Rittié L, Kang S, Voorhees JJ, Fisher GJ. Induction of collagen by estradiol: difference between sun-protected and photodamaged human skin in vivo. Arch Dermatol. 2008;144(9):1129-40.