What to look for in hand care products

Hand creams and other hand care products have become an essential on the dressing tables and in the hand bags of millions of women all over the world. The right cream can help keep the skin on our hands looking strong and beautiful, as well as protecting from dryness and soreness and helping to cover up wrinkles and other signs of aging. There are also special creams that are designed to protect your hands from the sun’s rays and which are made with ingredients that give them a Sun Protection Factor.



When choosing a hand cream, it is important to take into account your skin type and the type of damage you are hoping to heal or prevent. There are five based skin types: oily, dry, sensitive, combination and sun-damaged. Choosing the right cream for your skin type is important as otherwise you may exacerbate existing problems, for example, those with sensitive skin may find that some harsh creams cause irritation.



If you are looking for a cream to help protect your hands from dryness and irritation, try a moisturising hand cream that contains natural Shea butter, which is naturally rich in Vitamin E and helps to heal small cuts and cracks in the skin. You can also try creams that contain other substances such as jojoba oil or almond oil in cases where your hands are extremely sore. Some of these creams can be quite oily, however, meaning that those with oily skins themselves should try an aloe vera based alternative.

If fighting the main signs of aging – for instance, wrinkles - is your main concern then Vitamin E should again prove useful. However it is also important to avoid exposing your hands to any unnecessary irritants or toxins so be sure to choose a hand cream that doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives, colours or fragrances and try to ensure that all ingredients come from natural sources.



Many people tend to overlook the impact the sun has on their skin and in the case of hands, which are almost always exposed directly to the sun in all seasons except winter, it can be a major cause of dry and damaged skin. Harmful ultraviolet light from the sun dries out skin and causes sunburn, often leaving hands cracked and sore. Thankfully, many hand care products now include ingredients which help protect your skin from the sun’s rays, in much the same way as sunblock does. A Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or so should be enough to let you enjoy the sun without worrying about your hands drying out.



One final thing to remember when shopping for hand cream and other skin care products is that prevention is always easier than cure; it is better to protect your hands in advance than trying to heal them after damage has been done.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.