Your hands do so much for you, and, as a result, they're often the first to become dry and damaged. And even if you use your hand cream religiously, you may not be maximizing the potential of your product.
How you apply your hand lotion matters much more than you think, and it's important not to overlook this crucial skincare step.
Keep reading, and we'll tell you how you should be applying your hand cream.
Key Takeaways
- A hand cream is a thick moisturizing product that is designed to nourish and heal the hands, cuticles, and wrists.
- Hand creams are often made with ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil that nourish the skin and prevent signs of aging.
- To apply hand cream, always start with clean, somewhat damp skin before spreading the product across the back of the hands. Gently massage the product into the skin, paying close attention to problem areas including the knuckles, cuticles, and fingers.
- Hand cream should be reapplied after washing hands and throughout the day.
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What Is Hand Cream?
To be precise, hand cream is a thick, rich moisturizer that is specifically designed for the hands. It contains a higher concentration of emollients and oils than regular body moisturizers, which helps protect and nourish the skin.
The skin on the hands is often tougher and drier than the skin on the body. Since your hands are repeatedly exposed to hot water, cleaning products, hand sanitizer, frequent washing, cold weather, and harsh soaps, it's normal to develop chapped skin and dry cuticles. The thick texture and nourishing properties of a hand cream help to keep hands soft, prevent dryness, and manage moisture loss.
Why Should You Use Hand Cream in Your Skincare Routine?
Using a hand cream is a crucial part of any well-rounded skincare routine. Remember - your skincare routine involves more than face care. Your body, from head to toe, needs the same attention and mindfulness.
It's natural for your skin to develop dry, rough, or flaky skin, especially if you deal with dryness, sensitive skin, or frequent hand washing. By using a daily hand cream, you maintain the moisture and elasticity of your skin while reducing the risk of premature aging, dryness, and irritation.
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The Benefits of Using Hand Cream for Dry Hands
Moisturizes Dry Skin
Your hands are continuously exposed to environmental stressors that can wreak havoc on their natural oils and pH balance. This, over time, leads to dryness, lost moisture, and damage. A luxe hand cream that provides essential moisture is key to keeping your hands soft and hydrated.
Natural Ingredients That Nourish the Skin
Many rich hand creams contain natural ingredients, rich emollients, and heavy oils that help to nourish, protect, and revitalize the skin. Ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, olive oil, and hyaluronic acid are often incorporated into hand creams, which promote healthy nail growth, well-nourished cuticles, and skin health.
Our Coconut Illipe Hand & Nail Balm, often referred to as our "anti-aging hand cream", is a buttery-soft, award-winning hand and cuticle lotion that visibly treats and heals the skin. With coconut oil, illipe butter, and wild mangosteen butter, this antioxidant-rich blend is designed to ward off signs of premature aging while softening and strengthening the skin.
Prevents Signs of Premature Aging
Skin hydration is key to youthful-looking hands. When your skin is moisturized, it's able to maintain the function of the protective barrier while preventing signs of premature aging.
Many hand repair creams also contain antioxidants and vitamins that boost collagen production and fight free radicals, which further work to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, or age spots.
Provides Stress Relief
Your hands contain pressure points, specific spots on the body that are believed to be where energy flows through the body. When pressure is applied, these points can relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and manage internal stress.
There are pressure points across your entire body, but the pressure points in the hands can help reduce stress and tension with a simple, mindful massage. Massage your hands with a soothing, thick hand cream for these pain- and stress-relieving benefits.
We recommend using a hand cream with a soft, subtle scent, which draws upon the power of aromatherapy to further minimize stress and mental pressure. Our Coconut Illipe Hand Cream has a sweet and earthy scent with subtle notes of coconut for a perfect all-day scent. You can even try a scented dry oil for glowy skin and deep hydration.
How to Apply Hand Cream for Soft, Smooth Skin
#1. Clean Your Hands
Make sure your hands are clean before applying lotion or cream. Wash your hands in cool or warm water (avoid hot water) with a gentle liquid soap or bar soap, like our hydrating Candlenut Bar Soap.
Cleansing your hands also removes dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt that can impact the health and function of your skin.
After you cleanse your hands, pat them dry with a clean towel and leave the skin slightly damp.
#2. Use a Proper Amount of Product for Better Absorption
Before you apply lotion or cream, you need to dispense the right amount of product.
We suggest starting with a pea-sized amount of product. Keep in mind that too little product won't provide adequate moisturization, and too much may leave a sticky residue. A pea-sized amount allows for fast absorption and a non-greasy feel.
#3. Apply to the Back of Your Hands
Rub your hands together to warm the cream slightly, which will allow the cream to absorb into the skin better. Then, spread the cream to the back of your hands, applying in circular motions into each cuticle and finger individually. Don't forget about your knuckles, joints, and wrist, which often need special attention.
#4. Massage Your Hands
Take a few minutes to massage your hand cream into your skin. This therapeutic practice helps spread the hand cream, stimulate blood flow, and relieve physical pressure.
After a moment or two of mindful massage, let the emollient hand cream penetrate your skin to further moisturize and hydrate the skin.
#5. Reapply Hand Cream Throughout the Day
Hand cream isn't like other products in your skincare routine. Unlike a facial serum that you use one or two times per day at the most, hand cream can be applied many, many times a day. Listen to your body (or your hands), and apply your hand cream as needed.
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People Also Ask
What Is the Correct Way to Apply Hand Cream?
To properly apply lotion or cream to the hands, start with clean, dry skin. Use a pea-sized amount, warm it between your palms, then gently and intentionally massage it into your hands. Thread it through the fingers, spread across the cuticles, and focus on the dry parts of your skin.
Is It Better to Rub Lotion in or Let It Sit?
For hand lotion in particular, it's often better to gently rub or pat it into the skin to promote quick absorption. But you can let the lotion sit on the skin and wear cotton gloves overnight to lock in any extra moisture.
How Often Should You Apply Hand Cream?
Unlike some face moisturizers or body creams, hand cream can and should be applied throughout the day. You'll find yourself applying hand cream multiple times from morning to night, typically after washing your hands, completing some chores, or when your skin needs more hydration.
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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by learning more about our founders and following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
