Vitamin E
One of the most beloved natural moisturisers on the planet, Vitamin E is the gold standard of skincare ingredients. Proven to improve your skin’s natural UV defence, Vitamin E is present in a wide range of sunscreens, after-sun creams, anti-ageing products, and, of course, moisturisers.
Many of our favourite hand creams contain Vitamin E because it heals and protects by fighting off free radicals and works (very hard) to soften and moisturise the skin.
This can be a great ingredient to use for those with sensitive skin, as it also helps to protect the outer layer of the skin from irritation.
Top hand cream picks with Vitamin E:
SPF
SPF is the number one anti-ageing ingredient for any area of the body. Since our hands generally don't get quite as much sunscreen attention as the rest of our skin, they tend to show age first. Remember, SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Frequent re-application or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection. Always read the label. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided.
The skin on your hands is extra-thin, which means UVA rays can easily penetrate to the dermis. The result? An eventual breakdown of collagen and elastin, dark spots, and other signs of ageing.
If you haven't started protecting the skin on your face with SPF, here are some of our top picks. However, we strongly recommend giving all round protection a go.
Top hand cream picks with SPF:
Shea Butter
Shea butter is one of the oldest remedies for dry skin. This stuff is rich in vitamins A, E, and essential fatty acids. Shea improves skin's barrier function and naturally offers a small amount of UV protection.
Using a hand cream with Shea butter in it at night can be like a sleeping mask for your hands, as it is extremely nourishing and reparative.
Shea butter also helps to re-texturise skin and improve circulation, helping you to revive sore hands if they are feeling tired and over worked.
Top hand cream picks with Shea Butter:
Weleda Pomegranate Hand Cream is packed with reparative Sesame oil, Antioxidants, and Organic Shea butter to soothe your skin in an instant.
L'Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion adds Oat to reduce inflammation and Honey for natural antibacterial benefits. This is a perfect hand cream for any skin type or issue.
Glycerine
Glycerine is an important ingredient found naturally in the skin. When combined with other ingredients, this powerful humectant seals in moisture and helps keep your skin's natural barrier strong and healthy.
This ingredient can also help to heal and restore hands that have been stripped due to excessive hand washing, by drawing moisture back to the skin's surface.
Glycerine is also a natural anti-ageing ingredient that helps smooth out lines and improves elasticity.
Top hand cream picks with Glycerine:
Jurlique Rose Hand Cream - 125ml is made with Safflower oil, Almond oil, Glycerine, and Vitamin E to calm and protect skin. Rose flower extract also helps to soothe and soften while providing a light, lovely scent.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream is a potent treatment that helps repair environmental damage with Niacinamide. Glycerine, as mentioned, helps keep the skin barrier intact.
The Best Hand Cream for Frequent Washing
Hand washing is absolutely one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. We also know that over-washing our hands can unfortunately leave our hands dry, tight and flaky.
However, that does not mean we should be ditching the hand soap and antibacterial wash at any point, it just means we have to be taking extra steps to restore the skin's barrier.
When looking for a hand cream to help soothe hands stripped by over washing, look out for ingredients like Vitamin E and Glycerine.
These ingredients not only draw moisture to the skin's surface, they also help lock it in and protect the skin from irritation caused by harsh detergents.