Look Ma! No [Dry] Hands!

As I get older, I’m beginning to notice that my skin’s getting dryer – especially in the winter months. So what’s a girl to do? Well, in search of the best hand cream over the past few years, I’ve tried a lot of different brands - enough to consider myself a bit of an expert on the subject. So what’s the verdict? Here’s a list of my favorite (most effective) hand creams on the market.

When you are first introduced to Crabtree & Evelyn’s Gardeners Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy you probably think it’s this heavy-duty stuff just for gardeners. That’s partially right – it’s inspired by a passion for gardening to help restore, soothe and protect work-roughened hands. But it’s an excellent everyday lotion as well. I find it thick and fast-absorbing but not greasy. At its smell – fresh green clover, lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme – is ultimately refreshing.

Next up is Aveda Hand Relief – a super-rich soothing lotion that leaves skin noticeably softer and smoother. It contains hydrating plant emollients, humectants, exfoliating fruit acids and anti-oxidants to help diminish signs of aging. Plus, the more you use it, the better your skin becomes with increased moisture and skin elasticity. This one seems to be a little richer than the Gardeners lotion above, but it absorbs nicely and doesn’t leave your hands greasy. And it has a pleasant relaxing scent.

This Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Skin Therapy Lotion is one of my favorite drugstore finds. Like the others it’s designed to help heal dry, rough and problem skin. But this one is a little more on the affordable side, contains aloe and is clinically tested to moisturize for up to 24 hours. It leaves my hands feeling so soft and smooth. Check out the trial size section of your favorite drugstore and you’re bound to find a little tube that would be perfect for your purse.

I was actually really surprised by this next lotion. Skin MD Natural is actually a shielding lotion that works with your skin to restore and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, helping to protect it from toxins and irritants that damage your skin. I was skeptical of this new type of moisturizer, but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s actually a lot thinner than the other lotions I shared, but it absorbs really quickly. It works to create a skin barrier and after the first few days use my skin felt much smoother and softer.