Hand creams

[ame]

So, I am like the anti-cream person. I hate it, it makes me immediately want to wash my hands. But this winter, my hands are particularly hurty, and I am cracking, which I don't think has ever happened before. It might be because I just finished a particularly huge invitation job, and I can't think of a fulfillment ever having fallen right around now before, or it's just drier than usual. Either way...I guess I need to use some. Or something. Ive been putting neosporin on the cracks, and trying to do lotion without washing my hands immediately afterwards (I literally do that. I cannot freaking stand the feeling of it! I feel dirty!) And it's not easy.

I haven't worn A ring in..like...a while with exception of a funeral last week. In part due to cold and gloves and the fact that I HATE a ring on with a glove. And in part bec Im a lazy wench or I was fulfilling an order. But with lotion, no chance. My OCD couldn't take it. But I need to wear them tomorrow for a work event, and I want my hands to not look disgusting. I spent like all 55 minutes before the naptime portion of the yoga class I was at yesterday staring at my hands and feet and how grotesque and dry I look. That was my intention for the class apparently, to stare at my nasty-ass and think about what I wanted to get for dinner afterwards (nachos, if you were interested. yes, that honors my hearts center, dammit.)

So what is your favorite lotion for your hands? Medicated? Not? I have on my desk at work Vaseline Healthy Hand and Nail and BBW Shea Cashmere (which smells good but feels funky) bec my coworkers live by that stuff. Its ok. I don't love either.

 

[rubybeth]

I'm not a big fan of hand lotion, either, but my skin does get really dry, esp. when it's super cold like it has been the last few days in Minnesota. On a whim, I bought a few cheapie $1 tins of the Nivea Creme (http://www.niveausa.com/products/NIVEA-Creme) at Target, and keep one in my bathroom drawer, one in my purse, and one in my office. It has worked well. I like how thick it is, and it's definitely moisturizing. I like the tin (or jar) for hand creme because then I can just put on a little bit, usually just the backs of my hands and by my fingernails, and avoid my rings altogether. I don't put it all over my hands because I don't like the greasy feeling when using my computer/phone. I keep the tin where I can see it so I remember to put it on a couple times a day.

Aveeno has some good lotions, too, I don't have any currently but have used their body lotions. I buy my DH some men's lotion (blue bottle, maybe Vaseline?) that is unscented and says on the bottle that it's a quick-absorbing formula, and it works amazingly well--very moisturizing but doesn't leave your skin 'shiny' or greasy feeling at all. It's good for him because he can just put it on an immediately get dressed. I imagine that would work well for hands, too, with no stickiness or residue.

Do you use moisturzing or at least mild hand soap? I don't like antibacterial products so we don't have any, I find them very drying plus super germs freak me out. We have moisturizing hand soap in our kitchen (cheap, in a big bottle at Target and I refill my cute pumps) and plain castille soap in our bathroom (very watery, lathers quick and rinses off quickly so I don't have to keep my hands in water for very long).

 

[LaraOnline]

This is my suggestion: go to the chemist and try something from their range of dermatology products, there's sure to be a huge shelf.

My favourite, and I've tried a few brands, is Alpha Keri brand, Intensive range. I've found it really is very good, in comparison with the other pharmaceutical type dermatologists' brands.

You could consider using their Intensive Cream Cleanser instead of your normal hand soap, comes in pump pack.

I use this in the shower as my husband has a reaction to normal soaps, this lathers well in a flannel or bath sponge for that purpose as well.

For moisturising, the Intensive Rich Cream is my favourite, but there is also an Ointment if you like.

Also, you could consider layering an oil of some type - Olive Oil etc - UNDER the Intensive Rich Cream. I like to do this with my son if he is feeling particularly 'rashy' any day. It really penetrates very deeply, and helps heal quickly!

Moisturise after hand washing religiously, and after bathing/ showering do the 'double act oil and cream', esp before bed.
If you are super dedicated, you could consider popping on cotton gloves after, to sleep in. That helps the oil and cream absorb.

 

[ame]

Moisturise after hand washing religiously, and after bathing/ showering do the 'double act oil and cream', esp before bed.
If you are super dedicated, you could consider popping on cotton gloves after, to sleep in. That helps the oil and cream absorb.

I might have to do the gloves thing at night at least. After I shower I put face lotion on right away (I hate that too but without it my face bleeds -- retinoids) and will put the rest on my hands but then I still do so much stuff with handwashing that it comes right back off anyway...That's probably someihng I should mention. I wash my hands A LOT, warmish water, and I do use antibac (BBW) that is not creamy bec I mostly don't like the creamier stuff. I like "softsoap brand" though, if it's wherever I am, I just don't buy it. At home I wash with method dish soap in the kitchen and that BBW stuff in the bathroom. But I don't put lotion on much at all there. I have a tube near my bed I think, never use it.

I guess I need to start with the gloves in my sleep thing. I do have some skin oils, argan and olive, that I've used on my face and hair before, just not religiously. Maybe that will be a good start.

 

[chrono]

Applying a good lotion at night every night goes a long way. I dislike a greasy feeling but it is necessary to have nice looking skin. I like the Cetaphil cream. The lotion isn't strong enough for me except in summer time but the cream is excellent in winter. It is great for sensitive skin.

 

[04diamond<3]

Nivea is pretty good, although I'd rather use that on my face because it tends to feel watery and dry up quickly. I've started using Philosophy for my face so I don't use nivea anymore but I do enjoy the light fragrance it has. I would suggest Eucerin for you. It doesn't smell and it's concentrated and not watery at all. It's intended for eczema but I got it a few years ago because my skin was dried up so bad I had elephant skin. It works great and truly moisturizes your skin. It's not very expensive either.

 

[erinl]

I really dislike hand lotions and my hands show it. I especially dislike the ones that don't soak in and can be washed off right away--my hands feel dirty when I put them on. It is really cold and dry here in Chicago so my hands have been cracking and bleeding--yes, they are that bad. I have been putting aquaphor healing ointment on them before going to bed. It is kind of like a thick vaseline and really does improve things overnight. I also think it works on really dry lips. I am a mess over here!

My sil and mil got some kind of foaming liquid from the dermatologist that heals deep cracks in their fingers. I don't know the name, but they seem to think it really works on extremely damaged skin. That is another option.

 

[stepcutnut]

I too hate anything greasy on my hands, but it is a necessity in the winter for me.

This winter I have been using Burt's Bees Hand Salve-it is in a tin and goes on quit thin and stays greasy for about 5 minutes and then soaks in and doesn't leave me feeling slimy at all. My hubby uses O'Keeffe's Working Hands because the greasiness goes away really quickly too-I like this one on my feet. I've also started using Vaseline Jelly or Bag Balm at night after I put on the hand cream and it is all soaked in and that has made a really big difference this year for me.

Also about once a week in the winter I:
*soak my hands in warm water for about 5 minutes
*exfoliate them with a oil sugar rub
*put on a thick and gooey hand cream and cuticle oil and let it soak in for a couple minutes
*then use my paraffin bath and sit with my hands covered for about 15-20minutes while watching a show
***they feel wonderful after this!

Good Luck!

 

[Skippy123]

I bought this and it isn't greasy and it dries quick no filmy feeling http://www.amazon.com/OKeeffes-Working-Hands-Cream-3-4/dp/B00121UVU0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359042508&sr=8-1&keywords=healthy+hands

 

[LittleRiver]

This one from Kiehl's is my favorite: http://www.kiehls.com/Ultimate-Strength-Hand-Salve/522,default,pd.html.

My mom swears by this one from Crabtree & Evelyn: http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com/eng/...deners/ultra_moisturising_hand_therapy?507166. I use it when I'm at her house and it's a close second to the Kiehl's.

This thread reminds me that I need to buy more!

 

[ame]

I wonder if that O'Keefes stuff is at like walgreens. Ill have to try that.

 

[CJ2008]

I love hand lotion and I am constantly putting it on! I just really like when my skin and nails look moisturized, and I feel like I need to constantly put on lotion for that to happen. That said, I hate moisturizers that leave skin greasy. When I buy one that ends up doing that I just use it on my cuticles.

My favorite hand cream (and I've tried tons) is this one http://www.drugstore.com/eucerin-in...d-creme-with-buffered-alpha-hydroxy/qxp148952.

I also really love Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream.

I have the Burt's Bees Hand Salve - but I don't like it for the palms of my hands (too greasy for my taste, and I don't find it particularly moisturizing). So I use that for just my cuticles.

 

[stepcutnut]

I wonder if that O'Keefes stuff is at like walgreens. Ill have to try that.

We order ours off of Amazon as well.

 

[tuffyluvr]

I live in SoCal where I don't have weather to contend with, but I have painfully dry skin anyways. The weather here is schizo--it was hot and dry here the past week, and today it's raining buckets... This crazy weather is wreaking havoc on my skin. I have sensitive skin that cracks and bleeds on my hands and the skin on my body feels too tight and gets itchy and raw if I don't keep it hydrated. I also have Keritosis Pilaris (plugged hair follicles that get bumpy, red and ugly if I don't take care of it) on the backs of my legs.

Anyways, here are my recommendations: HANDS: Neutrogena Fisherman's Formula. It's glycerin-based and though its hard to rub in--it almost lathers up--but after it turns white, it soaks in quickly and since it's not oil or petroleum based it doesn't leave a greasy residue. Also, it's unscented and since it's glycerin-based it's kind of sweet, so its not bad if you need to use it on your lips (mine are terribly dry and they crack and peel and I have found that petroleum-based product makes them worse). Also--I second the rec for paraffin dips. Get a manicure with a paraffin dip--it feels sooooo good on dry skin! BODY--Amlactin. Also unscented, it's got 12% lactic acid so it helps to exfoliate and unclog the plugged hair follicles on my legs. It's greasy, but if I put it on right after I get out of the shower my skin drinks it up pretty quick. It's helped a lot with my hands too since the lactic acid exfoliates the nasty dry, dead skin. I have also been reading up on doing home lactic acid peels. It helps to slough off all the dry skin so your skin looks radiant and allows your skin to absorb moisture better. When I apply lotion between showers I use Jergens Ultra Healing lotion for extra dry skin. It soaks in quickly, its not greasy and smells pleasantly soapy.

I have tried everything and these are what have worked for me. As Kenny would say, "people vary" ;P so unfortunately it is a bit of trial and error to find what works best for you. Best of luck!

 

[tuffyluvr]

**edit: it's actually called Neutrogena *Norwegian* Formula Hand Cream.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Mostly you need to be wearing gloves at night. My kids and I get cracked bleeding hands if we do not put the gloves on at night.

Normally, my kids wait until their hands look terrible before using products, but my older son started right as soon as his hands dried out and he has not had any cracking this year. He is using a salve with natural oils and extracts and has NO fillers. It is really greasy, though, so he puts it on right before bed and puts his gloves on.

 

[ame]

Tuffy: I use AmLactin on my arms sometimes and on my cheeks sometimes. I have KP on the majority of my body, cheeks, stomach, arms, legs and butt. Sexy. I use a SALUX cloth in the shower a few days a week to try to exfoliate a little. Sometimes I remember to put that lotion on. Usually not. Im better about it on my face for some reason.

I wonder if that O'Keefes stuff is at like walgreens. Ill have to try that.

We order ours off of Amazon as well.

I am going to try locally first, I generally don't give my money to Amazon, they're to me as bad as Walmart who I also refuse to give my money to.

A friend of mine also recommended the Neutrogena as well.

I might just have to go out and pick up an array of stuff tonight and just start working on it!

 

[ame]

Mostly you need to be wearing gloves at night. My kids and I get cracked bleeding hands if we do not put the gloves on at night.

Normally, my kids wait until their hands look terrible before using products, but my older son started right as soon as his hands dried out and he has not had any cracking this year. He is using a salve with natural oils and extracts and has NO fillers. It is really greasy, though, so he puts it on right before bed and puts his gloves on.

What gloves do you use? That's gonna be a habit to work on. I hate gloves.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Mostly you need to be wearing gloves at night. My kids and I get cracked bleeding hands if we do not put the gloves on at night.

Normally, my kids wait until their hands look terrible before using products, but my older son started right as soon as his hands dried out and he has not had any cracking this year. He is using a salve with natural oils and extracts and has NO fillers. It is really greasy, though, so he puts it on right before bed and puts his gloves on.

What gloves do you use? That's gonna be a habit to work on. I hate gloves.

http://www.amazon.com/ECOTOOLS-7415-Ecotools-Moisture-Gloves/dp/B00329XVJS/ref=pd_sim_sbs_bt_2

ETA - these are actually what my son uses...I noticed the reviewers complained about the length. They are fine for my 12-year-old. I use disposable gloves. I buy boxes of them in the first aid section of the grocery. They're $5.99 for a box of 50.

 

[stargurl78]

You might like Aveeno lotions because they are fairly light. I use them in the summer but in the winter I use Vaseline deep moisture cream but you probably wouldn't be a fan of that because its pretty greasy.

I am the opposite of you in that I can't stand the feeling of dry skin and I have to put lotion on after every time I wash my hands. But for some reason, I can't stand having fragrance on my hands so any hand lotions/creams or hand washes that I use have to be unscented.

 

[stepcutnut]

I wonder if that O'Keefes stuff is at like walgreens. Ill have to try that.

We order ours off of Amazon as well.

I am going to try locally first, I generally don't give my money to Amazon, they're to me as bad as Walmart who I also refuse to give my money to.

I agree-wouldn't give them my money if I could find it locally, but what do you do. I hope you can find it some where near you!

 

[stepcutnut]

I wonder if that O'Keefes stuff is at like walgreens. Ill have to try that.

We order ours off of Amazon as well.

I am going to try locally first, I generally don't give my money to Amazon, they're to me as bad as Walmart who I also refuse to give my money to.

I agree-wouldn't give them my money if I could find it locally, but nothing we can do. I hope you can find it some where near you!

 

[cygnet]

The most important thing to do is stay adequately hydrated. My skin looks great when I'm drinking 2-3L of water a day, less so on days when I fall short.

I rarely need lotion anymore, but on days I feel dry, I use coconut oil. A little bit goes a long way. Coconut oil is like a miracle product. I use it in so many ways. I don't like putting man made chemicals in my body, so I don't use commercial soaps, lotions, shampoo, etc. My skin has really been thanking me for it.

 

[Skippy123]

I wonder if that O'Keefes stuff is at like walgreens. Ill have to try that.

they have it at Target. they also have a store locator http://www.okeeffescompany.com/ They carry it at Auto Zone, Home Depot, etc.

I think coconut oil is great too but might be a tad greasy if you use too much but it soaks in your hands if you use a little

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I wonder if that O'Keefes stuff is at like walgreens. Ill have to try that.

they have it at Target. they also have a store locator http://www.okeeffescompany.com/ They carry it at Auto Zone, Home Depot, etc.

I think coconut oil is great too but might be a tad greasy if you use too much but it soaks in your hands if you use a little

Adding some coconut oil into your diet may help with dry skin, as well. It has those omegas that are so healthy. You can eat a spoonful a day. The extra virgin coconut oil... Like: http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Organic-Virgin-Coconut/dp/B003B3OOPA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359057306&sr=8-1&keywords=coconut+oil

FWIW, when I did low-carb, no wheat, with LOTS of omegas for a six weeks, my skin was super smooth. Makes me wonder if it's some sort of food sensitivity that is causing the dry skin OR something lacking in the diet.

 

[Aerix]

I recommend L'Occitane's hand creams: http://www.sephora.com/h-creams-P307907?skuId=640979

I also like Nivea, and I second sleeping with gloves on overnight to let the lotion sink in.

 

[ame]

Wait you EAT a spoonful of that?! Weird. What does it taste like....coconut? or what?

I am going to go out and search for some of this stuff tonight. I am now on a mission. Gloves. Working Hands. Coconut Oil. Lotions.

 

[Skippy123]

Wait you EAT a spoonful of that?! Weird. What does it taste like....coconut? or what?

I am going to go out and search for some of this stuff tonight. I am now on a mission. Gloves. Working Hands. Coconut Oil. Lotions.

oh and you can find coconut oil at the health food stores like Sprouts and Trader Joe's.

Healthy Hands is weird though, it is a solid, so when you touch it, it isn't like lotion, you just put a little on and rub your hands together and then they feel smooth.


MC, wow that is interesting!

 

[kenny]

I also hate hand cream.
Nothing can turn an IF diamond into an I3 diamond faster.

I'll use it maybe two days a year when the humidity is very low and I had to do something that dried my skin really badly, like setting up a new aquarium, sanding wood, handling bricks or working in the garden and forgetting to wear gloves.

I just use whatever is cheapest at Costco.
I don't even know what brand it is.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I too dislike the feeling of lotion but as I've gotten older, the need increases especially in the winter. The Norwegian formula is good and lately I've been using Lubriderm Intense Skin repair lotion. I can remember a time when I hated lipstick too but the more you wear something, the more you get used to it.

The trick that helps me most is this: put a generous amount of the lotion on and rub it good into your skin and cuticles. I then take a papertowel and wipe off the excess. I try to allow a few minutes for my hands to 'dry' before putting on my rings. I cannot stand the feeling of lotion and slipping rings on my fingers. I don't feel like they get as greased up this way and my hands feel soft. After a good hand washing, it's necessary to repeat this but it does help save my hands from cracking (which hurts like the devil I might add!). At night before I go to bed sans rings of course, I lather then up good again. It's not foolproof but has gone a long way in helping dry, winter hands!