Caring for dry hands this winter
(Image courtesy of Unsplash)
As we continue to fight the Coronavirus pandemic, one thing we are constantly reminded of is to wash our hands. The posters, slogans and even TV adverts have become the new normal in our daily lives. But all this continuous washing and use of anti-bacterial gel can lead to dryness or irritation which not only feels horrible, but can lead to cracked skin, giving bacteria an entry point to our bodies.
So, what can we do to counteract this? There are a variety of ways we can continue to look after our hands through this pandemic and have no fear, it’s easily achievable on a student budget!
There are many different types of hand creams on the market, and it can be difficult to choose one that works, so here are a few of our favourites!
Neutrogena Nourishing Hand Cream is a great cream for those of us that struggle with sensitive skin that easily reacts to heavily perfumed products. This cream is known for providing immediate and lasting relief whilst giving you smoother hands. According to Boots each 50ml bottle can provide up to 200 applications.
£3.99 50ml https://www.boots.com/neutrogena-norwegian-formula-concentrated-hand-cream-50ml-10005610
Nivea Hand Cream Intensive Nourishing Moisturiser uses an almond oil formula to provide intensive nourishment that lasts for up to 24 hours, protecting your hands all day long! This 100ml bottle is not only slighter bigger than some of the competitive brands but is still perfect to stick in your handbag to make sure you always have access to the hand care you need whilst on the move.
£1.99 100ml https://www.boots.com/nivea-hand-cream-repair-care-hand-cream-100ml-10245785
Sanctuary also make a handbag sized hand cream. Using a blend of shea butter and almond oil this cream is absorbed quickly, so is super handy for on the go.
£6.00 75ml https://www.boots.com/sanctuary-spa-hand-cream--10229053
Whilst smaller bottles of hand cream are perfect for carrying around, giving you the option to apply them throughout the day, larger bottles may end up being more economical in the long run.
Soap and Glory offer a non-greasy hydrating hand cream containing shea butter, macadamia oil and marshmallow. This cream is scented with original pink rose and bergamot. Apply every evening before bed to soothe dry skin and achieve a softer, smoother feel.
£8.50 250ml https://www.boots.com/soap-and-glory-original-pink-hand-food-10217809
If you are applying hand cream in the evening, you may wish to consider moisturising gloves. Calcot Manor gloves can be purchased from Tesco and are gently woven gloves to put on once you have applied a thick layer of hand cream. During wear, the heat encourages the pores to open, resulting in the moisture restoring life to your hands.
£3.00 https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/295581378?sc_cmp=ppc*GHS%20-%20Grocery%20-%20Repeat%20&%20DS*PX%20%7C%20Shopping%20GSC%20%7C%20Actives%20%7C%20All%20Products%20%2B%20Generic*R%20%26%20DS%3A%20Non-Food%3A%20Health%20%26%20Beauty%3A%20Health%20%26%20Beauty*PRODUCT_GROUP295581378*=&ds_rl=1116322&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0dDuhYTO7AIVmLPtCh3gEwlUEAQYAiABEgJ-NPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&selectedUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fdigitalcontent.api.tesco.com%2Fv2%2Fmedia%2Fghs%2F1537ded4-e058-4c02-92bb-691c57be2686%2Fsnapshotimagehandler_992670044.jpeg%3Fh%3D540%26w%3D540
Alternatively, if hand cream is not your thing, then you could also use hand masks. Skin Republic Hand Repair is currently available through Superdrug, providing dual layered gloves which contain an intensive moisturising serum packed with Plant Extracts for softer hands. Another great benefit of these gloves is that the outer layer stays dry while they work, so you don’t have to take time out of your daily routine to appreciate their effect!
£5.49 https://www.superdrug.com/Hand-Mask/Skin-Republic-Hand-Repair-18g/p/702103#pdp__details
Let us know in the comment section below if you try any of the products listed, or if you have a go to hand cream of your own via our Instagram - @inquirekent.
