Along with the skin of the face, the hands are the area of the body that is permanently exposed to external factors, such as the weather or pollution, and that ends up “taking its toll” on them. Luckily, we can turn to hand creams to restore their smoothness and softness.
Why should you use it?
- Strengthens and protects the skin. It rebuilds the outer layer of the dermis (the hydrolipid mantle), which is damaged by cold, heating, frequent washing, household cleaning products, etc.
- Repair and calm. It heals small aggressions to the skin (cracks, cuts) and eliminates the sensation of itching and tightness in the most sensitive skin.
- Softens the skin. By hydrating it, it leaves it supple and soft to the touch for hours.
- Stops wrinkles and blemishes. There are creams with specific ingredients to combat the signs of aging.
Tell me how you have your hands and I'll tell you what cream to use
- Young hands and little punished. A moisturizing hand cream will suffice. They are the cheapest and simplest in their composition. They contain, above all, lubricants, which prevent dehydration and leave no residue, so you can use them without staining your clothes or anything you touch, such as the keyboard.
- Very dry hands. Nourishing hand creams are recommended. They usually include oils rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which leave the skin somewhat unctuous, so it is best to use them at night.
- From the age of 40. If the skin has become thinner and the veins are marked, look for creams with redensifying or antioxidant anti-aging actives (hyaluronic acid, vitamin E).
- Do you have spots? Then use depigmenting hand creams at night and during the day choose one that incorporates UVA and UVB filters, as they prevent the appearance of dark spots.
Get the most out of your hand cream in 3 steps
- Cuticles Apply the hand cream also on the nails and you will see how they do not chip. Press well all the way around to soften cuticles and seal "hangnails."
- Relaxing massage. Rub the fingers one by one towards the wrist. The massage relaxes the muscles and tendons and improves microcirculation so that the fingers do not swell.
- Youth cure. Peel your hands using the body scrub. Apply a generous layer of cream (as a mask) and cover your hands with a hot towel for 10 minutes.
Pro trick
Reapply several times a day
It is best to put the cream on every time you wash your hands. If you want to remember, leave the tube next to the hand soap. For the cream to be more effective, dry your hands first, better with a towel than with a hot air dryer, because this dehydrates them. - M.ª Teresa Alcalde, graduate in Pharmacy and expert in Cosmetology and Dermopharmacy.
And if you want more tips to take care of yourself in winter and prevent your skin from suffering, don't miss our post.
