Skin Products

Best Hand Lotions

The arrival of the winter months is a time for many changes in routine, particularly in terms of health and skin care. The importance of having a good hand lotion skyrockets during this time, as lotion is a tried and tested product for preventing the discomfort and excess skin damage that can be caused by daily wear and tear on your skin. The market for moisturizers is quite wide, and so it is a good idea to get an overview of the available options so that you can make an informed decision when you head to the store.

If you are prone to irritation due to sensitive skin, you will want to narrow your options to lotions, which take this into account. Dry, oily and combination skin are three major categories that determine the function your lotion will be performing.

Ingredients such as perfumes, formaldehyde and lanolin should be avoided by people with sensitive skin, as they can be sources of irritation. Many lotions are labeled “for sensitive skin” to make the selection process easier. In addition, people with acne should search for non-comedogenic or non-occlusive lotions, as they do not clog pores.

Three of the most trusted brands for consumers with sensitive skin are Kiehl’s, Aveeno and Eucerin. Sensitive skin can also be cared for with baby products, which use milder ingredients and formulas than products for adults. Mustela, a children’s skin care line, also provides products for pregnant women and recent mothers. As pregnancy can instigate a host of skin care changes, Mustela’s products may be quite helpful for dealing with increased sensitivity and issues with pigmentation.

People who do not have sensitive skin have even more options for their hand and body lotion. Even people who do not seem to have dry skin but engage in work which requires regular hand washing, such as doctors and nurses, should moisturize often to reduce their risk of irritating their skin and ending up with painfully chapped hands.

Aveda Hand Relief is one of the best options for hand lotions, and is well-respected for the moisturizing power of its formula overflowing with antioxidants and emollients. L’Occitane shea butter hand cream is renowned for its rich moisturizers, which derive their power from shea butter. It is recommended that thick creams be used at night, when there will be less chance of the lotion rubbing off on door handles or other commonly used objects, and so the moisturizing power can take its full effect.

The use of cotton gloves over the hands at night can also intensify the moisturizer and rejuvenate your hands. Dry skin on the feet can be remedied using the same technique, by slathering on a thick cream for the night and covering your feet with cotton socks.

Retailers such as Bath and Body Works and the Body Shop are good sources for perfumed lotions in a variety of scents, from the most common to the exotic. As an alternative to liquid perfume, scented lotions can be used to achieve a subtle amount of fragrance without overwhelming the senses. Most designer fragrances also come in the form of perfumed lotions, which can be used alone or in tandem with a liquid perfume to heighten the undertones of the scent. Regular moisturizing with any hand lotion is the best way to maintain the balance and health of your skin from head to toe.