The best lotions for frequently washed hands

Whether you have a job which requires you to keep your hands squeaky clean at all times or you’re currently practising good hygiene during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s likely that your hands have started to feel a little dry. If that’s the case, why not treat your skin to a brand new, nourishing lotion?

Why do I need to use lotion on my hands?

While cleaning your hands regularly is essential for eliminating dirt, germs and harmful bacteria, all that washing can start to take a toll on your skin and lead to chapped skin or sensitive skin.

Every time you wash your hands, you’re essentially removing a layer of moisture from the skin which is needed to keep it looking smooth and healthy. How dry or chapped the skin becomes will depend on things such as the number of times you wash your hands in a day, the overall health of your skin and what kind of soap you’re using.¹

Let’s not forget about your nails, either. Frequent handwashing can cause nails to become brittle and weak. Luckily, using a moisturising lotion can work miracles on both your skin and your nails if you select one that contains an abundance of beneficial ingredients.

What to look out for when buying a lotion for your hands

There are so many different hand lotions out there which can help relieve dry or cracked skin, and it can be tricky to know what’s right for your skin!

First things first, if you know you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to choose a gentle lotion that contains soothing ingredients. Products with artificial fragrances tend to contain alcohol which is known for drying out skin even further.

Not sure what to look out for? In general, the best natural lotions for frequently washed hands typically contain ingredients like:

Honey

In addition to smelling delicious, honey is nourishing and contains lots of antioxidants which can support your skin’s collagen levels.² Collagen is a protein present in your skin cells, and it’s what helps them stay elastic and hydrated.³ As we age, our body produces less and less collagen, meaning a honey-infused lotion such as the Burt’s Bees Hand Salve could be particularly beneficial.

Aloe Vera

This cactus-like plant has long been used to soothe sore skin. Aloe vera is extremely hydrating and contains dozens of amazing substances, from antioxidants through to essential vitamins like C and E.⁴ Lotions containing aloe vera are formulated to lock in moisture in your skin and make it feel softer and smoother. It’s a key ingredient in products like our Dr. PawPaw Original Balm that’s particularly great for treating your nails and cuticles.

Almond oil

For an intense moisture kick, you can’t beat a cream infused with almond oil. Sweet almond oil is the most popular type for the skin, and it’s enriched with nourishing nutrients like vitamin C, omega 3 and zinc.⁵ Almond oil is a common treatment for dry skin conditions, plus the presence of fatty acids is thought to help with healthy skin cell production. You can reap the benefits of this wonder oil with the Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream.

Shea butter

Shea butter is a substance extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, and it’s a very common ingredient in a lot of nourishing creams and moisturisers. One of the main benefits of shea butter is that it helps the skin lock in moisture. It’s also been found to have skin soothing properties which makes it great for sensitive skin.⁶ Sound like the ideal soother for your sore hands? Try Dr Organic Shea Butter Hand & Nail Cream.

What about hand washes?

If you’re picking out a hand soap for your bathroom at home or workplace, consider using one that’s ideally made from moisturising, natural ingredients. Wash your hands with lukewarm or cool water, too, as using hot water may make your hands feel even drier. That’s because hot water can open up the pores and flush out natural oils which help keep your skin moisturised.⁷

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Last updated: 5 June 2020