Well-Being

3 Top Hand Creams to Repair Overwashed Hands

Excessive hand washing can cause our hands to peel, crack and even bleed. Here's how to heal them

By Janine Verreault /

Excessive hand washing can cause our hands to peel, crack and even bleed. Here’s how to heal them

Hand hygiene is more important than ever—and we know it’s critical to wash our hands for at least 20 seconds multiple times per day to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Click here for a step-by-step guide on the proper procedure from the Government of Canada.)

The downside, of course, is that hands can become raw and ravaged from all that washing.

We’ve put together a list of our favourite hand creams (from lightest to strongest) to help heal your hands in the months ahead…

 

1. The Lightweight Option: Moroccanoil Hand Cream, $23

This nourishing hand cream from Moroccanoil is formulated with argan oil, shea butter and avocado oil, which all help to restore hydration. Recommended for normal, dry, combination and oily skin, this is a good lightweight moisturizer that you can use often, as it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. A little goes a long way and it has the most beautiful floral fragrance.The bonus? It’s made without parabens, phtalates and coal tar and comes in recyclable packaging.

 

2. The Middle Ground: Scentuals Coconut Cocoa Butter Hand Repair Cream, $11.50

When you first apply this hand cream from Scentuals, you’d think it would leave a greasy residue—but trust us—it doesn’t. Give it a minute to allow its 100 percent natural ingredients to absorb into your skin and you will love the results. Featuring shea butter and coconut butter to leave skin silky smooth, this hand cream is also enriched with organic argan oil, sweet almond oil and aloe for a truly moisturizing treatment.

 

3. The Heavy Hitter: Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, $31

If your skin is dry, cracked and bleeding, Kiehl’s ultimate strength hand salve is exactly the hand cream you need right now. Formulated for the “driest, most active hands, this heavy-duty moisture treatment is a thick, rich formula offering all-day care and protection to hands.” It includes avocado, eucalyptus and sesame seed oil and provides a “glove-like” protective barrier against moisture loss. It absorbs quickly and has a soothing mint fragrance.