An intensive hand cream is for hands that are already rough rather than for maintenance. Knowing which of your causes it addresses makes the difference between improvement and frustration.
What causes hand dryness
Frequent washing — the largest cause for most people. Every wash strips the lipid barrier, and hands are washed more than any other skin.
Hot water — accelerates the stripping considerably.
Detergents and cleaning products — designed to dissolve grease, which includes yours.
Cold and wind — accelerate water loss directly.
Dry indoor air — central heating in winter.
Alcohol-based sanitiser, used repeatedly.
A rich cream addresses the consequence of all of these. It does not address the causes, which is why people using excellent creams still have dry hands if the underlying pattern continues.
What to change alongside
- Gloves for washing up and cleaning. The single most effective change if this applies to you
- Gloves in cold weather
- Lukewarm water rather than hot
- Cream after every wash, not once a day
- A humidifier in winter if you have central heating
Using an intensive cream
Overnight is where it earns its texture. Rich creams leave a film, which is impractical before typing or handling paper — but irrelevant when you are asleep.
Apply generously before bed. Cotton gloves over the top, if hands are very rough, increase the effect considerably.
Through the day, use something lighter and keep this for the evening.
Where to apply it
Backs of the hands first — thinnest skin, most exposure. Then between the fingers, then nails and cuticles. Palms need it least.
When it is medical
Cracked, bleeding or painful skin, persistent itching, or a rash that spreads is not dryness. Hand eczema and contact dermatitis are common, treatable, and made worse by months of trying different creams instead of seeing a doctor.
The full composition is in the Faberlic catalogue. For the routine in context, see the skincare section.