Hand lotion is a type of moisturizer developed specifically for the hands. Many people refer to all types of hydrating products for the hands as lotion, but there are actually three different types of products: lotions, creams and ointments.
Lotions are the lightest products. They're quickly absorbed by the skin and provide a little extra moisture for the tissue.
Creams are thicker than lotions because they usually contain more oils and less water. As a result, they generally provide more moisturizing benefits and may be a better choice for parched skin.
Hand ointments are the heaviest and most intensive moisturizers. They use waxes and oils to create a seal over the skin that locks in moisture and are usually recommended for people with very dry skin.
Your body produces natural oil called sebum to lubricate your skin and keep it healthy. However, dehydration, sun exposure, dry air, some medical conditions and certain medications can cause skin to dry out, leading to symptoms like roughness, flakiness and itching.
The hands are particularly susceptible to dryness. While handwashing is important for limiting your exposure to germs, soaps can strip away natural oil, dehydrating skin. Plus, the number of sweat and oil glands goes down as you age. As a result, seniors may experience dry skin on their hands and other places on their bodies, even if they never had problems with dryness when they were younger.
Hand lotions, creams and ointments help maintain hydration levels in the skin. When used regularly, they can reduce the risk of dryness and the unpleasant symptoms that accompany it. By moisturizing, the products also help skin feel softer and smoother.
To use hand lotion, cream or ointment, apply a small amount and then make light circular motions to rub it into your skin. Pay extra attention to areas that are rough or itchy, and make sure to work the product in between your fingers and around your fingernails.
Each time you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, follow up with hand lotion, cream or ointment. You should also apply hand moisturizer after you shower or bathe and before you go to bed at night. If your skin is very dry, slip on cotton gloves to help keep the product in place while you slumber.
Applying hand lotion to your skin regularly can help support softer, better-hydrated skin. For even more skin health benefits, follow these tips.
As previously mentioned, exposure to water can strip away moisture from the skin, so activities like dishwashing and spring cleaning can be hard on your hands. To limit your contact with water and cleaning products, wear disposable cleaning gloves while you perform chores around the house.
The combination of cold temperatures and drier air can leave skin more vulnerable to irritation. When you need to head outdoors on cold days, wear gloves to protect your skin from the environment and apply hand lotion once you return home to replenish lost moisture.
Throughout the day, your hands are usually exposed to the sun, leaving you at risk for sunburn. Plus, sun exposure causes cellular damage that can give rise to skin cancer, the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the United States.
For daily hand protection, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and use a more protective formula with an SPF of at least 30 when you’ll be outside for extended periods. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours — more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
Gripping items causes friction that can lead to thickened skin and calluses. By wearing gloves when you golf, garden, play tennis and do other activities that involve using your hands, you can lower the likelihood of these issues.
If you notice changes in the skin of your hands or dryness persists despite using hand lotion, talk to your health care provider. They can recommend skin care products and medical interventions to support healthier skin. Your medical provider can also give you advice about which type of hand lotion, cream or ointment is the right choice for you based on your skin type, your medical history, the activities you regularly participate in and other factors.
