Who here is a germaphobe like me? There ain’t no shame in that. I wash my fingertips after running water after touching every single ingredient that I use in my cooking. Takes twice as long to get food up on the table but hey, I’m working on it!
A visible side effect to this idiosyncrasy of mine is dry hands. Dry hands are a common concern for many people, often resulting from various factors such as weather conditions, frequent handwashing, or individual skin types. To help replace the moisture from my excessive washing, I have been using hand salves and hand cream lotions to plump them up again.
Though they sound pretty similar, there are some differences between these two products.
If you’re dealing with dry, cracked hands, you’re likely torn between heavier hand salves and lighter lotion creams. I’ll break down what sets these moisturizers apart so you can pick the right remedy for your parched skin.
Why Do We Have Dry Hands?
Dry hands can be attributed to several factors, including cold weather, frequent handwashing, exposure to harsh chemicals, or individual skin types. Harsh environmental conditions, especially during colder months, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and discomfort. Similarly, regular use of hand sanitizers, which have become more prevalent, can contribute to moisture loss and skin irritation.
What is Hand Salve?
Hand salve is a thick, balm-like product designed to provide intense hydration and create a protective barrier on the skin. Typically made with natural oils, essential oils, and sometimes shea butter, hand salves are formulated to tackle dry and cracked skin. Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve and botanical oil-based hand balms are examples of popular hand salves known for their rich, nourishing properties.
What is a hand salve? Salves are an ultra-thick ointment packed with botanical oils and butters like coconut, olive, beeswax and shea. Their dense, waxy texture seals in moisture and nutrients while forming a protective barrier against irritants. Popular among those with severely dry skin conditions.
What is Hand Cream Lotion?
Hand cream lotion, on the other hand, is a water-based product with a thinner consistency. It often contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and aloe vera to hydrate the skin without leaving a greasy feeling. Cerave Therapeutic Hand Cream and Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream are examples of top-rated hand creams, offering quick absorption and effective moisture retention.
Lotions have a higher water content paired with hydrators like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethicone to bind moisture to skin cells. Typically loaded with vitamins and botanical extracts too. Fast-absorbing but less occlusive than salves. Ideal for mild dryness.
Key Differences Between Hand Salves & Hand Cream Lotions
The real differences lie in their consistency and ingredients. Hand salves are known for their thicker consistency and higher oil content, forming a protective layer on the skin. In contrast, hand cream lotions have a lower water content, making them lighter and suitable for those who prefer a less heavy feel.
- Texture: Salves are almost solid while lotions are runnier and quickly absorb
- Hydration levels: Salves intensely nourish hands but may feel greasy. Lotions provide lighter, silky moisture.
- Duration: Salves last longer. Lotions require frequent reapplication.
- Body Areas: Salves better suit roughened areas like heels, elbows, and knees too. Lotions cover more surface area.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hand Salves vs Hand Cream Lotions
Hand Salves
- Advantages: Ideal for extremely dry or cracked skin, provides a protective barrier, often includes natural ingredients and essential oils.
- Disadvantages: May feel greasy, better suited for specific areas of the body rather than large ones.
Hand Cream Lotions
- Advantages: Quick absorption, suitable for all skin types, lighter feel, good for frequent use.
- Disadvantages: May not be as effective for severe dryness or cracked skin.
Can I use my facial moisturizer as hand cream lotion?
While you can use facial moisturizers as a substitute, there are some factors to consider:
- Ingredients: Check the ingredients of the facial moisturizer. Ideally, look for formulations that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or ceramides, which are beneficial for both the face and hands.
- Fragrance Sensitivity: Be cautious if you have sensitive skin or if the facial moisturizer contains fragrances or other ingredients that might cause irritation. Hand skin can sometimes be more resilient than facial skin, but individual reactions vary.
- SPF Content: Some facial moisturizers include sun protection factors (SPF), which can be beneficial for protecting the skin on your hands from UV rays. However, not all facial moisturizers have SPF, so if you’re relying on it for sun protection, check the product label.
- Texture: Facial moisturizers often have a lighter texture compared to hand creams, which can be thicker and more emollient. If your hands are extremely dry, you might find that a dedicated hand cream provides more intense hydration.
- Availability: In emergencies or when you don’t have hand cream available, using a facial moisturizer is a reasonable alternative. However, for daily use, especially if your hands require frequent hydration, a specialized hand cream may be more effective.
If you’re consistently dealing with dry, parched hands, especially in harsh weather conditions or due to frequent handwashing, it might be worth investing in a high-quality hand cream designed to provide the specific care your hands need. Hand creams often contain ingredients that address the thicker skin on the hands and provide longer-lasting moisture.
Here are our favorite hand cream lotions and salves that have rave reviews and are wallet friendly:
Hand Salves
- O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream: This cream is formulated with shea butter, oat oil, and elastomeric oils to provide long-lasting moisture and relief from dryness. It also has allantoin to promote skin regeneration and healing and lastly paraffin to form a protective barrier.
- Badger Balm Hardworking Hands Salve: This product contains extra virgin olive oil which is rich in antioxidants, beeswax to create a protective layer on the skin, and castor oil for extra emollience and helps soothe dry skin.
- Burt’s Bees Hand Salve: A cult favourite, it contains beeswax to create a protective barrier and helps retain moisture. Olive Oil to moisturize and nourish the skin as well as eucalyptus oil for a refreshing scent, and with potential antimicrobial properties
- Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer: If the word “industrial” is in the name, you know it will deliver. It is a non-greasy formula for reducing tough calluses and unsightly cuticles. Contains macadamia nut oil for deep hydration, eucalyptus that has antibacterial properties as well as Vitamins A and E, which are antioxidants that help protect and nourish the skin. Lastly, liposomes for a targeted ingredient delivery system, to encapsulate the vitamins and moisturizers, preserving them at full potency to deliver maximum, sustained benefits to the skin.
- Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultimate Strength Hand Salve: This heavy duty salve is formulated with ingredients like avocado oil, sesame seed oil, and shea butter to provide hydration and soothing benefits to dry hands.
Hand Lotions
- CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream for Dry Cracked Hands With Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide: This cream contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to provide hydration and reduce inflammation, making it an excellent choice for dry hands.
- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Hand Lotion: Contains colloidal oatmeal which soothes and moisturizes dry skin. Packed with glycerin to hydrate and attract moisture as well as dimethicone that forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
- Curel Extreme Dry Hand Cream, with Eucalyptus Extract: This hand cream contains eucalyptus leaf extract, which has natural moisturizing properties, and is formulated to provide relief from dryness after washing hands.
- Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream: This hand cream is known for its moisturizing properties and is often recommended by dermatologists. It contains ingredients like glycerin and chamomile extract to hydrate and soothe dry hands. It also has lactic acid to exfoliate and promote smoother skin as well as urea to attract and retain moisture.
- L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: This hand cream is enriched with 25% shea butter, which provides deep hydration and soothing benefits to dry hands. It also has honey, almond extracts, and coconut oil to provide additional hydration and a pleasant fragrance, as well as tocopherol (Vitamin E) for antioxidant benefits.
The main ingredients in these hand salves and creams include moisturizing agents like olive oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which help lock in moisture and provide relief from dryness. These ingredients work by creating a barrier on the skin, preventing water loss, and promoting skin healing.
How to Choose Between Hand Salve and Hand Cream Lotions?
Choosing between hand salve and hand cream largely depends on your personal preference, skin type, and the severity of dryness. If you have sensitive or delicate skin, a hand cream lotion with a high water content might be a better option. For hard-working skin or extremely dry areas, a nourishing hand salve with natural oils could be an ideal choice and provide the best results for healthy skin.
Consider when and where you want relief – just small dry spots like knuckles? Opt for a hand lotion.
Need all-day defense for active jobs or during freezing temps outdoors? Grab a salve to smooth over painful cracks.
Those with chronically dehydrated skin due to eczema or psoriasis may alternate between both formulas as needed. Combining a natural hand salve followed by lotion extends protection. And don’t forget your nails – look for camellia oil and shea-based cuticle creams.
Stay diligent as you treat your hands this winter. Be patient – healing dry, damaged skin takes time and consistency no matter which moisturizer you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use hand salve on other parts of my body?
A: Yes, but it’s best suited for smaller, specific areas due to its thicker consistency.
Q: Are hand cream Lotions suitable for oily skin?
A: Yes, hand cream lotions with a lighter feel are suitable for all skin types, including oily skin.
Q: How often should I apply hand salve or hand cream Lotions?
A: It depends on the level of dryness; however, frequent handwashing may require more regular application.
In conclusion, the choice between hand salve and hand cream depends on your individual preferences and specific skin concerns. Experiment with different products to find the one that works best for your unique needs, keeping in mind the climate, your daily activities, and the overall health of your skin.
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- https://themillennialglow.com/key-benefits-of-lip-scrubs-and-why-we-should-care/
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist and/or healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.