Hand cream is used to moisturize, protect, and repair the skin on the hands. Hands are exposed daily to water, cold, washing, and external stress, which causes the skin's natural protective barrier, consisting of lipids, ceramides, and moisture-binding substances, to break down faster than on many other parts of the body. With the right hand cream, you can strengthen the skin barrier, prevent dryness and cracks, and keep your hands soft and supple year-round. In Korean skincare, the focus is on gentle ingredients, long-lasting hydration, and skin health over time rather than quick, temporary solutions.
What is hand cream?
Hand cream is a skincare product specifically designed to care for the skin on the hands. The skin on the hands is thin, has few sebaceous glands, and therefore produces less natural oil than, for example, the face or body. This causes the skin to lose moisture faster, especially when exposed to water, cleansing, and hand sanitizer that can dissolve the skin's natural lipids.
What does hand cream do for the skin?
A hand cream helps to:
- Add moisture to dry and tight skin with the help of moisture-binding substances like glycerin and hyaluronic acid
- Protect the skin against external stress through emollient ingredients like oils and butters
- Strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier with barrier-supporting substances like ceramides and panthenol
- Prevent cracks, irritation, and discomfort by reducing transepidermal water loss
Therefore, regular use is important to maintain the skin's balance and comfort.
Why do hands become dry?
Dry hands are a common problem and are often due to the weakening of the skin's protective barrier over time.
Common causes of dry hands
- Frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer that dissolves the skin's natural fats
- Cold, dry, or windy climate that increases moisture loss
- Strong or drying soaps with sulfates or alcohol
- Lack of moisturizing and barrier-strengthening ingredients
When these factors interact, the skin's ability to retain moisture decreases, leading to dry, rough, and sometimes cracked hands.
Which is the best hand cream?
There is no hand cream that is best for everyone, as the need varies depending on how dry the hands are and how often they are exposed to water and cold. Since hands have low natural oil production, hand creams often need to contain both moisture-binding substances and emollient lipids to function optimally.
Hand cream for dry hands
For dry hands, a hand cream that combines moisture-binding and emollient ingredients is suitable, as the skin needs both moisture and protection against drying out. Common moisture-binding substances in hand cream are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and betaine, which help the skin attract and retain moisture. To strengthen the skin barrier, emollient ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and vegetable oils are often used, which reduce tightness and make the skin softer over time.
Hand cream for very dry or cracked hands
For very dry or cracked hands, a richer hand cream is often needed, containing a higher proportion of barrier-strengthening and occlusive ingredients. Substances like ceramides, panthenol, and petrolatum can help protect the skin and reduce further moisture loss. This type of hand cream works best as intensive care, especially in the evening.
Are expensive hand creams worth it?
A higher price tag does not always mean better effect. The most important thing is the content and how well the hand cream matches the skin's needs, rather than brand or price.
What is best to apply on hands?
The best thing you can apply to your hands is a hand cream that is adapted to how dry your hands are and how often you need to moisturize. them.
- Light hand cream with glycerin or aloe vera is suitable for daily use
- Rich hand cream or ointment with ceramides, shea butter or squalane is better for very dry hands
- Fragrance-free hand cream with soothing ingredients like panthenol or allantoin is suitable for sensitive skin
A combination of moisturizing and barrier-strengthening ingredients provides the best results. Petroleum jelly can be used to lock in moisture, but works best on top of a moisturizing cream.
How and when should hand cream be used?
Applying hand cream at the right time makes a big difference as the skin can better absorb moisture and the barrier-strengthening ingredients can work more effectively.
When should you apply hand cream?
- After hand washing, when the skin is most receptive to moisture
- Before going out in the cold to protect the skin barrier
- In the evening before bedtime for long-lasting hydration
How often should hand cream be used?
For dry hands, hand cream may need to be used several times a day. Regular use gives better results than applying it very rarely.
What to do about extremely dry hands?
Extremely dry hands are often a sign that the skin barrier is severely weakened and needs more care.
Tips for very dry hands
- Use an extra rich hand cream or ointment in the evening
- Apply cream to the hands and use cotton gloves overnight
- Avoid drying soaps
- Apply cream to the hands immediately after each wash
Consistent and preventive care is crucial for the skin to recover.
What is the difference between hand cream and foot cream?
The difference between hand cream and foot cream mainly lies in consistency and function.
- Hand cream is often absorbed faster and is adapted for thinner skin
- Foot cream is usually greasier and designed for thicker, drier skin
Can you use hand cream on your feet?
Hand cream can be used on the feet for mild dryness, but for very dry feet, foot cream is usually more effective.
What is Korean hand cream?
Korean hand cream is based on the same philosophy as Korean skincare in general: to strengthen the skin's barrier with gentle ingredients and long-term hydration.
Focus on skin health
Instead of strong ingredients, the following are often used:
- Moisturizing agents such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and betaine
- Soothing extracts like centella asiatica, aloe vera, and green tea
- Barrier-strengthening ingredients such as ceramides, squalane, and panthenol
The goal is to provide the hands with sustainable care that improves the skin's quality over time.
Common questions about hand cream
Here we have collected common questions we often receive about hand cream, along with short and clear answers.
Which hand cream is best for dry hands?
A rich hand cream with both moisturizing and emollient ingredients is best for dry hands as it both hydrates and protects the skin.
What is good for really dry hands?
For very dry hands, a fattier hand cream or ointment can provide better protection, especially with regular use.
When should you apply hand cream?
It's best to apply hand cream after hand washing and in the evening when the skin has time to recover.
Can you use hand cream on your feet?
Yes, hand cream can be used on the feet, but foot cream is usually more suitable for very dry skin.
How to get soft hands at home?
Regular hand cream, mild soap, and applying cream to the hands immediately after washing help make the skin softer.
