If you have very dry hands, use a hand salve or treatment rather than a lotion and look for formulas with emollient ingredients like Shea Butter and Avocado Oil. In addition to softening and nourishing hands, hand salve can also help lock in moisture to keep hands feeling soft throughout the day.

To keep hands feeling soft and cared for, apply a hand salve or cream after each time that you wash your hands. If your hands still feel rough or dry, apply hand cream as needed throughout the day.

In cold weather, the air is often drier and can contribute to skin feeling dry, tight or rough. If you have dry hands in the winter months, apply a hand cream or salve immediately after washing hands and throughout the day. Be sure to also wear gloves to keep skin protected from harsh temperatures and wind.

The main difference between these formulas is the texture or thickness. Hand creams are often lightweight while hand salves tend to have higher concentrations of rich emollient ingredients, making them ideal for dry and very dry skin. Depending on how dry your hands are, you may want to apply a hand cream during the day and a thicker hand salve overnight.

Hand salves tend to absorb quickly and easily compared to body lotions, leaving your hands feeling residue-free. While you can use body lotions on your hands, applying a hand salve or cream will help nourish and soften your hands without impacting your daily activities.