Dry hands happen when your skin's natural moisture barrier is compromised. Some of the most common causes include:

• Cold weather and dry winter air
• Frequent hand washing or use of harsh soaps
• Hot, dry environments or central heating
• Taking long hot baths or showers
• Ageing, which naturally reduces oil production

A good hand cream helps replenish lost moisture and strengthen the skin barrier, keeping hands feeling soft and protected throughout the day.

For very dry hands, we recommend reaching for a rich hand salve rather than a lightweight lotion. Look for formulae with nourishing emollient ingredients like Shea Butter and Avocado Oil. Our Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is a favourite for intensively softening and moisturising hands while locking in hydration to keep them comfortable all day long.

We recommend applying hand cream after every wash, as water and soap can strip your skin of its natural oils. For best results, also apply before bed to let the formula work overnight. If your hands still feel rough or tight during the day, reapply as often as needed.

In winter, cold air and indoor heating can leave hands feeling dry, tight and rough, so a richer hand cream or hand salve with emollient ingredients like Shea Butter is typically your best bet. Apply immediately after washing your hands and layer on a thicker salve before bed for overnight repair. Wearing gloves outdoors also helps protect skin from harsh temperatures and wind.

It comes down to texture and richness. Hand creams are typically lightweight and absorb quickly, making them ideal for daytime use. Hand salves have higher concentrations of emollient ingredients, so they deliver more intensive moisture for dry and very dry skin. Depending on your needs, you may want to apply a hand cream during the day and switch to a thicker hand salve overnight.

Hand creams and salves are specifically formulated to absorb quickly and leave hands feeling residue-free, so they won't interfere with your daily activities. While you can certainly use body lotions on your hands, a dedicated hand cream typically offers more concentrated nourishment for the skin on your hands, which tends to be thinner and more exposed to the elements.

Look for emollient ingredients that deeply nourish and help protect the skin barrier, such as Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, and Sesame Oil. Eucalyptus is another great ingredient that helps condition the skin. We always recommend checking the ingredients list so you know exactly what you're putting on your skin.

A rich, moisturising hand cream combined with daily sun protection is the best approach for ageing hands. Keeping skin consistently hydrated with nourishing ingredients like Avocado Oil and Shea Butter helps maintain softness and suppleness. Our Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is a great option for delivering intensive moisture that supports healthy-looking skin over time.

Yes, you can absolutely use hand cream on other dry areas like elbows, knees, and cuticles. Hand cream formulae tend to be more concentrated than body lotions, so they work brilliantly for targeting particularly rough patches. For larger areas, though, a body lotion is typically more practical and economical.

Most hand creams absorb within one to two minutes, leaving your hands feeling soft without any greasy residue. Richer formulae like hand salves may take a few minutes longer, which is why we often recommend applying them before bed. If you're in a rush during the day, opt for a lighter hand cream that sinks in quickly.

We recommend applying hand cream after using hand sanitiser, once the sanitiser has fully dried. Alcohol-based sanitisers can be drying to the skin, so following up with a nourishing hand cream helps replenish moisture. Keep a tube at your desk or in your bag so you can easily rehydrate throughout the day.

A rich, emollient hand cream can certainly help soothe and repair cracked skin by restoring moisture to the skin barrier. Look for formulae with deeply nourishing ingredients like Shea Butter and Avocado Oil, which help soften and protect compromised skin. For very cracked hands, we recommend applying a thick layer of hand salve before bed and letting it work its magic overnight.

Ideally, you'll want to use both for the best results. Hand cream provides essential moisture and nourishment, while gloves protect your hands from harsh weather and environmental stressors that cause dryness in the first place. Try applying a generous layer of hand cream before popping on cotton gloves at night, or wear protective gloves when heading outdoors in cold weather.

You don't necessarily need two different products, but many people find it helpful to use a lighter hand cream during the day and a richer hand salve at night. Daytime formulae absorb quickly so they won't interfere with your activities, while overnight treatments can be thicker and more intensive. It's all about what works best for your hands and your routine.