Best Hand Cream - your thoughts?

[sledge]

Hey,

I seem to be forever washing my hands after changing nappies and taking my toddler to the toilet, doing hand washing and dishes etc and my hands are really really dry and actually quite sore. Can anyone recommend a really good hand cream that does miracles????

Thanks for your advice.

Sledge

[FatherJack]

There is a Neutrogena intensive cream that I use but yesterday I started using Aveeno, it seems really good and available on prescription for severe skin conditions.

PS On special offer in Sainsburys 1/3 off aprox ?3 a tube at the moment

[intexasatthe moment]

There were many recommendations for handcream on this recent thread

http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,395982,400157#msg-400157

[echo]

I get occasional hand Eczema. I think the best ever cream is The organic pharmacy- ultra dry skin cream, it is expensive but it works and lasts for ages. Health matters do sell it.

[apenn]

2 suggestions: If you've got any nipple cream around - use that at night before you go to bed. If your hands are really bad, use Flexitol Heel Balm! You should be able to find it at most chemists.

[KalamityKel]

Elle Macpherson body/skin products from Boots are good especially the body butter - if your are wanting to buy a big pot and not spend so much as the above suggestions. around ?6.00 for a 475ml tub (you don't need to use much). Works wonders for sore hands caused by the cold and over washing (I've found) and great for psoraisis and similar skin complaints. (tu)

See here

[Yorkie]

l'occitane shea butter cream is expensive but brilliant. Really works on chapped hands.

[melbourne groover]

I am really into the shea butter from the lady down Northcross on a Saturday. I am using it for the whole family now! I just keep it in little tupperware containers. Is brilliant as a hand creme and has worked miracles on my son's eczema.

[linzkg]

Aveeno cream is lovely - good for baby too!

[standswithfist]

I used to use cream all the time (hands and body) but it all stopped when my daughter was born a year ago. Then my hands got so dry that they were cracking and bleeding. I tried a few creams but the one that work straight away as soon as I put it on was Avon Care Rich Moisture Glycerine Calcium Hand and Nail Cream - which really surprised me as before I had a baby i thought vaseline was the best!

[edanna]

Would second Neutrogena and also if you have little cracks - I get them on my thumbs- try neutrogena instant repair lip balm on them - comes in a pot, sold in sainsbury's. Do wear gloves for washing up and also outside (though probably not the same ones!) cold weather makes my hands much worse. Also try different soaps for washing hands.

[sophiechristophy]

I am forever washing my hands as I work as a cookery teacher, and they get so sore and cracked. The only thing that works for me, without stinging, is olive oil! Cheap as it's already in the kitchen! Just apply a small amount to damp hands, and there you go. The don't even feel greasy, and nice and natural too.

S

[KalamityKel]

I found the neutrogena stuff quite sore to use (especially the sensitive one!) stange considerably and had to wash it off quite soon after application.

Does also depend how much you are willing to spend. Expensive does not always mean best.

Shea butter is available widely and cost efficient :)

[Rhubarb&Custard]

Am in the same boat re: sore, chapped hands. But have found that wearing cotton gloves at night the best trick. Slather hands in a really rich handcream (any of the ones recommended above) and then cover with the gloves. Sounds nuts - but in the morning hands are transformed.

[Vickster]

Not sure if Kiehls Ultimate strength hand salve has been mentioned above. I think this is fantastic, and the samples they give out at John Lewis etc are extremely generous so you can try for a while before you buy!

I also use (and rate) Dr Hauschka (sp?).

[Vickster]

Sorry, forgot to also mention the amazing properties of Lucas Papaw ointment. Great for sore chapped hands, but also good for nappy rash. My friend brought me back a tub from Australia, but it seems you can get hold of it in the UK as well now:

Papaw ointment

[Pecanpie]

I third Neutrogena.

[Sanne Panne]

The concentrated Neutrogena one (from the "Norwegian Formula" range) is great to rub into your hands before going to bed - you can put a lot more on than you would during the day and it can do its work without being interrupted by you washing your hands and using hand sanitiser. I find it a major pain to keep remembering hand cream during the day anyway so I prefer a nice thick cream at night.

[sledge]

HI Everyone,

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. I've bought some Aveeno to start with, and will work my way through recommendations if it doesn't work. The edges of my fingers are cracked so I will also try the cotton gloves, and lip balm solution.

Sledge

[ClaireClaire]

I also have dry hands with too much handwashing! All these creams sound great - where do I get the cotton gloves, though?

thanks!

[jalapeno]

I'd second Kiehl's range, V good for dry skin, keeps skin moisturised for longer periods.(tu)

[bigbob]

get the five quid Hand Balm by Flexitol - made for the purpose sorted my dry, cracked and occasionally bleeding hands a treat...

bit stinky, but never mind...

avail from chemists in ED - Northcross Rd and recently refurbished one on Grove Vale...

[ClareC]

Elizabeth Arden 24hr one is fab for dry sore hands :-)

[bee74]

Weleda Skin Food. Enough said.

[Tamu]

Try Tamu's organic fairtrade shea butter based products which are excellent for dry skin. The products are 100% natural and are available at Fortoroama 165 Lordship Lane - next door to the eco shop. I'm there every Thurs, Fri and every other Sat (I won't be there this Sat but the following Sat) it would be lovely to meet you all!

Tamu