We test three products to ease the effects of cold weather on your hands – one works wonders
HANDS are one of the first parts of the body to show signs of ageing.
This time of year is harsh on them because of the cold weather and dry indoor air.
Here are three products that can help.
BUDGET
Q+A Collagen hand cream, £6.50 for 75ml, qandaskin.com: This is infused with a blend of moisturising vegetable collagen, a barrier-strengthening sugar complex and an extract of the mineral hematite.
It is said to stimulate collagen synthesis and increase the thickness of the epidermis so wrinkles are erased and skin is visibly firmer.
Neither heavy nor greasy, I found this great for using at my desk, as I was able to quickly use a pen afterwards.
I loved it. But the only downside for me is that although it is supposed to smell of pear, apple, grape and quince, and I didn’t detect much of a scent.
MID-RANGE
The Body Shop Hemp hand protector, £16 for 100ml, thebodyshop: This one is really rich so best only use it if the skin on your hands is super-dry or you don’t want to use a pen for a while.
I used it as a night cream, which it was ideal for – my dry hands still felt moisturised in the morning.
Tests have shown it gives 96-hour heavy-duty moisture so is perfect for ultra-dry skin.
On the downside, you have to like the scent of the hemp because this certainly comes across in no uncertain way.
Also, the metal tube can be a bit fiddly as you get towards the end.
But for overnight richness, this works wonders.
LUXURY
L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Intense Hand Balm, £28 for 150ml, lookfantastic.com. This company’s hand cream with 20 per cent shea butter is one of the most talked about on TikTok.
And this intense balm has an extra five per cent of omega-packed shea butter to give super-richness, hydration and protection.
Added allantoin helps to soothe skin. Use simply as a very rich hand cream during the day – or as a mask.
Put it on, leave it for ten minutes then massage off the excess and it’s a great help against winter dryness.
Perfect for when you’re watching TV. And it’s also fabulous for feet.
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