But when you're going through a phase of fear-induced compulsive hand-washing (like I am), cracked and chapped hands become an ever-present, painful part of your routine.
After six weeks of being grounded at home, I've worked out a helpful and effective rotation of creams to soothe my scaly mitts. There are hundreds of fancier, more expensive, or just plain BETTER options available. These are the ones that work for me right now. I'm always open to your suggestions and recommendations :)
The only caveats? They should be easy to find in stores or online, and they can't be pricey because I'm blowing through them real fast.
On that note, here are the hand creams currently hanging out in my house. Hope you find the list helpful!
The most heavy duty option.
In the past, I wasn't a fan of Nivea Creme. The formula is sooo thick. Applying it felt super pasty and I found it never fully absorbed into my skin. Looking back, the cream was too heavy for my needs at the time, that was the problem.
Now that my hands are one layer of skin away from disintegration, this stuff is perfect! I smear it quite liberally from wrists to fingertips. My skin soaks it right up. Granted, my hands stay a little greasy, but since a fairly large jar only costs $10 at Pharmaprix, I'll make it work.
2. Nivea Repair & Care (I prefer the unscented version)
Another decent option from the pharmacy. I think a big bottle costs $12 or something. Compared to the cream above, Repair & Care has a much thinner consistency so it smoothes on easier and doesn't leave residue behind. However, it's not the most intense treatment for super dry skin. I like using it after normal hand-washing, not so much when I get back from the grocery store and my hands need an aggressive scrub down.
3. Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
My forever favorite. The quality, the texture, the smell. It's my everyday hand cream and sits on the bathroom counter at all times. Wasting it on Covid-related paranoia annoyed me, so I rounded things out with other products that work well and cost less.
4. Glysomed Hand Cream
I actually use this drug store cream year-round and always keep a small tube in my purse. It's great under normal circumstances. I'm pleased to say it holds up decently these days, too!
5. L'Occitane Almond Hand Cream
Strictly used as an emotional pick-me-up. Because sometimes you get so tired of all the Lysol and Hertel and Purell... And you start feeling a little defeated and powerless... So you briefly indulge in something that smells pretty and reminds you of normal, less worrisome days.
Does that sound precious? Inane? Maybe. But it's also harmless, and you already know I feel strongly about treating yourself to small favors if they have the power to lift your mood off the ground :)
*
Image credit (products): Google
