13 Best Hand Creams 2019: Neutrogena, L’Occitane, and More

With all that goes on during the winter, between the holidays and end-of-year plans, it’s easy to neglect two of the things that help make it all possible—your hands. While gloves and cozy jacket pockets can help minimize the drying effects seen on your skin from winter elements, a moisturizing hand cream is a seasonal secret weapon.”The newest generation of hand creams contain a combination of occlusives (such as petrolatum) that act as a barrier layer to prevent moisture from leaving your skin,” Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, tells SELF.

“Humectants, like hyaluronic acid, help your skin hold onto more water, while emollients, such as oils, can do both.” Not only that, but they also have, “barrier repair ingredients like ceramides and specialized salts to coat the skin like a glove, which prevents exposure to environmental stressors like water or irritants,” says Zeichner. When you wash your hands—especially if you wash them in hot water—you tend to strip off natural oils that help keep your skin hydrated. “Over washing, scrubbing, or sanitizing may lead to skin barrier disruption: Dried out, cracked outer layers, which can lead to loss of hydration and inflammation,” he adds.

To find out which creams are most effective at combating digit dry out (especially that spot between your index finger and thumb), we asked 11 people with perpetually dry hands about the ones they’re giving gold stars this winter. From household names like Neutrogena, to cult-favorite brands like Lush, read on for some of the best products to soothe dry, rough skin now, and all year round.

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