Health
Your Guide to Hand Care to Achieve Soft & Healthy Hands
8 May '25
6 min read
Your hands go through a lot – washing, swiping, lifting – so they deserve some extra care. A good hand cream keeps them soft, smooth, and protected. Read on to find the best formulas and why SPF and nail care should be part of your routine.
We spend a lot of time and money making sure our faces stay moisturised and protected. But what about our hands? Texting, swiping, lifting – your hands are on the front line every day. And between constant washing, heavy-duty hand sanitiser and sun exposure – they need a bit of extra love too. Dry, cracked hands are uncomfortable – plus they tend to expose the first signs of ageing, even before your face. Often tucked away in our bags with the essentials like lip balm, gum and various cords – we think it’s time to highlight the humble hand cream and all it has to offer.
A good hand cream can hydrate and nourish, helping your hands stay soft and smooth and well, come in handy. Read on to discover why hand care matters, how to choose the best hand cream, and why nail and SPF care should be part of your self-care routine.
Why is hand care important?
Unlike the rest of your body, your hands are usually more exposed to the elements due to usually not being covered by clothes or makeup. Whether driving, gardening or just living your life, our hands are constantly out and at risk of damage. Frequent exposure to water, soap, and chemicals strips away natural oils and UV rays can cause premature ageing[1] (think wrinkles and sunspots).
Since sun damage is one of the biggest causes of premature hand ageing, a hand moisturiser with SPF is a good idea. An SPF-infused cream like NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture SPF50+ Sunscreen Lotion* helps protect against sun damage while providing nourishment. If you want a higher SPF, opt for La Roche-Posay Anthelios KA SPF50*. Reapplication is the key here for the most protection possible.
Understanding dry and chapped skin
What are the potential causes?
Cold weather, low humidity and sun exposure can all contribute to dry and chapped skin, not just on your face or body, but your hands too. Just like you might notice your lips are drier when the weather drops and you’re ducking in and out of heating, it’s more common in winter for your hands to be affected as well. Washing with harsh soaps and products can also impact your skin health as well, especially with the rapid increase in the use of hand sanitiser recently.
What are the risk factors?
Cracked skin is uncomfortable, especially when working in industries like healthcare, hospitality and trades that are particularly, well, hands on. Frequent washing, exposure to chemicals, and harsh conditions can strip moisture – leading to dryness.
A rich, multi-purpose balm like Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is a great option for those needing intensive hydration to help keep skin feeling comfortable in demanding environments.
To help avoid cracked, chapped hands, the next step is to invest in a deeply hydrating hand cream. Opt for the CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream for a product that is formulated with ceramides to support the skin barrier[2]. Another option is the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream which is a cult-favourite for cracked skin.
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Combatting dry hands and dehydrated skin
For soft, smooth hands, focus on:
Use gentle products and avoid harsh soaps and products. Try the Goat Original Hand Cream or QV Hand Cream if you have sensitive skin.
Moisture retention – ingredients like ceramides and shea butter can help.
Don't forget SPF protection, sun damage can lead to premature ageing. For daily sun protection, a lightweight, multi-use option like the Cancer Council SPF 50+ Face & Body Moisturiser is a versatile pick that works for both hands and body.
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Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided. Re-apply frequently.
Finding the right hand cream?
When choosing a hand cream that's right for you, consider the ingredients below to nourish and soothe your hands. Let's get into it...
Shea butter
A deeply hydrating ingredient that helps lock in moisture, making it ideal for dry or rough hands. If your skin needs extra nourishment, Garnier Hand Superfood Cocoa + Ceramide Repairing Balm is packed with shea butter and ceramides to provide intense hydration.
Aloe vera
Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera can help calm irritation and provide lightweight moisture. Enya Hand & Nail Aloe Vera Cream is a great choice for those who prefer a gentle, refreshing formula.
Glycerin
A powerful humectant that attracts moisture into the skin, keeping hands soft and hydrated throughout the day. If you need long-lasting hydration, DU’IT Tough Hands Intensive Hand Cream is formulated with glycerin to help combat dryness and roughness.
Jojoba oil
Similar to the skin’s natural oils, jojoba oil absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, making it a perfect ingredient for daily hand care. Nivea Soft Moisturiser Cream contains jojoba oil and vitamin E, delivering lightweight hydration suitable for all skin types.
Benefits of using natural hand creams
If you prefer gentle, plant-based formulas, natural hand creams can be a soothing, deeply nourishing and gentler alternative. For a multi-tasking hero, we recommend Weleda Skin Food. What makes this moisturiser a staple for so many make-up artists and A-listers?
Rosemary extract stimulates the circulation, while the essential oils of lavender and sweet orange form its well-known signature scent. The Sukin Signature Hand and Nail Cream is another plant-based option that’s non-greasy, light and protects dry hands while caring for nails and cuticles from added soy protein. Bonus points for it being vegan too!
How to add hand care to your routine:
We’re all about self-care here, and hand care is a crucial part of it. These are the important steps to factor into your routine.
Moisturise after washing – always reapply after handwashing. The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream is fast-absorbing yet ultra nourishing making it your secret weapon for overworked hands.
Nail and cuticle care – strong nails are healthy nails. Check out our Nail Care Range for what you need to keep them that way.
SPF is a must – don’t forget to reapply sunscreen* if you’re outdoors, after washing your hands, and after swimming of course.
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Want to build your ultimate hand care routine and find the best rated hand creams? Discover your next fave from Enya, Aveeno, Dermal Therapy, CeraVe, La Roche-Posay and more at Chemist Warehouse today.
References
[1] Health Direct. Sunscreen. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sunscreen
[2] CeraVe Australia. What is a damaged skin barrier? https://www.cerave.com.au/blog/everyday-skin-care/damaged-skin-barrier
[3] Healthline. Chamomile benefits for skin: What the research says. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/chamomile-benefits-for-skin
*Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Prolonged sun exposure should be avoided. Re-apply frequently.