The best hand cream: how to choose and what a girl should pay attention to

What should be the composition of hand cream?

Here are the main components that can be in hand cream:

It is important not only to choose the optimal composition, but also to choose the type of hand cream that suits you. Next, we will look at the main skin types and the most common types of hand creams.

International classification of cosmetics

The classification of cosmetics was carried out by the Association of Independent Experts, which tests all products that are directly related to human health.
All cosmetic brands were divided into the following categories: Mass market; Middle market (Middle market); Lux (Lux); pharmaceutical cosmetics or cosmeceuticals; professional cosmetics.

Mass market. This is the most affordable cosmetics. Hundreds of different brands offer their products in this segment. Mass market products contain many synthetic components, artificial flavors, and sometimes downright toxic ingredients, which explains the long shelf life of the products.

Due to its toxicity, it is dangerous for damage to the liver, kidneys, mucous membranes, osteoarticular system, cardiovascular system, and central nervous system. Not immediately, of course, over time. Perhaps the only advantage of such cosmetics is the price. Marketers believe that more than half the cost of a Mass Market cosmetic product is advertising costs, and only 10% are the ingredients that fill a particular tube or jar.

Cosmetic brands in the Mass Market category include: Avon, Eveline, Faberlic, Lumene, Oriflame, Ruby Rose, Max Factor, Maybelline, Black Pearl, Clean Line, etc.

Middlemarket. Products of a higher level than Mass Market contain at least 30% natural biologically active ingredients in their composition. These products contain more natural preservatives obtained by chemical processing of plant materials. However, during the production process, even the most useful and natural ingredients are subjected to the cheapest technological procedures, which entails a large loss of beneficial properties.

The effect of using such cosmetics is only “aesthetic”; the qualitative changes in the structure of the skin that advertising promises us do not occur. When using products in this category, preference should be given to products from the same line, otherwise allergic reactions may occur due to a conflict between the components.

Middle market brands include: Revlon, L'Oreal, Garnier, Mary Kay, Pupa, Borjois, Yves Rocher, Lancome, etc.

Lux. These cosmetics are not cheap, but in their production they use up to 70-80% natural ingredients. Manufacturers use so-called selective (selected) raw materials of the highest quality. Raw materials are processed using advanced gentle technologies. There is no getting used to this cosmetics.

Cosmetic brands in the Luxury segment include: Elizabeth Arden, Yves Saint Laurent, Nina Ricci, Chanel, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Christian Lacrois, etc.

Professional cosmetics. These products are intended for professional use in beauty salons. The effectiveness of such funds is really high. The downside of this type of cosmetics is the possibility of premature aging of the skin.

It is the manufacturers of professional cosmetics who have their own laboratories and research institutes, or cooperate with leading institutions in this field.

Professional cosmetic brands include the following: Academy, Biotherm, Gadeno, Lacrima, Jassen, Olos, etc.

Pharmacy cosmetics or cosmeceuticals. The term “cosmeceuticals” was proposed in 1980, combining the words “cosmetics” and “pharmaceuticals.” You should know that in Russian legislation there is no concept of “cosmeceuticals”. Therefore, so-called cosmeceutical products are not subjected to such extensive clinical research and testing as pharmaceutical products.

From a legal point of view, cosmoceuticals or pharmaceutical cosmetics on the Russian market are no different from cosmetics sold in stores.

Cosmeceutical brands include: VICHY, Avene, PHYTO, Roc, etc. [4,6,7,9,10].

Main skin types

Dry skin

People with dry skin have very sensitive and delicate skin; it is most susceptible to adverse environmental factors. The skin flakes and itches a lot, especially in winter.

This type of skin requires special care and additional protection. In addition to the fact that it is necessary to choose the right cream for dry hand skin, you should also not forget about caring for your hands at home using masks and hand baths.

How can you tell if you have dry hand skin? Press on the skin - if the spots that appear do not disappear for a long time, most likely it is of a dry type. In addition, such skin is characterized by frequent irritation and peeling.

What can harm dry skin? Essentially, any “extreme” weather conditions: cold, wind, dry air, direct sunlight, alkaline soap, sea water, lotions and cosmetics that contain alcohol.

Oily skin

Symptoms of oily skin: Skin is constantly shiny, a little oily, shiny, looks quite rough - if you notice these signs, then it is likely that you have oily skin. Like dry skin, it requires special care: you need products that will cope with excess sebum.

Normal skin

It is easier for those with normal skin - they just need to choose a universal cream that will nourish and protect the skin of their hands; no specialized care is required. But you should not forget about preventive measures to protect against harmful factors (even normal skin in extreme conditions can begin to peel and crack, for example, in cold weather).

Sensitive skin

Such skin is most susceptible to various skin rashes (rash, etc.) and requires additional protection. A cream for sensitive skin should relieve inflammation, itching and eliminate irritation.

It should be noted that if you have ever noticed allergic reactions on your skin, then regardless of your skin type, you need to select a cream after consultation with a dermatologist.

How to use it correctly

I won’t tell you anything new here; we all know that you need to use skincare products on clean skin. But there are still a few recommendations for better action:

• The product should not be cold. If you store it in the refrigerator, take it out first and let it sit for an hour or two at room temperature.
• Steamed skin better absorbs beneficial substances from the product.
• After application, do not rush to do business, let it absorb.
• Do not use expired products. Even if the expiration date is still good, but a suspicious smell appears that was not there before, feel free to throw it away.
• If the cream is in a jar, do not remove it with your fingers: upon contact with sebum, some properties may lose their strength.

Once a week, your hands will benefit from various treatments such as relaxing baths, homemade scrubs, and massages. Naturally, at the end you definitely need to apply cosmetics for care.

Main types of hand creams

Nourishing hand cream

One of the most versatile types of creams, can be used both in warm and cold seasons. Creams of this type saturate, nourish and moisturize the skin, and are suitable even for problematic dry skin. If you are looking for a nourishing cream, then pay attention to the La Cree cream, it will become a reliable protector from wind and cold, restores the water-lipid balance, and will fight the causes of dry skin. Most often, nourishing hand cream is suitable for dry skin.

Moisturizing hand cream

Leaves skin soft, soft and silky. It is recommended to use it throughout the day, especially after washing dishes, cleaning the house and so on.

Protective hand cream

In addition to its main function - protecting the skin of the hands from the effects of wind, cold and other adverse weather conditions, protective creams nourish the skin and restore its elasticity, preventing dryness.

To effectively protect against cold and wind, it is better to use creams with a high fat content. They form a protective film on the skin and make it resistant to external influences. After a walk, you should remove oily cream from your face, for example, with a special emulsion; it will soothe the skin, make it softer and smoother.

Revitalizing hand cream

Suitable for use after a harsh winter or hot summer to restore the skin.

Remember that during the cold season, the skin especially needs nutrition and protection, both for children and adults, so do not forget to apply cream to your face and hands about half an hour before going outside.

Apply the regenerating cream before bed; while you sleep, the cells are restored.

Anti-aging hand cream

As the name suggests, the main function of this type of cream is to combat premature skin aging. Such creams are marked with age (+25, +30, +40, etc.). You need to choose an anti-aging cream depending on your skin type. It should be noted that cosmetologists recommend starting to use anti-aging hand skin products after 25 years. Because it is the hands that give away a woman’s age. When choosing an anti-aging hand cream, pay attention to the composition: the presence of mango, coconut, carrot and bee honey oils is welcome.

Healing hand cream

Prescribed by a dermatologist to eliminate problems (rashes, irritation, etc.). It is not recommended to use such creams without consulting a doctor.

Let us remember that an important factor influencing the choice of hand cream is the time of year. In winter and autumn, the skin of your hands needs additional protection. In winter and autumn, be sure to carry a protective or nourishing hand cream with you, and in the summer - SPF sunscreen.

Reviews

Dear readers, I asked several women and girls what creams they use to make it easier for you to navigate your purchase.

Lydia, 53 years old

I have tried all sorts of hand creams: both expensive and not so expensive. In principle, I have never focused on any specific one, but lately I have been using Clean Line products. I am satisfied with the price and quality, besides, our production.

Anna, 25 years old

My hand skin is very sensitive. In the off-season, it constantly dries out and even various redness occurs. It was very difficult for me to choose a cream, one felt like a film on my hands, the second caused itching. As a result, I have chosen “Milena” for now. A very good product, but there is one drawback: the dispenser is a crap dispenser, although maybe I’m the only one who got one. The residue constantly dries out and has to be wiped off with a napkin.

Antonina, 40 years old

I don't like imported skin care cosmetics. Firstly, dear, and secondly, no matter how much I tried, it doesn’t work. That's why I always buy our products. The skin of my hands needs hydration all year round, but I buy nourishing creams. Their consistency is thicker, and the skin feels softer.

What to consider when choosing hand cream?

When choosing hand cream, consider the following points:

• Type of hand cream. It depends on your goal, answer yourself the question - why do you need hand cream (for nutrition, protection, restoration, prevention of premature aging of the skin, etc.).
• Your skin type (oily, dry, normal, etc.).
• Carefully study the composition of the cream. Make sure it contains vitamins and natural vegetable oils.
• Choose a cream for each season. In winter it protects from wind and cold, in summer it protects from the aggressive effects of sunlight.

Where can I buy

Dear readers, you can purchase hand creams at any cosmetic store or department of a food hypermarket, pharmacy, or chain stores with household chemicals.

But by using the Internet, you can buy a suitable product without leaving your home. In online access you can find a huge number of reviews about the product and its composition. In addition, the online store often has promotions; on some sites, a discount can be provided to a new buyer.

You can find cosmetics from my rating in stores:

• Aliexpress
• OZON
• Mixit
• My-shop
• Krasotkapro
• Auchan
• Beloris
• RIVE GAUCHE
• L'Etoile
• Girlfriend

Clinical researches

The effectiveness, safety and tolerability of products for children and adults has been proven by clinical studies. The products are also suitable for daily skin care of children with mild to moderate forms of atopic dermatitis (including the period of remission), accompanied by a decrease in the quality of life of patients. As a result of therapy, a decrease in the activity of the inflammatory process, a decrease in dryness, itching and flaking was noted.

La-Cri cosmetics, according to research results, are recommended by the Russian Union of Pediatricians. All products are approved for use in pregnant women. The safety of “La-Cri” is confirmed by research by scientists from the AILC of the Federal State Institution “R.R. Vreden Russian Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics” and numerous government certificates.

Sources:

1. Baumann Leslie, Cosmetic Dermatology. Principles and practice, MEDpress-inform, 2016.
2. Ratner Desiri, Avram M.R., Avram M.M., Procedures in Dermatology. Clinical cosmetology, GEOTAR-Media, 2022.
3. Sukolin Gennady Ivanovich, Clinical dermatology. A short guide to the diagnosis and treatment of dermatoses, Notabene, 2017.

Photos of allergies in children