Do: Essentials for your hands

2009/11/20

SU AZIZ

WORKING the land is hard on anyone’s hands. What with rough earth and drying heat, moisturising the hands is vital. Yes, there are plenty of hand creams out there and at the end of the day, use what suits you the most.

There are two, however, which I find especially suitable for chapped, dry hands.

What I do is put on some moisturiser 15 minutes before I work the land. It’s all about protection, you see. Let me know if you agree!

One thing to remember with both products, a little does go a very long way. Better to use dots of it but often, rather than slather a lot of it, only once.

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

At RM35 for a 30ml tube, this one gives a protective layer of moisture if not interfered by water.

Its light, buttery texture is from the shea butter, sweet almond extract and honey and it absorbs quickly. There’s also a lovely scent to it, due to the jasmine and ylang ylang essences.

The small tube makes it easy to bring it along anywhere. For dry, chapped hands, it’s more effective when used a few times a day or after each wash of the hands.

Make sure your hands are totally dry before application, though.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment

This one’s a more heavy duty hand cream. At RM118 for a 75ml tube, this one continues moisturising even after a wash of the hands.

There are algae extract, vitamins C and E and licorice root to soothe and reduce premature aging of the hands’ skin in this one.

I also use this one as a heel cream after having my feet soggy in mush and earth.

Despite its heavier texture, it does absorb quickly and there’s a light, comfortable layer of silkiness once applied. Since it claims to strengthen nails, it’s not a bad bet to apply it to avoid splitting nails.

Tip

FOR smooth hands, use some of your facial scrub for a minute and rinse hands before applying the above creams. I even use some ground coffee after brewing myself a cuppa as a hand scrub. Truly lovely!

Both creams are available at any L’Occitane and Dermalogica stores or booths in major shopping malls.