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Therapeutic hand creams
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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Most hand creams are designed for daily hygiene, softening and moisturizing.
Special formulas are designed for intensive care - enhanced nutrition, restoration, vitaminization. Many brands simultaneously contain strengthening and protective substances for nails.
The cosmetology industry has developed recipes that are effective for skin and nail plate diseases. For this purpose, creams are produced with pharmacological components that are effective for some dermatological diseases.
Cosmetology successfully fights for prolonging the youthfulness of the skin, against allergies, excessive sweating and pigmentation.
Indications for use
The main indications for the use of hand creams are:
- dry skin;
- minor damage;
- negative influence of external factors;
- avitaminosis;
- aggressive effects of detergents and other chemicals;
- skin and nail diseases.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of hand creams consists of nourishing and caring for damaged, dry, capricious, sensitive to various factors, diseased skin. The components of the creams, when applied to the skin, soothe, vitaminize, eliminate redness, peeling, irritation, heal microcracks, wounds and inflammation, protect the epidermis. They promote growth, natural shine and strengthening of nails. In particular:
- allantoin – softens, moisturizes;
- vegetable oils – nourish, soften, prevent drying;
- vitamins (F and others) – restore the protective layer, strengthen the immune system;
- extracts of medicinal plants – relieve inflammation, provide vitamins;
- D-panthenol – moisturizes, regenerates, smoothes the skin.
Each of the antibacterial, antifungal and antiallergic ingredients has a specific local effect.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics is absorption, distribution, excretion, metabolism. Hand creams are absorbed upon application, have the desired effect on the skin depending on the purpose of the product and specific active components. Their action is also mostly local.
To achieve the desired result, cosmetic and pharmaceutical creams are applied and rubbed into the skin. The frequency is determined independently or according to the specialist's prescription.
Hand Cream Names
The names of hand creams usually contain information about the composition and the expected effect on the skin and nails.
The most popular are moisturizing (day and night). They prevent dehydration, saturate with moisture, renew the epidermis, maintain cell tone. The composition includes water, glycerin, vitamins, aloe, chamomile extracts, sea buckthorn, cotton, jojoba.
The second group of creams are nourishing, rich in vitamins, fatty and other useful components. Some are used during the day, others at night.
Protective creams are classified depending on the protective features:
- from the cold;
- from the sun;
- from chemical reagents;
- hydrophilic.
Hydrophilic ones provide complex protection from various factors. Among other things, they contain talc, soybean oil, citric acid, thermal water, kaolin, hydrophilic mineral compounds. Some form a thin, glove-like film on the skin.
Medicinal products, thanks to specific ingredients, have therapeutic effects.
Separate lines of moisturizing, nourishing, protective creams have been developed for men whose hands require enhanced protection.
Avon cream
Avon produces a variety of hand products, selecting substances for different skin types and problems. The company's catalog offers several options for Avon creams with natural ingredients. For example, the Avon Care series is for intensive care.
- Royal Jelly
The cream contains healing milk of queen bees. It refreshes, gently disinfects and moisturizes the skin. It is especially effective in the cold season. It makes the skin feel like silk and smells nice.
- Glycerin Hand&Nail
The cream has beneficial properties not only for the skin, but also for the nails, making them strong and well-groomed.
- Gentle Aloe
The name "aloe tenderness" is quite consistent with the beneficial effect of the softening cream. Cosmetologists actively use the anti-inflammatory, soothing, rejuvenating properties of aloe juice.
- "Intensive Care"
A special product for winter. This is a new line from Avon, which includes body lotion, as well as balms - for skin and lips. Hand cream is saturated with nourishing components, provides care and protection of the skin from bad weather, returns its former softness and velvetiness. It is well absorbed and gives a feeling of lightness.
Faberlic cream
Faberlic has developed hand creams, as well as complex ones - for hands and body, for hands, face and body. A popular "two in one" brand: cream soap.
- "Sunny sea buckthorn"
The presence of a storehouse of vitamins, many useful components, which is sea buckthorn, speaks for itself. Faberlik cream for hands and nails perfectly softens, nourishes the skin, eliminates roughness, strengthens nails. Has a delicate sea buckthorn scent.
- "Fragrant Strawberry"
The nourishing product has a similar effect on hands. It smells like wild strawberries and is suitable for all skin types.
- "Liquid Glove"
Maintains a moisturizing feeling throughout the day. In terms of softness and smoothness, it surpasses the effectiveness of other creams. It is quickly absorbed and leaves no traces. However, experts note that this brand is insufficiently moisturizing.
- "Paradise Islands"
It is especially suitable for oily skin, perfectly moisturizes and softens. But it cannot cope with increased dryness, which requires intensive care. Some women consider the packaging and paint on it to be of poor quality.
Oriflame
Oriflame is one of the most popular companies in the cosmetics market, offering products for all occasions.
- Oriflame Dream Cream hand cream
Light, gentle, perfectly absorbed into the skin, leaving no shiny marks or feeling of "greasiness". A pleasant almond aroma is also an advantage of the product, making the skin soft and velvety.
- "Tenderness"
It is perfectly absorbed, has a wonderful subtle scent, and eliminates dryness for a long time. It has a protective effect.
- "Intensive care"
Concentrated protective product for all seasons. Moisturizes and protects hands, strengthens elasticity thanks to shea butter, sweet almond, arnica extract.
- "Anti-aging Intensive Care"
Has unique rejuvenating properties. Contains beeswax, almond oil, protects against ultraviolet rays and bad weather. Makes the skin elastic and silky, recommended for daily care, acts within 24 hours.
- "Silk Orchid"
The main components – protein and orchid extract – perfectly cope with dry skin, soften and protect, and impart a delicate aroma.
- "Intensive hydration"
Smoothes and nourishes the skin like a balm, creates a protective film for the whole day. Therefore, it is especially effective in the cold season. Smells nice.
- "Tender Velvet"
Contains sweet almond oil. Protects hands and nails from adverse environmental factors, including ultraviolet radiation, moisturizes throughout the day. The effect is simply magical.
Yves Rocher
Yves Rocher specializes in plant cosmetics. The company has half a century of experience and a leading position in this field.
- "Nourishing cream two in one"
A universal cosmetic product, equally useful for both skin and nail plates. Provides intensive care, prevents aging processes, maintaining the elasticity of the skin. It has a light texture.
- "Highly Nourishing Hand Cream"
Contains active components of one of the types of healing arnica. Protective and soothing properties - ideal for particularly vulnerable skin. An additional substance is sesame oil; it enhances the intensity of the nourishing effect. The cream is very thick, rich, does not contain minerals and dyes.
- "Honey and muesli BIO"
Ultra-nourishing cream, combines the power and usefulness of ecologically clean products and plants from different regions of France: acacia honey, chestnut, oats, sunflower oil. Active components penetrate deep into the skin. The amount of natural substances reaches 99%.
- "Olive oil"
Liquid cream containing, in addition to olive oil, avocado oil, almond oil, as well as BIO aloe gel and vegetable glycerin. It is instantly absorbed, keeps the skin soft and velvety for a long time. It smells nice. It is available in an economical package with a dispenser.
- "Cocoa & Orange"
It has a liquid consistency, packed in a chocolate-colored tube with a hinged lid. It smells delicious: chocolate and citrus. Contains only useful ingredients, absorbs instantly. Because of this, the cream has to be applied several times, so it is more suitable for the warm season.
- "Moisturizing"
It has a thick consistency and is squeezed out of the tube economically. In addition to water and glycerin, it consists of coconut and arnica oils, plant extracts. It moisturizes and absorbs perfectly, lasts for six to seven hours. However, not everyone likes the slightly intrusive smell.
Hand cream from Estel
Estel hand creams are of high quality and effectiveness. They take care of both skin and nails.
- Hand Defense
Forms a thin film - a protective barrier against aggressive factors. The film is resistant to water, so it serves to prevent dryness and peeling. Allantoin and bisabolol relieve irritation. Natural wax smoothes wrinkles. It will come in handy for professional masters.
- Soft Hand
A daily product for delicate care and nutrition. Contains natural vegetable oils, panthenol, bisabolol, keratin - an excellent bouquet of components useful for hands. Effectively restores skin.
- Lady Winter (winter)
Contains cocoa, shea and avocado oils. An excellent means for renewing epithelial cells, softens and moisturizes problem skin. This hand cream is especially useful in winter: it protects from bad weather and does not leave marks on gloves.
Hand cream for dry hands
Hand cream for dryness is used to soften and moisturize the skin, protect against inflammation, premature aging, enrich with useful substances, accelerate the regeneration of the epidermis. Moisturizing, professional products are suitable for this purpose.
A quality moisturizing hand cream, in addition to glycerin or sea water, must contain:
- hyaluronic acid;
- polyphenols;
- amino acids;
- vitamins E, F;
- natural oils (especially currant);
- plant extracts.
In the production of moisturizing cosmetics, plant extracts are used - chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort, green tea. They produce creams for daytime and nighttime use, although this division is somewhat arbitrary. Most modern creams are well absorbed, do not give an unpleasant "oily" feeling and do not leave marks.
New in cosmetology – ultra-moisturizing products. The important ingredients in them are olive or sea buckthorn oil. They have increased efficiency, help to restore softness and beauty even to very neglected hands. Useful for dry, normal and combination skin.
Another new product is a dry hand cream. It looks like a bar of soap and has moisturizing and protective functions.
Hand cream for cracks
Hand cream for cracks is an indispensable remedy for overdried skin, on which cracks have formed. Systematic use eliminates discomfort and pain, heals microtraumas, restores the skin. Cracks form if dryness, irritation, peeling or due to dermatological diseases are not eliminated in a timely manner.
The cream for cracks contains a complex of unique substances:
- moisturizing;
- nutritious;
- regenerating;
- restorative.
This set has a beneficial effect on the skin, effectively heals cracks and protects against the appearance of new defects. Cosmetologists recommend creams for cracks based on glycerin, not very greasy and not too liquid.
Sea buckthorn has unique properties for the rapid healing of microcracks. The healing remedy can be made at home by adding a little sea buckthorn oil to a regular glycerin-based cream.
Hand cream for age spots
Hand cream for pigment spots is a special product for combating premature skin aging, which manifests itself
- decreased elasticity;
- dehydration;
- pigment spots.
The recipe for the hand cream "against old age" contains extracts of medicinal plants and natural products with beneficial properties for the skin. What are these plants and properties?
- Skin lightening – in nasturtium petals.
- Increasing elasticity, slowing down aging - in apple seeds.
- Nourishing - in licorice, harpogophytum.
The desired effect (young, natural color, soft skin) is achieved with regular use of hand cream. The anti-aging product is recommended for those aged 30 and older.
But excessive pigmentation is not always associated with age-related changes. Whitening hand creams are also designed to remove or mask freckles, birthmarks, post-traumatic marks and other defects. They usually have other beneficial properties for the skin - moisturizing, softening, restoration. They are used without restrictions, at any time of the day.
Anti-flaking hand cream
If you do not take care of your hands and do not eliminate dryness in time, peeling of the skin will inevitably begin. Most women need daily nutrition and moisturizing, since the skin of the hands contains significantly less moisture and sebaceous glands.
Regular hand hygiene, proper washing, drying, softening, and protection of skin and nails play an important role in preventing peeling. Home recipes are quite effective, for example:
- Heat olive oil and honey (3:1) in a water bath (40 – 45 degrees), apply at night under gloves.
- Melt pork fat plus mutton fat (1:1) in a water bath, put into a jar. Lubricate your hands overnight.
There are many branded hand creams against peeling, in which the active substances are glycerin, silicone, mineral and vegetable oils, lactic acid, sorbitol, etc. Hands require special care in winter, when working with aggressive substances, or when doing household chores.
Cosmetologists advise using hand creams constantly, but with one caveat: before 30 years old - any moisturizing ones, after - with sunscreen components, to prevent premature pigmentation.
Hand cream for allergies
The skin is usually the first to take an allergic “blow,” including on the hands. Redness, rash, papules, and other signs usually occur, accompanied by itching, burning, and swelling. Hand cream for allergies is the fastest way to relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Allergy creams contain corticosteroids, so they should not be taken without consulting an allergist. The products are non-fluorinated and fluorinated. The former act more gently, so they are allowed to be applied to the hands and face for two weeks, and to the body - up to a month.
If the allergy progresses, fluoride products are indicated. They are used for no longer than a week.
If you seek medical attention early and the symptoms are mild, softening hypoallergenic creams without corticosteroids are recommended. They are quite effective for rashes and papules without oozing (but will worsen the problem if there are blisters and bubbles).
Celestoderm-B cream (or ointment) with paraffin protects against cold allergies. The active substance is the glucocorticoid batamethasone.
Non-hormonal hand creams for allergies include "Cutivate". In addition to its therapeutic effect, it perfectly moisturizes and protects from low temperatures - with the help of a thin film of liquid paraffin.
A cream (or gel) called “Skin-Cap” is produced especially for children, which also has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Hand cream for chapped hands
A good hand cream for chapped hands is a product with almond oil. This is an ideal substance for chapped, sensitive and dry skin.
Almond oil contains unsaturated fatty acids, natural antioxidants, lactic acid. They soothe, restore water balance, stimulate regenerative processes in problem skin. It also smoothes wrinkles, maintains elasticity and firmness, does not provoke allergies. Even short-term use gives a positive effect - the skin noticeably rejuvenates and softens.
Products that prevent the negative impact of wind, water, cold – so-called hypoallergenic hand creams – are produced without preservatives, fragrances and other “chemicals”. They successfully cope with irritation and dryness, penetrate into the pores, restoring the natural strength and beauty of the skin.
Special winter hand creams are effective against low temperatures, snowstorms and strong winds – thanks to the high concentration of fatty substances that form a protective film.
Hand cream for eczema
Hand cream for eczema, dermatitis contains a large proportion of glycerin - about 40 percent. The rest is made up of minerals, vitamins, vegetable oils, nutrients. For particularly sensitive skin, creams without odors, possible allergy triggers, are recommended.
Eczema is a disease that does not tolerate self-treatment. Only an experienced doctor can be trusted with therapy, which involves several stages. Namely:
- If the disease is caused by microbes or fungi, it is necessary to use drugs against these microorganisms.
- Glucocorticosteroid ointments should be used simultaneously.
- After the acute symptoms have subsided, restorative therapy is indicated.
A unique remedy for eczema has not yet been created. However, there is a multi-component cream "Losterin", indicated for all types of eczema, in subacute and chronic periods. It contains:
- de-resined naphthalene;
- salicylic acid;
- urea;
- dexpanthenol;
- Japanese pagoda tree extract.
Due to this combination, "Losterin" acts as an anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antimicrobial, restorative, keratolytic agent. Hand cream for eczema demonstrates high efficiency after just a few days of regular use.
Hand cream for fungus
You should not choose hand creams for fungus on your own. Firstly, only a specialist can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment; secondly, the antifungal drug should not have contraindications for a specific patient.
Popular hand creams for fungus:
- exoderil;
- Candida;
- fluconazole;
- ketoconazole;
- lamisil;
- nizoral;
- diflucan;
- mycomax;
- atifin;
- mycozoral;
- zalain;
- nofung;
- terbizin.
The action is based on the fact that the active substances penetrate the shell and destroy the fungus. However, some of the products are contraindicated in kidney problems. This must be taken into account by the doctor when writing a prescription for a cream or ointment.
Sometimes, for better access of the healing cream, cleaning and removal of the affected layers of the nail is recommended.
Anti-sweating hand cream
Why do hands sweat? The reasons are different. Medical reference books name several diseases accompanied by an unpleasant symptom:
- thyroid pathologies;
- tuberculosis;
- central nervous system disorders;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- some infectious diseases.
Such diseases need to be treated professionally. At the same time, excessive sweating can be eliminated with the help of a special antiperspirant hand cream. It is sold not only in cosmetic departments of stores, but also in pharmacies.
Hand cream should be used constantly, applied to washed skin when leaving home. It is quickly absorbed, leaving no marks or stains, eliminates unwanted sweating, gives hands a well-groomed and healthy look.
How to use hand creams
The method of using hand creams is traditional: apply a small amount of the product to your hands, massage until absorbed. Use once or twice a day or as needed. In case of cracks or damage – after each contact with water. There are usually no restrictions for use (unless otherwise stated).
Before the procedure, hands are washed thoroughly with warm water and soap or gel and dried thoroughly.
Glycerin creams, which have a greasy structure, are absorbed slowly, so it is better to use them at night.
When working with chemicals, hydrophobic protective agents are useful. A small amount should be thoroughly rubbed between the fingers and into the nails. After work, wash with soap and dry with a paper towel. Keep the cream from getting into your eyes.
When using, follow the recommendations: day or night hand cream. Check the label for allergens.
In case of skin diseases of the hands, special hygiene is required when applying creams and ointments.
Using Hand Creams During Pregnancy
The use of hand creams during pregnancy should be regular, since the skin during this period is prone to increased dryness. Moisturizing and nourishing are more useful to produce creams with plant extracts and oils. Hand creams with chamomile and calendula are especially useful.
It is allowed to use either the usual everyday products or special high-quality products for pregnant women. Cosmetics should not contain:
- allergens;
- mineral oils;
- hormones;
- products of animal origin;
- fragrances and their constituent phthalates;
- dyes;
- salicylic acid;
- dioxanes;
- parabens;
- ethylene oxide.
It is ideal if a pregnant woman prepares an environmentally friendly product from natural ingredients according to her own recipe.
Light massage and special creams, such as cream with lemon juice and silk proteins, and a “linseed oil + horsetail” mask, will help with brittle nails. Proper nutrition for the expectant mother, including vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber, will improve the condition of the skin in general and the hands in particular.
Contraindications for use
Contraindications to the use of hand creams - skin diseases:
- tuberculosis;
- open wound;
- manifestations of syphilis;
- chicken pox;
- simple herpes.
Age restrictions apply to children who are recommended to use special cosmetic and medicinal creams.
Creams with hormones should be purchased at a pharmacy, some only by prescription. Before use, test for allergies (on the inner bend of the elbow joint).
- Pay attention to the composition, preferring natural components. More reliable, as a rule, are branded cosmetics from special stores and departments. It is also advisable to test a new product: a high-quality cream does not leave a greasy mark, is well absorbed, does not cause unpleasant sensations and unexpected reactions.
The cream in the tube retains its quality better. If in a jar, it is advisable to use a spatula to extend the shelf life of the opened cream.
Never use cosmetics of questionable quality (although price is not always directly proportional to quality). Too long an expiration date indicates the presence of preservatives.
Side effects of hand creams
Regular nourishing and moisturizing products very rarely cause allergies, unless there is intolerance to individual ingredients. In this case, you should stop using them, and in more complex cases, consult a dermatologist.
Side effects of hand creams (or complications) are possible with self-medication or incorrect use of hormonal drugs. Therefore, alarming symptoms are a reason to visit a doctor first, and only then a pharmacist.
If the composition contains urea, you should choose a product with a minimum amount of it. A high percentage of urea can provoke itching, irritation, and allergies.
You shouldn't use expired hand cream, even if you can't see any changes in it.
Overdose
Regular nourishing, moisturizing, protective hand creams are recommended for daily use, without fear of overdose.
Creams for medicinal purposes should be used according to the doctor's prescription. If symptoms of overdose occur, stop using and choose an alternative remedy.
Interactions with other drugs
Hand creams usually do not have negative interactions with other drugs. In any case, such clinical cases have not been described.
If we are talking about pathological conditions of the skin on the hands, then the decision to combine other medications with hand creams remains with the doctor. You cannot combine medications on your own to avoid any harmful consequences.
Storage conditions and shelf life
Storage conditions for hand creams suggest dry, cool places. For some, room temperature is suitable, but not higher than plus 25.
Be sure to protect from direct sunlight and frost.
Keep out of reach of children.
If the expiration date is exceeded or there are visible changes in color, smell, or consistency, the cream becomes unusable and must be destroyed.
The shelf life, if stored properly, is up to two years, unless otherwise indicated on the packaging. Some creams have a longer shelf life.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Therapeutic hand creams" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.