Winter hand creams

At this time of year my hands get drier than any other part of my body, and I have to apply loads of cream to keep them soft and hydrated. This can’t be achieved with just common or garden variety of hand cream; it calls for some heavy-duty formulas. These are my top 6 for keeping dry, cracked knuckles at bay in colder weather.

If you want a seriously long-lasting formula, then Beauté Pacifique Enriched Hydrating Hand Cream (R500) is the way to go. Its high levels of Squalane means that it can maintain the levels of moisture in your skin for extended periods.

L’Occitane Wonderful Rose Hand Cream (R145) (This was a limited edition, but they have Shea Rose all year round) is the one to opt for if you want a deeply nourish cream that also smells incredible. Most of these formulas tend to be unscented, so this is a good option if you want the best of both.

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy (R450) is a cult classic for a reason. As with all the Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy formulas, it deeply nourishes the skin, absorbs quickly without oily residue and immediately leaves the skin soothed and hydrated.

For anti-ageing benefits as well as deep hydration, optiphi Renew Anti-Ageing Hand Therapy (R343) is the only way to go. I’ve used up tubes and tubes of this over the years, and I think my hands will thank me when I’m 60.

If your hands are dry and seriously sensitive try the Bioderma Atoderm Ultra Repair (R110). The Atoderm range was developed by dermatologists to treat very dry and sensitive skin.

Developed in Switzerland to combat the effects of cold, harsh winters, the Mavala Mava+ Extreme Care for Hands (R275) is phenomenal at soothing dry hands. Jozi girls – this one is for you!