With so many different skincare products available, each claiming to improve different complaints. It is easy to become confused about what you need for your skin. Whether you’ve run out of your normal moisturiser or you’re trying to cut down on spending. You may be thinking ‘Can you use hand cream on your face?’ In this article, we look at the differences between face cream and hand cream. Furthermore, to establish when you can and cannot use hand cream on your face.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SKIN ON YOUR FACE AND THE SKIN ON YOUR HANDS
Skin in different areas of the body varies in terms of structure and functionality. Offering different levels of protection to allow for everyday activities. For example, the skin of the brow bone is thick. While, hairy whereas the eyelids are so thin they are almost translucent. Made up of different sized layers of the dermis and epidermis. They allow for flexibility and protection as it is required. The skin on your face is completely different to the skin covering the rest of your body. With the exception of the skin on the chest, face skin is the thinnest and, therefore, the most delicate. This means that the face tends to absorb skincare products more easily. Helping to determine the optimal ingredients and concentrations used in creams.
The skin on both our face and hands goes through a lot. With generally more exposure to the environment than other areas. But what they are exposed to and how often can vary greatly. According to a survey conducted by the American Cleaning Institute in 2009, 50% of people washed their hands at least 10 times a day. Of course, due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, this is now estimated to be a lot more.
Every time you wash your hands, the water works as a magnet. Drawing moisture from the skin which is why it is highly recommended that you use hand cream immediately after to prevent dry, patchy or cracked areas. However, the average person cleanses their face only twice a day. And face cleansing products tend to be very different to hand soaps, gently removing dirt and external pollutants. Moisture can also be lost at this point. And it is very important to use a moisturiser to ensure the skin of your face remains smooth, soft and healthy. But at this point can you use hand cream on your face?
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FACE CREAMS AND HAND CREAMS
The skin of the hands and face have such different functions and genetic make-up. Skincare products tend to have varying formulations to match. Even when it appears that the ingredients are the same. Concentrations will usually be very different. Allowing moisture and nutrients to penetrate each area effectively for maximum results. Though the surface of the body is covered in pores, there is a higher concentration on the facial area. A 2015 study published in the Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology scientific journal found that ‘up to 23% of the total skin surface of the cheeks is composed of skin pores’. In addition, these pores aren’t just greater in ratio. But can also be much larger than pores covering the rest of the body.
The skin of the face is so thin and pores can be so much larger. Face creams and moisturisers tend to have a higher water concentration. Allowing the water to gently penetrate the skin’s layers, restoring moisture to the areas which need it. Hand creams, on the other hand, tend to be thicker. Richer, and higher in oil. This great for the thicker skin of your hands. They can be comedogenic, blocking the pores of the face which may lead to blemishes and blackheads.
Malée’s Nourishing Hand Cream contains natural ingredients and essential oils. They are scientifically proven to hydrate and soothe the hands, for skin which is soft, smooth, and healthy. Plant-based oils from coconut, avocado and almond are rich in vitamins A, D and E. These work to help lock in moisture, increase collagen production, and create a protective seal over the skin’s surface. Using a small amount after washing your hands helps to trap moisture whilst remaining smooth and non-greasy. And though this is brilliant for hand skincare. The formulation is usually too rich for the delicate skin of the face.
WHEN CAN YOU USE HAND CREAM ON YOUR FACE?
As a general rule, you shouldn’t use hand cream on your face. However, this can be an option for those with severely dry skin. Everyday facial moisturisers work to penetrate the skin. However, when the surface is visibly dry and red, it becomes more difficult for products to be absorbed. Excessive amounts of dead skin cells on the surface can create a barrier which normal skincare products cannot break. As hand cream has been specifically formulated for thicker skin. It can be effective in passing through several layers. It helps to restore moisture deep within the skin and promoting cell regeneration. This in turn can soothe dry skin whilst helping to shed the dry, dead skin. Revealing the fresh, healthy cells beneath.
CONCLUSION
In most cases, you should not use hand cream on your face. The skin types of your face and hands are so different. Skincare products designed for the hands will be too rich for the face and may lead to blemishes and blackheads. Similarly, moisturisers designed for the face will often be ineffective on the hands as these are too gentle to penetrate the thicker skin layers. The only time you should consider using hand cream on your face is if you suffer from severely dry skin as thicker, richer creams can bypass the layers of dead skin, restoring moisture to the areas beneath. If the skin of your face is so dry it is bleeding, cracked and painful you should seek professional medical advice.
