Are Hand and Face Moisturizers the Same?
Kay’s question… Is there a difference between moisturizers for your hands and for your face? Relatedly, is there a reason to use specially formulated anti-wrinkle creams rather than ordinary moisturizers that you would use on your hands?
The Right Brain saves face:
Yes, Kay, this is one of these cases where there is some really science behind the marketing hype. Here’s why facial lotions should be different than hand lotions:
1. Skin on hands and face are different
Skin is very thin on your face and thicker on your hands. Also, your hands don’t (usually) develop acne or blackheads. Therefore, they need to be treated differently.
2. Drying conditions are different for hands and face
You may wash your hands in harsh soap many times a day; you may only wash your face once or twice with a gentle cleanser. Hands are in and out of dish water or laundry water, your face is not. The cumulative effect is that your hands can be much dryer, even cracked and bleeding, and therefore they need stronger moisturization.
3. Hands and face have different cosmetic needs
You might want to tighten the little crows feet wrinkles around your eyes but this isn’t the case on your hands.
The Beauty Brains bottom line:
For the reasons above and more, you need to use products designed to suit your skin’s different needs. Hand lotions should be heavier barrier creams to protect from harsh conditions. Facial moisturizers should be lightweight, noncomedogenic, and may have film forming agents that tighten skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
While hand and face products may share some of the same basic ingredients, the functions they need to perform can be significantly different. Using the right product on the right skin will give you better results.
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