It’s a strange time to be alive. Most of the globe is either seeing or experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic first-hand. Speaking of hands, if you are taking the recommended hygiene precautions as seriously as you darn well should be, your hand skin health is likely to fall to the wayside.

This is obviously low on the scale of bad things to come from COVID-19, but my cuticles have never looked worse, and my hand microbiome? Left the building entirely. Again, low priority given the state of things, but basic self-care during a time where your mental health might make you feel ready to throw in the towel, can provide a measure of relief. For us among other things, this is coming by way of hand creams, lots of them. In your disinfected home, with freshly washed pointers, give them a rub and thank them for not touching your face in this confronting time.

Here are some of our hand cream favourites. These luxe picks will treat your aches and soothe your soul.

1. Gallinée Hand Cream

Formulated with probiotics and prebiotics to keep that skin barrier thriving, and lactic acid to gently banish any lurking flakeage. Leaves hands silky smooth and smelling pleasantly fresh, this guy feels luxurious and practical.

2. Rodin Olio Lusso Lavender Absolute Crema Luxury Hand Cream

The most luxurious. Delicately scented with lavender, making it perfect for a stressful moment or before bed. Fast absorbing and fortified with shea butter, argan oil, macadamia oil, jojoba oil and aloe vera to nourish, protect, and bring your paws back to life.

3. Mario Badescu Rose Hand Cream with Vitamin E

Lightweight in texture but rich in nourishment, this is perfect for those not wanting to splurge on cost or efficacy. Vitamin E will comfort and reinforce skin, while rose brings a sense of calm to the world, you could even pretend we are allowed to leave the house.

4. Santa Maria Nouvella Crema Per Le Mani

Worth the price tag. Even if for the lemon scent alone. Beautifully packaged and emollient with shea butter and sweet almond oil. Leaves you smelling like a citrus tree.

5. Aesop Reverence Hand Balm

Woody, Smokey, masculine and clean. Enriched with emollient ingredients, one being Potassium Lactate to polish and smooth. Absorbs fast so sticky feelings (not ideal in our circumstances) are avoided.

Or, A DIY approach

For those who feel that purchasing hand cream is their literal last priority right now, but do in fact have coffee grounds (can be subbed for sugar or sea salt if you avoid coffee) and olive oil lying around, this one is for you. Combine 1 TBSP of olive oil with 2 TSP coffee grounds, apply on clean hands and scrub away the sanitiser (do remember to keep using sanitiser as hygiene is paramount).

In all seriousness, COVID-19 is significant and self-isolation is key. Stay informed with your health department’s latest recommendations and help out those in need wherever possible.