5 Reasons Hand Cream is the Most Important Product in Your Purse

Take a moment, and think about how many times you’ve used your hands today. You snoozed your alarm, swiped through your Instagram feed, switched on your pot of coffee, replied to a dozen emails and high-fived a friend. Our hands are how we interact with the world around us, and it’s important that we take careful measures to protect them.

Many of us keep our bathroom shelves stocked with soaps, shampoos, razors and costly eye-creams. And yet, in our regimented routines, we’re often neglecting the part of our body we use the most—the part we use to cleanse our faces, dab on our zit creams and rub in our moisturizers.

The good news is, it’s pretty easy to take care of your hands. There’s no need for ten step rituals, expensive Sephora trips or confusing YouTube tutorials when it comes to hand care: an effective tube of hand cream doesn’t cost very much, and is small enough to pack in your purse. As a self-identified hand cream addict, I reach for a tube of the ultra-affordable, ultra-hydrating Glysomed. Start packing one in your purse, and you’ll quickly realize it’s the most important item for the girl on the go.

1. Self care, anywhere

Hand cream isn’t just hydrating; it’s comforting. Even when you’re sitting in your cubicle or waiting in line at your local coffee shop, you can create peaceful me-time. Create a few moments of zen by closing your eyes, clearing your mind and massage a cream into the creases of your palms. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down, take a minute for yourself and recharge for the day ahead—plus, with the right product, you’ll be left with skin soft as your suede sandals.

And speaking of your feet…heading into summer, consider stashing some foot balm in your bag as well. With flip-flop season, your feet see a lot more of the elements—and your friends see a lot more of your feet. To fight the ugly roughness, keep a tube of Glysomed foot balm nearby. The product contains shea butter to soften, olive oil to let the skin breathe and a dash of peppermint oil to add a fresh, spa-like scent. Massage a little into your heels and toes, and your feet will feel like they’ve just walked out of the salon with a fresh pedicure.

2. Form friendships

Whether you’re out for brunch or sitting in a meeting, there’s always somebody who asks: “Does anyone have hand cream?” Having a tube in your bag is a little like carrying a pack of gum: everyone appreciates a well-prepared sharer.

And you don’t need to wait for people to ask! If you pull out your hand cream, make sure to offer a dab to the people around you. A little generosity goes a long way. Or, if you really want to get into your coworker’s good books, keep a couple Glysomed minis on hand to pass out. There’s no greater gift than relief from dry skin.

3. Combat aging

The skin on your hands is actually one of the first places we show signs of aging. Take a look at the back of your hand: it’s some of the thinnest, most delicate skin on your body. Our hands spend just as much time exposed to the elements as our faces, and when we neglect to care for them we leave them defenceless against the effects of aging. With hand cream, you can boost your moisture levels and skin elasticity, while combatting pigmentation, dehydration and premature wrinkles.

An ultra-hydrating, high-quality product is key—none of this fruity smelling, colourful stuff that you used as a little girl. Glysomed’s dermatologist-recommended, non-irritating formulas spread easily and penetrate deeply to provide long-lasting hydration, helping restore the skin’s moisture barrier and soften and soothe even the roughest, driest skin.

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4. Ace your first impression

The only thing worse than a dead fish handshake, is a handshake with a dry, scaly skin. Yes, it’s important for your handshake to be firm, and it’s important to maintain eye contact. But even if you nail that Business Insider formula, you’ll leave a salty mark if your hands are chapped and flaking. Good first impressions are all in the details!

5. Relieve stress

There were three things I would bring to every university exam: a pencil, a water bottle and a tube of hand cream. Taking breaks from difficult tasks—and there is no task more difficult than a four-hour Accounting & Business Analysis exam—can reduce anxiety and increase performance. There’s something ritualistic in applying hand cream that calms the nerves and eases tension. It all goes back to self-care, and taking small moments to restore your rationality and drive. Relieve your dry skin and relieve your mind, and there’s no task you can’t conquer.

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