Slugging: The New Handcare Hack You Need To Know About

Hands are often last in line when it comes to skincare, but after more than two years of excessive hand-washing, sanitizing and glove-wearing, it makes sense to extend our routine to our fingertips. So, could TikTok’s new hydration hack be the answer for parched hands? Slugging (coating skin in an occlusive cream overnight) is an intense way to hydrate skin and seal in moisture. And it’s dermatologist-approved. Discover the new – and non-negotiable – additions to your handcare arsenal.

Long-time fans of Augustinus Bader will not be disappointed by the latest addition to its range – and for good reason. If you’ve neglected your hands in your daily skincare regime, it will show, but using this targeted hand treatment can really make all the difference. Utilizing Augustinus Bader’s patented complex of amino acids and vitamins, this cream deeply nourishes dry, overwashed hands. We like to apply a double layer for an extra hit of hydration overnight.

From softening dark spots to evening out skin tone and smoothing skin, this Dr. Barbara Sturm hand cream has you covered – its hero ingredient, purslane, works to actively stimulate your skin’s defence mechanism. Plus, it protects against irritants and soothes sensitive skin that’s been exposed to sun and air conditioning. Our top tip? Use as a hand mask, apply generously, wear gloves to intensify the effect, and leave on for 20 minutes.

Using an exfoliating hand scrub once a week is one of the non-negotiables that every nail pro swears by: not only does it brighten the backs of your hands, but it can stimulate nail growth and increase collagen, too. It also aids the absorption of hydrating products. What’s more, the geranium and mandarin scent of this Margaret Dabbs London scrub is truly uplifting.

One for the skincare connoisseur, this hand serum from La Mer is saturated in the brand’s famous Miracle Broth, which is rich in sea kelp, magnesium calcium and a range of vitamins to boost hydration levels and restore glow. According to dermatologists, oils and creams should be massaged into the hand area daily, just as you apply moisturizer to your face every day – and we like to use this twice daily for even better results.

We all know the particular drying effects that alcohol-based sanitizers have on the skin, but this buttery hand cream from This Works uses vitamin E and shea butter to give over-washed hands some much-needed relief – and fast. We recommend massaging any excess cream into the cuticles to stimulate nail growth, too.