How to moisturize your hands without feeling sticky

Keeping hands moisturized is more important now than ever before as frequent washing and sanitizer use have become the norm, stripping away natural oils and leaving skin dry and rough.


Without oil glands, hands are especially prone to dehydration, which can lead to fine lines, rough texture, and reduced elasticity. Regular use of hand lotion restores hydration, plumps skin with moisture, smooths roughness, and strengthens the skin barrier—but how can you hydrate your hands without leaving behind a greasy residue on everything you touch afterwards?


For many, the ultimate challenge is finding a hand cream delivers on this promise. Here are some tips on how to tackle this:


1. Choose quick-absorbing formulas

Look for lotions labeled “non-greasy” or “quick-absorbing,” especially ones with ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, and lightweight oils (like squalane, grapeseed, or jojoba oil). These ingredients provide hydration and condition skin without a heavy feel, so your hands won’t leave a trace on keyboards, phones, or doorknobs.


2. Apply lotion strategically

Instead of coating your entire hand, apply lotion to the back of your hands instead of into your palms., This is also the part of your hands that are the most exposed and so need the most moisture. Rub the backs of your hands together to spread the product. Once most of it has been rubbed in, now use your palms to massage in the remains. If you a sense a bit of cream remains on your palms after, wipe your palms against another area of skin like your arms or against a tissue to get rid of excess.


3. Use minimal amounts

Start with a small, pea or dime-sized amount of lotion (depending on the size of your hands), which should be enough for effective hydration without feeling excessive. You can always add another layer if needed.


4. Consider a nourishing overnight treatment

For those seeking deep hydration without compromising on daily comfort, Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment offers an ideal solution.

Designed for nighttime use and requiring just one application, Theraplush works while you sleep, delivering intense moisture and nourishment. Wake up with softer, smoother, and more hydrated hands—ready for the day without the sticky hassle.

Soft Services

Theraplush

$62

1.7 fl oz

fragrance-free

Cushion-coat hands in a soft, waxy layer of nourishing, soothing and repairing ingredients overnight, for a just-manicured feeling each morning.

Its powerful formula combines retinol, colloidal oatmeal, and panthenol to repair and restore skin, plump skin with moisture, reduce age spots, keep cuticles neat, and strengthen nails.


Pairing nightly use of Theraplush with a quick-absorbing lotion during the day provides the perfect balance of all-day comfort and deep nourishment for healthy, happy hands.

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Dry Skin

Skin that's losing more moisture than it's able to maintain.

Also Called

Dehydrated skin, xerosis

Looks Like

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Frequently Found On

Arms, legs, feet, hands

Learn More: Dry Skin