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Shannon Fraser Designs

Spreading quilty joy one stitch at a time!

Best Hand Creams for Quilters Recommended by Quilters 2023

February 3, 2023 by Shannon

20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Do you suffer from dry cracked hands? Then this is the post for you as today I’m rounding up the best hand creams for quilters as recommended by quilters in 2023!

If you quilt there’s a high chance your hands have gone through periods of scaly, tender, and painful times. This rings even more true if you live somewhere where the temperatures drop below zero, adding frigid, dry, and cold air to the mix.

Whether this is an affliction that you deal with on the daily or one that rears its ugly head when the weather gets frightful, having the right products and care strategy will make all the difference in getting you from pain back to normal (at least, that’s the plan!)

In last week’s newsletter (sign up here!), I shared that my Winter Star QAL quilt had stalled because my hands were in such a terrible state that I wasn’t finding joy in big stitch hand quilting the binding down (tutorial on how to do that here). Hand quilting is usually my happy place, but not being able to feel the fabric and thread was really getting me down. Being a tactile lover, I thrive on feeling the materials I’m working with. Since I wasn’t feeling the joy, I decided to put the project on hold while I figure out how to heal my hands.

You flooded my inbox with your suggestions and get better notes! It was super heartwarming and I especially loved that you took the time to share a little more about yourself too (that was the best!). As the suggestions rolled in, I quickly realized this was a common problem our quilting community has faced, and I couldn’t very well sit on all these recommendations for the best hand creams for quilters without sharing them back.

See the 20+ best hand creams that were recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.


When the skin problem started

How the skin issues start seems to be different for everyone. Eczema and winter were common reasons that popped up.

For me, it started a couple few years ago when I noticed my hands started to get spots of dryness. Almost like a callous was forming. I’m a big moisturizer, so I was surprised when this issue kept getting worse and worse. Fast forward to last Fall when I finally got an appointment with a dermatologist. They prescribed some medicated cream to help deal with the layers of scaly, thick skin that had developed. Yuck, I know 😉

This is where things got progressively worse.

Instead of just dry, scaly bits, I was now dealing with tender, cracked, and bleeding fingertips. And, despite using the medicated cream, the scaly and hard skin kept spreading.

It would get dry, I would apply the cream. I’d wait for that to soak in, then apply the moisturizing cream. I’d keep applying the moisturizing cream throughout the day: after I wash my hands and whenever it felt dry (which was always). I was going through the tube rapidly. And yet the dryness and cracking kept spreading. The more I applied the cream, the more the surrounding area got dry and the initial area got tender, red, thin and prone to cracking. The vicious circle continued. I started applying the cream in thick globs topped with a bandaid to seal that moisture in. It felt wonderful and helped a little, but I’m just never getting away from these cracks.

Bleurgh.

Some of the creams and ointments I've used to help combat my dry and cracked hands. See the list of 20+ hand creams that were recommended by quilters on the blog #skincare #quilting #sewing

Disclaimer

I’m not a doctor and this isn’t intended as medical advice. This list is simply intended to provide you with possible options for the best hand creams for quilters to consider in solving your own dry skin problems.

Most of these are new to me and I haven’t personally tried them, so make sure the ingredients are a fit for you before you decide to purchase.

Best hand creams for quilters recommended by quilters

Ok, in alphabetical order, here are the best hand creams for quilters that were suggested by you!

Acquaphor – this one popped up several times. Super easy to find online and at your local pharmacy.

Aquaphor - 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Alfason Repair Cream – this one was recommended specifically for treating ‘cold eczema’. A little goes a long way. A great option if you live in Europe.

Alfason Repair - 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

AmLactin – this one contains 12% lactic acid, which is known for helping the skin rejuvenate through gentle exfoliation. This is why this one made sense to me, it also corroborated what my dermatologist said to me about dealing with dry hands. They have a full line-up of products to choose from based on your specific skin issue.

AmLactin one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Ammonium Lactate Lotion – this is similar to AmLactin in that they both have 12% lactic acid.

Ammonium Lactate Lotion one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Antibacterial ointment – when the cracks are bad you can use an antibacterial ointment to soothe, protect and help heal the crack quickly. This stuff goes by lots of different brand names, including Bacitracin, Neosporin, and Polysporin.

Bacitracin, Neosporin and Polysporin are some of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Aveeno Eczema – allow to sink in before continuing with normal activities. I use their original version as a body moisturizer and it works great.

Aveeno Eczema Therapry one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Bag Balm – this one comes recommended by a quilter who’s been quilting for over 50 years and swears by this cream that was originally created back in 1899! It got a couple of recommendations actually!

Bag Balm one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Burt’s Bees Cuticle Cream Lemon Butter – a great natural option. 

Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream Lemon Butter one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

CeraVe – in the jar not in the tube.

CeraVe one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

CutiBase – this is what my dermatologist suggested I use to combat the drying effects of the medicated cream. It’s a glorious cream that feels wonderful. It seemed to help when I put some on my cracked areas and then covered them with a bandaid.

CutiBase one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

GlaxalBase Moisturizing Cream – is a great option if you want something that’s hypoallergenic, lanolin, and scent-free. They also have this Eczema version with oatmeal.  

GlaxalBase Moisturizing Cream one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream – this classic came up a couple of times and, while I was doing the research, I noticed they also have an eczema-specific version made with colloidal oatmeal.

Gold Bond Healing Cream one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

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Hemp Hand Cream – I have fond memories of The Body Shop, I used their lip balm tubs for years! So, I wasn’t surprised to see this cream recommended.

The Boy Shop Hemp Cream one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

O’Keefes Working Hands – this one came up multiple times! I’ve been trying it out and what I love about this one is that it isn’t very greasy.

O'Keeffe's Working Hands one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Petroleum jelly – a classic for a reason! This one was recommended multiple times.

Petroleum Jelly one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare


Lolo To-Go Bar – this all-natural and travel-friendly product comes in over 30 different scents, as well as scentless. While I was perusing their website, I also noticed they make this Thread Tamer.

Lolo To-go Bar one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Marin Skincare – this recommendation had me doing a deep dive into their website. I was fascinated by the marine glycoprotein they use which is found in lobsters! This protein enables lobsters to regenerate limbs, just like it helps you regenerate skin. Unfortunately, currently only ships to the USA.

Marin Skincare Cream one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Neutrogena hand cream – is best used at night as it’s quite greasy.

Neutrogena Hand Cream one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

New Skin – several recommendations for this nifty product. It seems to act similar to liquid bandaid. You paint it on and acts like ‘new skin’.

New Skin one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Olive oil – simply rub into hands and cuticles before bedtime.

Pure Lanolin – lots of recommendations for pure lanolin too. I’ve tried this one and it is a glorious hand cream. But this one is 100% pure without any additions.

Pure Lanolin one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Scholl Cracked Heel Balm – technically this is supposed to be used on your feet, but the concept is the same for your hands. Apparently, it works like a charm!

Scholl Cracked Heel one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Vicks VapoRub – I haven’t tried this one, but I can imagine it being a little intense at first on any open cuts. I can also see the menthol being soothing.

Vicks' VapoRub one of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Methods of hand cream application

In addition to sharing the best hand creams for quilters with me, you also gave me lots of pointers on the best methods of applying your cream and covering up your cracked skin.

Cotton gloves – this was a popular recommendation! Use your hand cream of choice (the ones most recommended was petroleum jelly and pure lanolin) and then promptly pop your cotton gloves on before going to bed. I’ve even been wearing them when I’m at the computer as I can still type with them on!

Cotton socks – this was another common suggestion, with some even suggesting they work better than the cotton gloves.

Liquid bandaid – apparently it hurts when first applied but seems to adhere nicely and keep your cracks sealed until healed. Start by applying cuticle oil on the skin around the cracks, followed by hand cream of choice and then seal with the liquid bandaid once the cream has soaked in.

Finger Cots – I was going through a crazy amount of bandaids, so my hubz picked me up a set of reusable finger cots. You can also find disposable ones, which are thinner and will probably give you more freedom of movement.

Wool mittens – there were a few specific mentions for using 100% wool gloves or mittens paired with petroleum jelly (or your cream of choice).

Some of the 'tools' I've used to help protect my cracked fingers due to severe dryness. See the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

Top tips for dry cracked hands

Here are some additional tips that you shared with me on how best to combat dry cracked hands.

Don’t forget to drink! Not technically a cream but staying hydrated is super important in general, even more so when you’re dealing with dryness. Hydrating from the inside out is the best way to give your body natural assistance.

Use rubber gloves with a cotton lining to help protect your delicate skin from irritation. I can attest to the rubber irritating my already delicate skin. I’ve been wearing my cotton gloves inside my rubber gloves to limit the friction.

Be mindful of how you wash and dry your hands – there were lots of recommendations for blotting your hands dry instead of rubbing them.

Limit the use of hand sanitizer. I’m pretty sure this has caused my skin issues to worsen. It’s a balance on this one!

What I’m currently trying

I’ve tried quite a few things over the past year or so to try and heal my hands.

Right now, I’ve been slathering my hands in either this, this or this and covering them in cotton gloves when I’m working at the computer or reading and such.

When I have wet chores to do (aka cooking, cleaning and dish washing), I cover my cracks in bandaids or finger cots and then use rubber gloves to keep everything dry.

At night, I slather my hands in one of the creams and use cotton gloves to keep them protected and allow the cream to sink in while still allowing the skin to breath through the cotton.

Some of the creams and protection I've used to help rescue my dry cracked hands. See the list of the 20+ best hand creams as recommended by quilters for dry and cracked skin. Read all the suggestions quilters shared for combating seriously dry hands #quilting #makers #skincare

For more quilty inspiration, check out:

  • Top 5 stretches of a modern quilter
  • Are you a fast or slow quilter
  • Top 10 tips for machine quilting at home

As you can see, you’re not alone in dealing with dry, cracked and sore hands. I took comfort in knowing I wasn’t facing this issue by myself and hopefully, through sharing this list of the best hand creams for quilters as recommended by quilters, you’ll find the best product to help you!

Please spread the love and share this with your fellow makers. And if you have a cream that hasn’t made the list but should, share it in the comments below so we can all learn about it 😊

xo

Shannon


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Comments

  1. Jo says

    February 3, 2023 at 2:28 pm

    Instead of addressing the problem from the outside, I recommend looking to the inside. What I mean by that is investigate the health of your intestines with respect to your microbiota.

    • Shannon says

      February 3, 2023 at 2:36 pm

      Great point, Jo! You need to think about both the inside and the out – it’s a dual front approach 🙂

  2. Judi says

    February 3, 2023 at 2:57 pm

    Most people, not just quilters readily share tips about life’s issues and possible solutions readily. Most don’t expect a reward. That said, if you get compensated for a skin care product from free tips, , why shouldn’t the person giving the free tip get compensated. I like your work, but feel you shouldn’t profit and take advantage from such shared advise.

    • Shannon says

      February 3, 2023 at 4:02 pm

      Thanks for your comment, Judi! Creating blog posts takes quite a bit of time and affiliate links is one of the ways that enables me to continue to offer ongoing free content. The great news is, there’s no obligation to use the links from my site and you can still enjoy the content 😉

  3. Kate says

    February 3, 2023 at 2:59 pm

    This is such a struggle! I worked for a derm, and my daughter suffered with this! Her hands would get bright red and scaly and hurt. The derm recommend Gloves in a bottle (available on Amazon among others) . It works in addition to your lotion, to provide a skin barrier. My daughter would apply a thick lotion in the morning, wait for it to absorb, and then apply the gloves in a bottle. It is supposed to last through hand washing, but may still need to apply a couple of times a day depending on what you are doing. It definitely helped her!
    (https://www.amazon.com/Gloves-Bottle-Shielding-Lotion-8-Ounce/dp/B000UBN5S8/ref=sr_1_5?gclid=CjwKCAiA_vKeBhAdEiwAFb_nrVsDhWice6Rtgh6pB05ySDn3JyYd_JmR6U2rq6UfsXrANQDBNN3JkBoCmHMQAvD_BwE&hvadid=616863395727&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9016952&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14666544318943724000&hvtargid=kwd-1285710044&hydadcr=24662_13611802&keywords=liquid+gloves&qid=1675452409&sr=8-5 )

    • Shannon says

      February 3, 2023 at 4:03 pm

      This sounds genius, Kate!! Thank you so much for sharing and so thrilled it helped your daughter 💞

  4. Christina Alvarez-Perry says

    February 3, 2023 at 4:56 pm

    I had patches on my hands that started as hard patches or round patches that peeled thick layers. For years it was treated unsuccessfully as a dermatological situation. When I was finally diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and treated with biologics, the skin condition improved. I have RA and turns out skin can be symptomatic. If this doesn’t go away, I encourage you to dig deeper.

    • Shannon says

      February 3, 2023 at 5:22 pm

      Oh, wow, Christina, thank you for the insight. I will definitely keep on top of this and explore more if the dermatological route doesn’t reolve the issue. Here’s to all the healthy vibes!

  5. MC says

    February 3, 2023 at 7:39 pm

    I’m a Glaxol Girl all the way. I’ve tried others but this has been the best for me. I’m in Calgary which is very dry. It made a friend’s cracked heels a thing of the past. It also helped the hands of a friend who handles wood frequently. Best of all, it’s available at Costco. Also, I use it year round.

    • Shannon says

      February 3, 2023 at 8:11 pm

      Love hearing you’ve had success with Glaxal!! It’s encouraging to hear!!

  6. Peggy says

    February 5, 2023 at 12:00 am

    Are you using antibacterial soap? I was told to stop using antibacterial soaps so I switched to a Soft Soap product or dove bar soap that was not antibacterial and I got rid of the raw peeling hands. I also don’t use any products from the stores that sell body lotions at the mall.

    • Shannon says

      February 6, 2023 at 7:16 am

      Dove is my go-to as well, Peggy! But, when I’m out and about, I do use hand sanitizer, which I know is super drying.

    • Pat says

      February 11, 2023 at 2:36 pm

      I have eczema and found the only soap that didn’t irritate my skin was Neutrogena bath gel or bar soap. Took an antibiotic and prescription of Fluocinonide cream.It healed a2 year battle. Gloves were my best friend.

      • Shannon says

        February 11, 2023 at 5:59 pm

        Thank you for sharing what worked for you, Pat! The more successful approaches we know about, the better we can help one another 💛

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Hi! I'm Shannon. A modern quilt pattern designer based in Montreal. My quilting journey started by stumbling upon a half square triangle tutorial and I've been hooked since. I'm now spreading that quilty joy to you! Read More…

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