“When it comes to moisturizing, more expensive is not better,” says Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Igor Chaplik. Case in point: Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula Hand Cream ($6), which dermatologists agree is a must for easily irritated, eczema prone skin—especially during the winter months.
While this was the first I heard of the now-discontinued formula—don’t fret, it’s still available on Amazon and other retailers—countless derms have been singing its praises for years.
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“I recommend it to all my patients,” says Short Hills, NJ dermatologist Amanda Dunec, MD. “It’s my favorite product, particularly for hands during the winter season.”
The concentrated formula was initially created for Norwegian fishermen to care for their rough hands in the harsh, cold climate. After five years of clinical testing, the final product—a glycerin-first, hardworking formula that relieves dry, rough skin even in the worst conditions—was born.
Another big fan of the nourishing cream? West Orange, NJ dermatologist Rachael Hartman, MD, who offers up the ultimate softer-hands hack: after applying the cream, wear cotton gloves to sleep. “It really helps the moisturizer penetrate the thick skin of the hands,” she says. “Amazon actually sells inexpensive multipacks of gloves specifically for dry hands.”
New York dermatologist Lilly-Rose Paraskevas, MD says applying the cream (she’s also a fan of Vaseline) on wet skin helps to really lock in the moisture. Another tip: “Moisturizing after every hand wash really makes a difference,” adds Dr. Dunec.
But our hands aren’t the only place this no-nonsense cream can help. New York dermatologist Hilary Lucachick Reich, MD says she even uses the cream on her lips and face because it’s “so gentle and noncomedogenic, despite being incredibly rich and protective.” Is there anything this under-the-radar cream can’t do? In the mean time, we’ll be stashing one in every coat pocket this winter.
