It goes without saying that a good hand cream is a must over Winter. Our poor hands (and lips) face the weather extremes – cold, wind, and low humidity for months on end, and really need TLC at this time of year. If you read our piece on Winter Beauty Must Haves, you’ll know I’ve been using the wonderful L’Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream, a super hydrating, nourishing Hand Cream with Shea Butter that leaves my hands super hydrated. With the arrival of the blisteringly cold July and August winds, and menopausal skin dryness, I’ve upped the ante with 2 extra Australian-made hand care items.

Made from 100% natural and organic, hand blended plant based ingredients, and Australian-made, By The Be Obscure Hand + Cuticle Oil (30ml RRP $36.00) uses the power of plants and flowers to create a soothing, softening and nourishing Hand & Cuticle Oil. With 7 essential oils to help balance mind and body, including Grape Seed, Camellia Seed, Milk Thistle, Rose Geranium, Grapefruit, Patchouli and Frankincense, the oil goes to work hydrating and nourishing parched hands. Just 2 drops is all you need for instant hydration, and the lingering rose scent is just divine. As a bonus, all By The Be products use recyclable or reuseable packaging, are cruelty-free, and one tree is planted through One Tree Planted for every By The Be order placed – good for hands and the environment – that’s a winning combination in anyone’s eyes. I’ve been using it on its own, and mixed in with the Hand Cream for a boost of hydration – it works so well. Available from BY THE BE.

We all know we should use a sunscreen all year round, to protect our skin from the harsh Australian sun, and with our hands being one of the first places to show our age, sunscreen is a must. I’ve been being extra kind to my hands this Winter using Australian owned The Kind Sunscreen SPF 30 (50ml RRP $29.00) every time I go outdoors (it has been a real skin saviour on Netball Saturdays). Formulated with only 9 ingredients, it feels more like luxe skincare than sunscreen, the natural, physical sunscreen provides Broad Spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Reef and ocean friendly, as well as vegan and cruelty-free, The Kind Sunscreen uses 100% recyclable PE packaging and is suitable for sensitive skin and safe for nursing mothers. Available from The Kind Sunscreen.

How are you nourishing your hands this Winter? Let us know in the comments below.