Along with moisture-sucking, bone-chilling temperatures, we're dealing with cold-and-flu season; this classic dry-skin saviour is a salve for more than just your hands.
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Does anyone remember when the original Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream launched? I feel as though it's been around for decades. Pretty much glycerin in a tube, it's beloved for its ability to protect against and repair dry, chapped and cracked skin. And it's good for more than just a hand fix.

3.5 Uses for Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

Obvi, the first of the 3.5 ways to use Norwegian Formula is as a moisturizer for dry hands. I've used it as such before, but generally don't need such a therapeutic, concentrated salve. 

However, I've had some kind of sinus cold/bronchitis thing since New Year's eve, and my poor nose is suffering the consequences.

My usual go-to for cushioning the blow for my nose is petrolatum, Vaseline to be specific. Nothing beats it for protecting delicate skin against constant tissue friction, and it never stings on traumatized areas. 

But this time, in the absence of Vaseline, I instead tried Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream – I thought the thick, balm-like consistency might make it a good substitute.

Turns out that in a way, it is. Vaseline or petrolatum is a great shield against tissue friction because it sits on top of skin like a band-aid and pretty much stays there until you rub it all off. Of course Norwegian Formula is glycerin, not petrolatum; it isn't quite as good as a physical barrier unless you apply a generous amount just before you blow your nose. 

But glycerin attracts water, which poor, tissue-ravaged skin needs. Between aggressive Kleenex encounters, a smear of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula helps replace the moisture that tissue rudely strips away, so skin recovers a little more efficiently.

Norwegian Formula Original is also really good on cuticles – it's that thick, balm-like consistency that can withstand a hand wash or two, as well as its moisture-hoarding ways.

And, when I left my trusty tube of lip balm someplace that wasn't my pocket, I discovered that, in a pinch, Norwegian Formula Original Hand Cream can serve as a lip conditioner too. (Makes sense; glycerin is often a component of balms and moisturizing lip colour). It doesn't sit long on the lips though, so I like to put a stick balm on top. 

Yeah, I said stick balm. Longtime friends of Beautygeeks know I'm not a fan of most stick lip balms – they're usually not emollient enough for me. But a swipe of Norwegian Formula Original as a base plus a layer of something like Blistex Blissful Butters SPF 15 balm feels better, more soothing and more comfortable. And it means I don't just throw away balms I've tried and found wanting. #lesswaste

So, 3.5 ways to use Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream Original: 

1.    cracked hands 
2.    tissue-shredded nose
3.    dry lips
3.5  cuticles (.5 because you get them as you moisturize hands, right?)

I'm still dealing with the occasional nose-blowing session – ugh. I rarely get sick, but it seems this is the year of stubborn colds, coughs etc. that don't go away quickly or quietly. Hope you're not similarly afflicted!

What do you use to protect your nose when you have a cold? Have you ever tried Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Original? Unscented? On your nose, cuticles or lips? Or have you tried the lighter, more quickly absorbed version?

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Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream Original ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Dilauryl Thiodipropionate, Sodium Sulfate, Fragrance