We know the importance of washing our hands. Whether we’re doing it several times a day because of the work we do or for basic hygiene, handwashing plays an important role in helping each of us avoid getting sick and spreading infection to others.
The good news is that we can properly cleanse our hands of germs while also maintaining the health and appearance of our skin.
Wash, Rinse, Repeat—and Moisturize
While essential for keeping clean, both water and soap can negatively affect the skin barrier, the outermost layer of skin cells composed of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. The skin barrier maintains your skin’s hydration and health and, when damaged, can lead to your hands appearing red, flaky, cracked and dry.
So, what’s a germ-conscious, dutiful handwasher to do? Focus on ensuring that the skin on your hands is both clean and properly moisturized.
Regardless of what we might be hearing about the need to clean well and clean often, there is no reason why you would ever have to use a cleanser that feels like battery acid. Instead, I simply recommend using an effective and mild hand soap.
Even if you don’t have access to antibacterial soap, you can feel comfortable knowing that as long as you follow the guidelines we learned as children (use warm water, lather your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, wash the tops and bottoms of your hands and between your fingers), your cleansing regimen will be effective.
When it comes to moisturizing, I always advocate for using something as simple as a light cream or lotion. During the day, you’ll want to use a water-based moisturizer on your hands to avoid the greasy feeling oil-based products might provide.
At night, use a heavier, oil-based moisturizer, especially if you have very dry, cracked skin or if you suffer from eczema. Look for products with soothing ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E or avocado, almond or rice bran oils. Read more
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