Dry hands after constant hand washing – 7 skin care tips at a glance!
Especially now that the coronavirus is spreading, experts from the World Health Organization and the Center for Control and Prevention of Diseases advise us to wash our hands more often than usual. Washing hands properly is undoubtedly the most effective way to avoid the transmission of viruses, bacteria and infections. Now, according to dermatologists from all over the world, hand disinfectants and soaps attack the protective acid mantle of the skin and in this way remove the moisture. The result is cracked and dry hands. To prevent this from happening to you, in this article we give you 7 helpful care tips to keep your skin healthy.
Our hands are constantly in use for us as a means of communication and tools and are exposed to many different stresses all the time. Above all, this includes constant hand washing, cold weather and dry heating air. And just like our face, our hands need a natural barrier to stay healthy. If we wash our hands frequently, we not only remove dirt, viruses and bacteria, but also the natural oils and the greasy film of the skin. This in turn leads to it becoming hypersensitive and in this way toxic substances or dirt can penetrate into it.
Dry hands – Use only lukewarm water to wash your hands
According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), we should wash our hands with soap and water for about 20-30 seconds. Only then will all bacteria and germs be removed successfully. However, we have to take special care not to forget the fingertips, spaces between fingers and nails. Since washing with water that is too hot damages the skin and damages the layer of fat on the hands, doctors and dermatologists advise that you only wash your hands with lukewarm water.
Moisturizing soaps protect and care for the skin
The sulfates contained in some disinfectants and soaps dry out the skin very much. The binders that hold bar soaps together naturally have a high pH value. For this reason, their use also leads to dry hands. To protect your skin, choose liquid hand soaps instead or use those that are labeled as “pH neutral” or “pH 5.5”. Soaps with glycerin and lanolin also have a moisturizing effect and are another very good option.
Apply plenty of moisturizer after each hand wash
To avoid risky and dry hands, proper skin care is the be-all and end-all. Water acts like a magnet and penetrates the deepest layers of the skin and removes moisture from the hands. Therefore, it is recommended to apply moisturizer after washing your hands. Moisturizers restore the barrier function of the epidermis, form a protective film, increase the water content of the epidermis and have a calming effect on the skin. It is best to use high-fat products that contain glycerin, nourishing oils, urea, sorbitol or honey. According to dermatologists, however, you should avoid creams with mineral oils. On the one hand, they ensure that the skin is sealed and that moisture and water are stored, and on the other hand, they cannot circulate under the skin. If you wash off the cream layer, your hands feel even drier than before.
Wear gloves when cleaning and overnight
In addition to applying a moisturizer after hand washing, dermatologists recommend soaking your hands in clear, lukewarm water for 5 minutes. Then apply a layer of cream and wear gloves for 1 to 2 hours. As a result, the skin-care ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin and protect it from drying out. Adequate skin protection is also extremely important when cleaning with chemical cleaning agents to avoid cracked and dry hands. However, you should not use disposable or latex gloves – they protect against bacteria, fungi and germs, but unfortunately not against the chemicals. Cotton gloves absorb the excess moisture and ensure that the hands are not irritated unnecessarily.
Use skin balm on dry hands
Adequate skin care is especially important if you have hypersensitive skin or suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Washing your hands too often can cause your skin to become increasingly cracked, rough, and dry. Regular use of skin balm such as petroleum jelly balances the skin's fat and moisture content, makes it supple, forms a protective film and protects it from drying out.
Use hand disinfectant
According to health experts, we shouldn't wash our hands more than 10 times a day. Purchased or homemade hand sanitizers are an excellent option to limit hand washing. Although they usually contain alcohol, they are also rich in lipid-replenishing ingredients that are more skin-friendly and protect the hands from drying out.
Dab your hands gently dry after washing
A little known fact is that bacteria are transmitted 500 times faster with wet hands than with dry hands. For this reason, drying off after washing your hands is much more important than you think. It is best to use disposable or paper towels for this. If you wash your hands in the kitchen, have an extra towel ready. In addition, every person in a household should use their own towel and replace it with a clean one every 3 days.
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