With the Coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on a global scale, keeping hands clean is of paramount importance these days. It is necessary to wash hands thoroughly and regularly in order to prevent the spread of infection. Following it up with hand gels or sanitizers is fine, but you have to keep hands moisturised too.
What is the problem?
While frequent hand washing is a reliable way to keep disease at bay, it can lead to excessively dry skin. The problem is greatly compounded if you already have dry skin – you will soon notice cracks and flakiness. The ideal time to wash hands is 20 seconds, but people usually don’t adhere to this specific time limit. Soap and water rinses germs and dirt, but also strips away natural and protective oils in your skin. Cracks that form on skin can increase your risk of contracting infections through the fissures and also lead to conditions such as eczema. Even if you use hand gels, it isn’t sufficient to prevent the skin from becoming overly dry.
Keep the skin moisturised
After washing your hands, gently pat dry instead of rubbing them, or else it can cause irritation. Once your hands are dry, use a hand cream so the moisture is sealed in. Please remember to use organic products that don’t include harmful chemicals, allergens, or artificial fragrances. They will nourish the skin, and prevent it from becoming flaky, cracked, or too dry. It is advisable to use hand creams instead of body lotions, as the latter is primarily water-based that can further dry out skin because the water evaporates. Creams on the other hand, are generally oil-based and more effective for this purpose. Being prepared is imperative in these difficult times, so it is best to carry your personal tubes of moisturiser, to avoid spreading germs by sharing with others.
