How to keep your skin healthy while washing your hands often

Diligent handwashing may keep germs away, but it may also damage skin. With the COVID-19 outbreak we diligently wash hands more frequently than usual, skin experts share tips that can help keep your skin healthy.

Wash with warm water

Warm water acts on the skin more gentle than hot. In addition, hot water can lead to overdrying. It cleans hands of any natural oils that are necessary to ensure water resistance, without making the procedure more effective.

Use moisturizing soap

he components that are contained in the soap have a high pH, ​​which leads to dryness. Experts recommend choosing liquid soap, as it usually dries the skin less.

Use a moisturizer

Try to use a moisturizing hand cream as often as you wash your hands. Moisturizers help in skin care because of the following reasons:

• restore the barrier function of the epidermis
• provide a protective membrane
• fill small gaps in the skin
• increase the water content in the epidermis
• soothe the skin
• improve appearance and texture of the skin

Use creams after each hand wash, after washing clothes, before bed, and whenever you feel dryness.

Wear gloves

After washing hands and applying cream, put on gloves for 1-2 hours. If the skin on your hands is very dry, it is recommended to apply a oily cream and put on cotton gloves all night. Gloves will moisturize your hands for 6–8 hours, allowing the skin on your hands to get the necessary benefits. Wearing gloves on cold, windy days can also prevent further damage to dry skin.

Replace the soap with a disinfectant

If your hands are too dry due to frequent washing, you can temporarily replace the soap with a hand sanitizer.
Hand sanitizer is another option to limit hand washing until the skin is restored, but not before eating, after the bathroom, when the hands get noticeably dirty. In such cases, hand washing is necessary.

Wipe your hands properly

It is better to dry your hands using a wet method to prevent micro-abrasions on the skin. It is best to use paper towels, but if you use a towel, it should be replaced every 3 days. Make sure your hands are thoroughly dried, as germs are easier to carry on wet hands.

Wash your hands properly and be healthy!