Excessive Hand Washing Stripping Moisture from Your Skin? Learn Some Effective Moisturizing Solutions
Keeping your hands clean while maintaining softness during the COVID-19 pandemic isn't impossible! Here are some tips and tricks to protect your hands without sacrificing their health.
1. Mild Soaps and Moisturizing Agents
When you're picking out soap, go for gentle options that include ingredients like shea butter, aloe, or jojoba oil to keep your hands moisturized. Avoid fancy antibacterial ones—plain soap and water is all you need for effective hand-washing[1].
2. Pat 'Em Dry
Gentleness is key here. Instead of rubbing your hands aggressively, take the time to pat them dry gently[1].
3. Swap Out Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer can dry your skin out thanks to the alcohol it contains. If possible, opt for hand washing with soap and water whenever you can. This way, you don't have to worry about hand sanitizer shortages[1].
4. Cream Up with Moisturizer
Every hand-wash should be followed by lotion application on damp skin. This seals in the moisture and provides an instant boost to your hands[1].
5. Unscented is Better, Especially for Sensitive Skin
If your skin tends to be sensitive, choose unscented lotions and soaps to minimize irritation[1].
6. Get Oily
In a pinch, coconut or olive oil can work wonders as a hand moisturizer. Granted, your hands might smell a bit strange afterward[1].
7. Warm Water is Your Friend
Hot water can strip your skin of its innate oils, so stick with warm or even cool water when you wash your hands[1].
8. Call in the Big Guns — Literally
If your hands are regularly cracking, bleeding, or oozing, it might be time to consult a doctor for a possible eczema diagnosis and treatment[1].
9. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause your skin to dry out, so make sure you're drinking plenty of water, fruit-infused water, or even the occasional coffee to stay hydrated[1].
10. Gloves Up!
Wear gloves for outdoor activities to protect your skin from dry air, or when washing dishes to protect your hands from hot water. For a luxurious at-home spa day, slather on lotion and put on spa gloves to let the moisture sink in overnight[1].
11. Watch Out for Extremes
Avoid using overly hot water or aggressive hand dryers, or you might end up damaging your skin instead of helping it[1].
Remember, these tips are meant to keep your hands comfortable while following hand-washing guidelines for COVID-19 prevention. However, the pandemic is constantly evolving, so make sure to stay informed by checking local health department resources, like Public Health Seattle King County or Washington State Department of Health[2][3].
[1] "How to Keep Your Hands Moisturized During Hand Hygiene." Well+Good, 3 Mar. 2020, www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/coronavirus-hand-washing-moisturizer/.
[2] "How to Prevent Dry and Cracked Hands." Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prevent-dry-and-cracked-hands.
[3] "Hand Hygiene in the Time of Coronavirus." The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2020, www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/a-hand-hygiene-expert-on-the-science-of-scrubbing.
Incorporating skin-care practices such as moisturizing your hands with lotion after every hand-wash can maintain their softness while promoting health[1]. For overall wellness, consider implementing a balanced diet, rich in nutrition, as part of your lifestyle for a healthier body and radiant skin[2].
