6 Hand-Care Tips to Prevent Dry Hands

Keeping hands sanitized without drying them out is a challenge many of us are facing... It is now essential that we wash our hands several times a day.

Washing our hands is critical to help stop the spread of COVID-19, especially after using the restroom, visiting a public place, and after blowing our nose, coughing, or sneezing. 

It will be important to wash our hands several times a day, however many of the anti-bacterial hand soaps in public places contain extremely irritating chemicals like triclosan and/or strong synthetic fragrances that can cause topical reactions after prolonged use.

If soap and water are not available (for example, when you are running an essential errand for food or prescription medicines), using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol is an acceptable alternative, according to the CDC.

Because the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to kill germs, hand sanitizer can be very drying. Therefore, when you use hand sanitizer, apply your hand cream or ointment immediately AFTER the hand sanitizer dries.

According to the CDC the best way to clean hands is using soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, the second best is to use a hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

To make matters worse the aging process can sometimes cause the skin to naturally lose moisture. Although it is not possible to fight aging, there are several ways in which dry hands can be treated.

1. Use a Moisturizing Hand Wash
   Look for one that contains glycerin and DOES NOT contain sulfates (which can be very drying). I'm a fan of Mrs. Meyer's or the 365 brand found at Whole Foods.
    
2. Wash Hands With Lukewarm Water
   I know we've been trained that the hotter the better when we really want something to feel clean, but it is unnecessary and will only cause excess dryness. Using lukewarm water works... The key is making sure you wash and rinse your hands well. Instead of blasting them with hot water, just take your time and be thorough.
   
   
3. Moisturize Immediately After Washing Hands
   The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends that you leave some water on your hands when drying them and apply hand cream or ointment while they’re still damp. We suggest Cocoa Mango Hand Creme.
   
   BEAUTY HACK: If you have a facial moisturizer that felt too heavy or didn’t work out for some reason, don’t throw it away! Use it on your hands, instead.
   
   
4. Apply a Balm or Salve at Night
   If hands are really suffering, apply a thick balm or salve at night while you sleep. The key is creating a barrier over the skin so moisture stays in and can’t escape. This is one time when greasier is better. We suggest our Cherry Blossom Healing Soothe, a little goes a long way.
   
   
5. Use a Cuticle Oil
   If you have olive oil or coconut oil in the cupboards that will work. After you've applied your hand cream massage oil of your choice around the cuticle area.
   
   
6. Sleep Wearing Cotton Gloves. 
   When hands are feeling extra dry or even cracked, wear a pair of cotton gloves to bed  (if you don't have gloves, a pair of socks might do the trick). Doing this takes things to the next level. It creates a physical barrier that will keep moisture from escaping, forcing it into the skin. Apply your regular hand cream then apply a heavier balm to lock in moisture.