The CDC and health organizations recommend that washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to avoid getting the Coronavirus. However excessive hand washing can cause other problems, like dry, cracked, or raw feeling skin. Dr. Suzanne Friedler, a board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology, PC in Queens, New York has some timely advice on how you can take care of your skin while prioritizing your health. Even if you are washing your hands correctly, over-cleansing the skin can cause irritation. The CDC guidelines recommend you wash for 20 seconds, and in the process, you wear down the outermost layer of the epidermis. This layer of skin cells protects your hands from bacteria, fungus, and other harmful microorganisms.
“The more you put your hands in the water, the more you will lose your natural skin oils,” Dr. Friedler noted. “So, the more you wash, the drier your skin will become.” Once you are done, you can replenish that skin barrier with a good moisturizing lotion. Coating your hands with lotion after washing is the best way to prevent problems due to frequent hand washing.
The benefits of a good hand lotion
The obvious benefit of using a hand cream is softer hands. The oils in the cream replenish lost moisture and also form a protective layer that prevents further damage to your skin. A good lotion is also essential to healing damaged skin. Hand cream can also benefit your cuticles and can give you stronger, longer, and healthier nails. When picking a good hand lotion and cream don’t rely on how nice they smell but on the proper ingredients designed to replenish the essential oils that your soap or sanitizer took away.
When buying your hand cream, look for ingredients such as vitamin E, essential oils, glycerine, and Shea Butter. For anti-aging properties, your cream should have antioxidants and AHAs.