How To Care For The Skin Of Your Hands During The Coronavirus Crisis

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

From the CDC (government center for disease control and prevention) they have made the three ways to prevent the spread of Coronavirus very clear and they all have their hands as protagonists: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially if you have been in a public place, if you have coughed or sneezed; If you don't have soap and water, use a disinfectant that contains at least 60 percent alcohol; Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and hands with your unwashed hands.

Although these steps are the most important, it is also true that they can dry out the skin of the hands a lot and damage the natural protective barrier of our skin. Read these tips and home remedies that have been shared by our expert collaborator in skin care, Dr. Campos.

How does washing your hands affect your skin so much?

In Coronavirus times keeping hands clean is one of the first lines of defense to prevent this and other diseases. But, while essential, frequent hand washing with either soap and water or alcohol-based antibacterial gels is one of the leading causes of dryness and even irritant contact dermatitis. Preventing dry skin and reducing the risk of skin irritation and contact dermatitis is also important as this prevents the barrier function of the skin which is of utmost importance.

What is the most suitable temperature to wash our hands effectively and without much damage to the skin?

The right temperature for hand washing is room temperature or slightly warm for cold climates. The use of hot water contributes to the removal of the protective layer of skin fat which contributes to dryness and irritation. If we add the use of soaps with detergents that often have products that eliminate fat, washing hands with hot water is a serious mistake that we make a lot.

What type of soap do you recommend and which should we not use?

When it comes to choosing the right soap for handwashing, it's important to find a balance between cleansing ingredients and moisturizers. This allows us to clean our hands without excess drying. By using hand soap with a moisturizing ingredient such as coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe (Aloe Vera), both of which are rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and fatty acids, while we are by killing germs we give our skin a dose of rejuvenating hydration.

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What is the best product to apply after washing our hands? And after using disinfectant, is it also recommended to use a product?

It is important after each wash or use of antibacterial gels to use moisturizers specifically developed for the skin of the hands, which is very thin and fragile skin. In addition, it is important to note that the ideal hand cream should contain occlusive agents (they trap moisture on the skin), humectants (hydrate the skin) and emollients (soften the skin). Some examples of these ingredients are: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, petrolatum, honey, green tea extract, among others. I personally like to recommend the use of a good hand cream with cotton gloves and leave them on overnight. This is a kind of mask just like the ones we use for the face. Helps keep hands hydrated and soft as well as repair daily damage caused by the use of abrasive soaps or alcohol gels.

A good homemade mask to make us at night or in a free time?

An excellent mask, which works equally well for the hands as for the face, is to combine 1/2 cup of hot water, not boiling, and 1/3 cup of oatmeal (I powder it in the processor so that it makes a more homogeneous paste). After the water and oatmeal have settled for two to three minutes, mix 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 egg white. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face and the back of your hands, letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The results are very good and it gives the skin a natural shine and a vitality that is a reflection of nourished and hydrated skin.