Frequent hand washing and the use of antiseptic gels are supposed to help protect us from a rampant virus, but are detrimental to the skin. We tell you how, while continuing to follow safety measures, to help the skin of your hands remain soft and healthy.
The main ingredient in sanitizers is alcohol, and according to the recommendations of experts, it should contain at least 70% alcohol. For the skin, this is very bad news: alcohol not only dehydrates it, but also washes away the hydrolipid mantle from the surface of the epidermis – a layer of water and fats that protects, among other things, from pathogenic bacteria entering the body.
Considering that in the current conditions we are forced to wash and treat our hands often, the skin simply does not have time to restore this layer. The result is sad – itching, peeling, dryness and even small cracks, which significantly increase the risk of infections. But there is good news: it is in our power to alleviate the plight of the hands and significantly improve the condition of the skin.
To begin with, you can’t do without a moisturizer, and you should use it as often as possible. A standard hand cream is quite suitable, but it is better if it contains restorative, protective and soothing ingredients: lanolin, waxes, natural oils, fat-soluble vitamins, glycerin and petroleum jelly. When talking about oils, we are talking about essential fatty oils, since essential oils, on the contrary, can irritate the skin. It is better to choose products with almond, hemp, peach, apricot and other oils of this type in the composition.
A great idea would be to turn to products for atopic, very dry and sensitive skin – the easiest way to look for these is in drugstore brands. These products are designed specifically to soothe the skin in the shortest possible time, help restore the protective barrier, relieve itching and flaking. Moreover, you can also choose body products – they are universal, often sold in large packages, are easily absorbed and almost do not smell.
Pharmacy balms and other means for intensive skin restoration will also come in handy now.
You can also choose a milder hand cleaner. For example, from the same series for people with atopic dermatitis, sensitive skin, or even for babies. For the role of such a product, a shower gel or an all-purpose skin cleanser is perfect. Another option is a cleansing foaming oil, which you apply to dry skin, massage in, then add a little water, causing the oil to foam or turn into a cleansing milk. This product is washed off easily, and dries the skin much less.
Pharmacy balms and other means for intensive skin restoration will also come in handy now. During the day, for obvious reasons, it is not very convenient to use them, but during sleep it is quite. Well-known to many, “Panthenol”, balm “Rescuer”, “Bepanten” and other similar options are just from this area.
You can add special procedures to hand care. “One of the best procedures for dry and flaky skin of the hands is paraffin therapy,” says Elena Nersesyan, owner of a manicure salon. – Alas, it is difficult to repeat it at home, but paraffin can be replaced with any fat cream or warm oil – for example, peach, olive or even mineral like baby Johnson’s Baby.
It is necessary to generously apply the product on the hands, massage and wrap in cling film, and cover with a towel on top. After 15-20 minutes, the skin of the hands will be much softer. Just do not wash off the oil or cream with water – it is better to just wipe them off with the same towel, and rub the rest into the skin.
In conditions of frequent washing and constant exposure to alcohol antiseptic, of course, it is difficult to keep your hands in perfect condition, but you can relieve discomfort and help your skin survive this period. If you refuse to use nail polish for this time, it will become easier for them. The main thing is not to refuse to comply with hygiene measures, which experts are now especially insisting on.