Many of us, whether we are frontline workers or just going about our every day business, will be used to the precautionary habit of cleaning our hands more often to reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus. This is essential for safety purposes but many of us may be experiencing the downsides of frequent hand washing which is the discomfort of irritated, dry hands from overwashing.

How Overwashing Causes Dry Hands

Hand sanitisers, soaps and hand washes are packed with detergents and alcohol designed to disinfect the skin. This is necessary to stop the spread of bacteria and viruses that can be passed on through touch. However, detergents and alcohol play havoc with the skin on our hands and strip them of their natural oils designed to keep skin moisturised and healthy.

As a result of more frequent hand washing, there has been a sharp rise in conditions such as eczema in the hands and hand dermatitis as well as people suffering from extremely dry and sore hands. This has prompted The British Association of Dermatologists to issue a public advice sheet on how to protect hands from dryness, cracks and eczema flare ups, while we are fighting against the spread of COVID19.

6 ways to help prevent dry hands from frequent washing and help keep them moisturised

 

1. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water when you wash your hands

The hotter the water the more the moisture evaporates from the skin. However very cold water can also be more abrasive. Lukewarm water is the least damaging for dry hands.

2. Always wear washing up gloves when washing up or using any cleaning product

Cleaning products and washing products are damaging to hands at the best of times but if they are very dry from over washing, the damage from cleaning products will be even worse. After taking hands out of washing up gloves, immediately moisturise with a hand cream specifically for dry hands.  

3. If possible, wear protective gloves when washing hair

Detergents in hair products can strip hands of their natural oils and make them dry and sensitive. If you can avoid direct contact with shampoos and hair products designed to clean hair, this will help to reduce the damage and dryness to your hands.

4. Use a rich nourishing hand salve without any perfumes or chemicals in it

All perfumed skin care products carry the risk of skin irritation and if hands are very dry and cracked, this risk of irritated skin is heightened. We recommend sticking to salve’s rather than simple moisturisers as they are thicker and tend to stay on the skin longer.

5. Use hand products designed and tested specifically for sensitive skin

Even if you may not normally have sensitive skin and your hands have become very dry from over washing, they will be more sensitive than normal and more vulnerable to skin reactions. Look out for hypoallergenic salves designed for very dry skin or skin prone to allergies and skin conditions such as eczema. Apply hand salves straight after showering while the skin is still moist and always re-apply just before bed.

6. Try to not expose your hands to direct sunlight or cold winds

Sunlight and cold, harsh winds zap moisture from hands at the best of times. If your hands have become very dry then they will suffer more being exposed to these elements. If you ride a bike to work or are out and about a lot in this type of weather, wear gloves, particularly ones that are fingerless so they allow the use of the fingers. Remember to keep the main part of the hands protected and covered.

Shop our Hydrosil range for dry skin and eczema prone skin

If you are currently suffering from extremely dry hands due to overwashing, take a look at our products targeted specifically for dry skin. All of our products in this range are suitable for people with skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis, and they are dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. Shop the range here