The Effects of Frequent Hand Washing
Frequent, even borderline excessive hand washing can be necessary, especially to combat the current pandemic. It’s important to follow the CDC’s Handwashing Guidelines for instructions on when and how to wash your hands.
As with most things done in excess, there can be uncomfortable side effects. Excessive hand washing compromises the skin’s natural protective barrier by stripping away natural oils. Harsh cleansing agents found in soaps and hand sanitizers can further irritate skin and compound the issue. Over time, repetitive hand washing can cause damaged skin, leave hands dry and cracked, and put you at greater risk of infection.
What can we do to protect our hands? Here are a few simple steps to incorporate in your hand washing routine:
Tips to Prevent Dry, Cracked Hands
- Avoid using harsh soaps and cleansing agents when possible.
- Choose a mild, gentle, fragrance-free soap or cleanser. Fragrance-free cleansers tend to be less irritating. If you’re already suffering from dry hands, consider using a cleansing bar with built-in moisturizers.
- Try to let your hands air dry, or gently pat down using a soft towel. Avoid excessive rubbing.
- Use a moisturizer after every time you wash your hands to help lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
- If your hands become dry and irritated, look for a fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent further irritation.
- Learn the most common chemical skin irritants to avoid in skin care products.
Hand Washing Routine
A thorough cleansing and moisturizing routine is the key to maintaining healthy skin. Find a moisturizer that suits your skin type and use it after every time you wash your hands. Check out Vanicream™ Moisturizers and Vanicream™ Skin Cleansers to find the best gentle skin care products for your hands.