Most people are washing their hands or using hand sanitizer more frequently these days. While necessary to prevent the spread of COVID and other germs, frequent washing can irritate and damage your skin. Damaged skin can increase your risk of infection. Making a few skin care changes for your hands can help counteract these effects.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. But lots of hand washing can strip your hands of their natural oils. To prevent dry, cracked skin:
BE GENTLE ON YOUR HANDS. Use cool or lukewarm water with soap to wash your hands. Hot water isn't any more helpful against germs that can make you sick. And hot water can increase skin damage.
Avoid antibacterial cleansers. They aren't that useful for preventing infectious disease. And they contain chemicals such as fragrance that can irritate skin.
TIP: While many people use ATZEN Cleansing Milk for the face, you can also use this for your hands.
MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE. After washing your hands, gently rinse and pat them dry. Right after, apply plenty of moisturizer. If your hands still feel dry after a minute or so, apply more.
Use a moisturizer that's hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes that can irritate your skin. Keep the moisturizer handy — next to bathroom and kitchen sinks, in your car or at your workspace. Make it easy to repeat this critical step.
TIP: Use the ATZEN Body and Hand Emulsion after you wash your hands and as often as needed in between.
DON'T IGNORE EARLY SKIN PROTECTION. Even if your hands don't feel dry or chapped, be sure to moisturize them regularly. Preventing skin irritation from developing in the first place is more effective than trying to catch up later when skin is already broken and cracked.
TIP: Use the ATZEN Body and Hand Emulsion as often as needed in between.
