Aid to Dry Hands

One of the simplest and most effective methods to combat coronavirus is handwashing, and as the world turns to soap, water and antibacterial gel, many will find that their skin is drying or even experiencing dermatitis. This is because, over time, excessive washing depletes the skin's natural protective barrier. So what can you do to help relieve it or prevent it?

1. Use a fragrance-free moisturiser

   It’s essential to moisture your hands with a fragance free moisturiser (so that it doesn’t irritate your skin) with an emollient and humectant in its ingredients. An emollient helps stop water loss - examples of emollients include urea, silicone (dimethicone, cyclomethicone), vegetable oils (grape seed, sesame seed, jojoba, etc.), butters (cocoa butter, shea butter), alcohols (stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol), and petrolatum derivatives (petroleum jelly, mineral oil).

   
   A humectant binds with water molecules to increase the water content in the skin. Glycerin and polyhydroxy acid gluconolacctone are examples.
   

   You may find that some creams are lightweight and others are greasier - and obviously the more greasy the emollient, the better protection it gives – but that may not always be a practical choice. One way to handle this is to use a lighter one during the day when you can apply it regularly and a heavier one overnight.

2.  Apply the cream every time after you wash your hands

3. Gloves

   When cleaning at home wear gloves to protect your skin from unnecessary exposure to chemicals that could irritate your skin. Wear protective gloves if you have them when you go out and apply the cream before you put the gloves on.

4. Use a non-irritating soap

   Some strongly-scented soaps can cause irritation to the skin. Another way to protect your skin is to opt for a natural, non-irritating soap. Natural soaps, such as those made from olive oil, coconut oil or aloe vera, will help to condition your hands. It's also best to avoid any heavily fragranced soaps, too.