Nothing is better than a woman with beautiful and soft hands—but recently, the appearance of our hands has taken a backseat to protect our health. Handwashing has gone from something we did habitually, to something we must do to keep ourselves and our families safe. Health officials have deemed washing our hands properly as one of the top things we can do to protect ourselves and stay healthy in the face of any virus or bacteria. The use of harsh antibacterial soaps is recommended, but repeatedly washing for more than 20 seconds at a time can and will take a toll on our skin.
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Unless we take the necessary precautions, our hands will start to see the effects of repeated handwashing over time, and will make our skin age faster and appear and feel more dull and dry. Dove Dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara shared some tips on how we can make sure that our hands are clean, yet also well taken care of, and the things we can do at home to give our hands the special care and treatment they deserve.
Excessive handwashing with harsh soaps can take a toll on the skin.
While health officials recommend we use antibacterial soaps to stop the spread of any germs, the use of harsh soaps can take a toll on our skin. Unless you are going out in public or if you or someone you know is sick, you can always switch to using a less harsh soap that still gets the job done. Dove's dermatologist Dr. Gohara recommends using a gentle moisturizing cleanser when washing your hands to ensure that your skin barrier stays healthy, so it can do its best to defend against external irritants and microbes. "Try to avoid harsh cleansers such as traditional soaps as they strip the protective skin’s nutrients, leaving the barrier weak and less able to do its job–and worse–leaving your hands extra dry, flaky and rough," she said.
The use of separate hand towels is so important.
This hand drying practice should have been in place in every home, even there was a fear of contracting a sickness. Dr. Gohara suggests always using a separate face and hand towel. “Remember, your eyes, mouth, and nose are susceptible to virus transmission and your hands can pass the germs, so separate towels work best,” she said. When drying your hands, she also suggests being careful with rubbing them against each other too harshly. Instead, gently pat them. This will prevent over-drying your hands and help preserve your skin’s own natural moisturizers.
Moisturizing properly is a must.
"Don’t forget to moisturize, for both after you wash your hands and after you shower! While your hands and body are still moist, layer on a good moisturizer to keep them soft and smooth," the dermatologist recommends. "Remember, for those who have dry skin, opt for a creamy moisturizer after you cleanse. While, for those who have oily skin, use a light lotion, not a heavy cream."
Showering is important.
Skin health most definitely begins in the shower, which is why Dr. Gohara suggests her patients shower once a day. It shouldn't have to be said, but it is understandable why some might be tempted to skip a day of showering if they are hanging out at home all day. “It’s the perfect time to soothe your soul, disconnect, and care for your skin,” the doctor said. She also adds that warm showers are the best for all skin types. Too cold is uncomfortable, and too hot strips the skin of essential elements. Regardless of skin type, Dr. Gohara recommends using a soft and airy cleanser, like the Dove Deep Moisture Instant Foaming Body Wash, saying: "The lightweight, quick rinse formula combines Dove’s gentle cleansers with NutriumMoisture technology which leaves skin soft and smooth for 24 hours. And the best part is it’s an effective hand wash substitute as well!"
Stay hydrated from the inside out.
Drinking water and eating foods that are water-rich is important and it helps hydrate your entire body, including your skin. "Your skin has always reflected what you eat, so staying hydrated is key! Therefore, don’t forget to eat, drink and be merry," the doctor suggests. "Eating foods rich in nutrients, such as nuts and avocados, can help overall hydration. And don’t forget your H2o is a must!" Stock up on your cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, and sugar-free liquids will help you glow from the inside out.
Finding the right products for your skin is key.
Only you know whether you have dry skin or oily skin and what type of products feel good on your skin. Pay attention to the label of the products you use, especially your hand creams, and look out for products without alcohol or perfumes that might just be drying out your skin even more. Stick to products with moisturizing and natural ingredients, or consult with a professional to see what type of lotion or hand cream is more suitable for your skin type.
Treat your hands during your self-care routine.
Women tend to spend quite a lot of money on fancy face oils and moisturizers that are a part of their daily skin care routines. While your face and body do deserve the best of the best products, a good tip is to use any excess on your hands so you don't let any of it go to waste and still give your hands a treat with your quality products. Don't forget, your hands are just as important as your face!
Treat your hands to the finer things.
Our hands do so much for us and they are also one of the parts of our bodies where our age is reflected, but that all depends on how we treat them. Make sure you are creating at-home hand masks, hand scrubs you can make with oatmeal and coffee grounds, as well as other natural ingredients like honey and essential oils, to keep your hands looking youthful and feeling soft.
