All this hand washing, are your dry hands actually a disadvantage around germs?

It has always been recommended that we wash our hands frequently, however with onset of COVID-19, it is not only recommended but necessary.  I know in my profession, I wash my hands multiple times during one facial, let alone many times during the day beyond that.  There are times when a good paraffin soak feels absolutely necessary to restore my hands to a state of hydration perfection.  But that is not always possible, not for me and not for the majority of people.  With the new hand washing recommendations I know I am not alone in suffering the dryness and cracking that comes with repeated washing and the constant use of hand sanitizers.  Not only are our hand suffering from the dryness, they may also be more vulnerable to bacteria and infection.  

So how can our hands be more susceptible to these horrible germy things when we are constantly cleaning them?   Well it's the same as the skin on our face.  When we are constantly washing and using drying sanitizers, our skin becomes so dry and taught it developes tiny micro tears or cracks in the skins natural barrier.  These little cracks are not usually seen by the naked eye, but can develop into larger, more uncomfortable cracks.  Even when unseen however, these little cracks and tears offer perfect entrance points for bacteria and illness to enter our bodies.  

I am in no way recommending you wash your hands less, we need to follow the CDC guidelines of washing our hands for 20 seconds minimum.  However there are things we can do to help keep our skin as moisturized as possible and try to avoid dryness.  First of all, start with a liquid hand soap, one that has mostly natural botanicals and cold pressed oils.  I have found Raw Sugar from Target is an excellent choice.  Avoiding bar soap is always a good idea, the binders tend to have a high PH (causing dryness) as well as the fact that I find it hard to locate bat soaps with ingredients that I am completely comfortable with.  (Some hand made are fine, but not entirely cost effective).  Second, you must moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!  This doesn't mean you have to do it all day long.  If you have a good cream, you may be able to get by with 2-3 times a day and a good slather before bed.  I highly recommend Cerave cream in the tub, found in drug stores or Costco.  Not the lotion, the cream.  This is actually made to PROTECT your skin barrier, and that is exactly what you want.  You may in fact find this cream is very helpful in alieviating your dry, itchy winter skin as well!  

Take note however, if you were dry before, are older or have eczema; it is more important than ever for you to increase the frequency of times you moisturize your hands!  This is also true for people who live in low humidity areas or are using forced air heat.  These elements all contribute to additionally drying your skin.  

Keep washing, moisturize, and stay healthy!  If you have questions, feel free to ask.  

-L