How to have moist hands and use hand sanitiser
One of the effects of the pandemic is the fact our hands are looking a bit worse for wear. We’re washing them more and using a lot of hand sanitiser but there are things you can do to minimise this negative effect on your hands.
Obviously, in comparison to the Delta virus, lockdowns and economic anxiety, irritated hands could be seen as a minor issue. But we are using sanitiser which has to have an alcohol content greater than 60 percent to be efficient. But this high alcohol content can cause skin irritation and this in turn can make conditions like dermatitis or split nails even worse.
Hand sanitiser has a strong effect
When looking at hand sanitisers specifically, Dr Michele Squire says the alcohol destroys microbes and makes the sanitiser quick-drying so it’s effective.
But according to Dr Squire, it also dissolves the lipids which are arranged between our skin cells and leads to a reduction in our skin's barrier function.
"With excessive use, this alters the skin's ability to regulate water loss and hold onto water, in turn leading to dehydration and dry skin, although much less so than repeated washing with soap and water" adds Squire.
So, it's no surprise that using a moisturiser as often as you can is the best way to ensure your hands and nails stay hydrated and irritation-free. But here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your moisturising.
Let your hand sanitiser dry off before moisturising
When you use hand sanitiser, let it dry completely before going in with your moisturiser. Go-To Skincare (the brainchild of Zoë Foster-Blake) recommends waiting 10 minutes.
"Applying it straight after can neutralise the sanitiser's effectiveness," they state.
Don’t use moisturiser before you use sanitiser
Another tip is not to use moisturiser before you use sanitiser. If you apply sanitiser to recently moisturised hands, your protection is significantly reduced.
As well, your sanitiser won't work if your hands are soiled or greasy, if you wipe it off before it's completely dry, if you don't apply it to your entire hand, and if you don't use enough.
"You should be able to rub your hands together for about 20 seconds before it dries — and don't forget between your fingers and the back of hands!" says Dr Squire.
Fragrance-free moisturisers are best
Dr Squire suggests using a fragrance-free moisturiser after each wash to replace lipids and NMF (natural moisturising factor) components lost from dry skin.
Talk to your local pharmacist if you're unsure of best options for your skin issues.
Dr Squire recommends using a synthetic detergent-based soap to wash your hands. She says: "These use stearic acid to protect and moisturise skin and a mild surfactant."
Another tip is to add a drop or two of your hydrating facial serums and oils to your hands before bed each night.
If you combine these tips with a good moisturiser, you'll be helping your hands cope with this new regime.
Photo: Getty Images