Our resident dermatologist shares tips—and products—that can help prevent dry hands due to frequent washing and hand sanitizer use.
The country is moving into GCQ, but our COVID-19 curve is far from flattening. As more people start going out, it becomes increasingly crucial to follow the safety measures recommended by medical experts: staying at home as much as possible, practising physical distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands regularly with soap and water.
They advocate washing your hands for 20 seconds, and whenever that is not possible, using a hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol. These measures have effectively curbed the spread of COVID-19, but have also resulted in a pressing dermatological concern during the pandemic—extremely dry hands.
Related: Biologique Recherche’s P50 Lotion is a Real Skincare Game-Changer
An article in TIME notes that although constant hand washing gets rid of dirt and germs, it also strips away the natural, protective oils of your skin, hence leading to dry skin. Dry hands are red, itchy, and flaky, and they can crack and bleed. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), “This can cause open wounds in your skin that can allow in bacteria and other germs, and increase your risk for infection.”
Dr Maximin Navarro, Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society and co-founder of Bella Pelle Philippines, says, “In addition to stripping away the skin’s natural oils, excessive exposure to chemicals in disinfectants, cleaning agents, and detergents can trigger skin irritation by altering your skin’s normal mantle, skin barrier function, pH, and normal flora.”
In a pandemic though, washing your hands less is not an option. The AAD says you should wash your hands even if they feel dry since it’s still the best way to remove harmful bacteria and viruses. Instead, you can follow the tips below.
1) Wash your hands with soap and lukewarm water, patting them dry with a hand towel or air drying them, and keeping them a little wet before moisturizing. In case soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.
2) If you washed your hands, immediately and regularly apply lotion or moisturizer to your damp hands. If you used a hand sanitizer, wait for it to dry before applying lotion or moisturizer. In either case, lotions and moisturizers will help seal in moisture, prevent skin from becoming too dry, keep hands from cracking, and strengthen the skin barrier function.
3) Use a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, preservative-free and dye-free moisturizer, which is less likely to cause skin irritations, in addition, the AAD recommends using moisturizers containing petrolatum or mineral oil; and ointments and creams—products you squeeze out of a tube—since they are more effective than products you pump out of a bottle.
4) Use protective gloves like vinyl or nitrile gloves when doing household cleaning to avoid exposing your hands to harmful chemicals that can dry your skin.
5) If you develop hand dermatitis and it becomes unmanageable, or severe signs of infection set in, consult a Philippine Dermatological Society Board Certified dermatologist via teledermatology for proper evaluation and management.
For derma-recommended products that address dry skin, Dr Navarro has provided a list below.
It’s especially formulated to treat chapped hands and protect it against extreme environmental conditions that lead to dry skin, like sun exposure, dry air, cold, air, and humidity. It contains Omega-3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, panthenol, and oat, has a non-oily consistency, and is easily absorbed by the skin.
It protects and restores extremely dry, chapped, or broken skin, and is ideal for those suffering from contact eczema and dermatitis.
As its name suggests, it works by forming a barrier that protects the skin from water-soluble and fat-soluble agents without preventing normal skin functions.
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, P1,800-P2,500
A fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free moisturizer that’s mild and gentle enough for sensitive skin and soothes dry, cracking, itchy skin. It is ideal for dry skin associated with eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and winter itch.
Vanicream Lite Lotion, P1,100-P1,600
A lighter version of the Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, it does everything the cream does but has a lighter formula that’s non-greasy, glides on smoothly, and is easily absorbed by the skin.
This fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free gentle cleansing bar contains Vanicream Cream Base, and has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance in the US. It’s highly recommended for dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, and winter itch.
Biologique Recherche Emulsion Renovatrice Mains
It renews the skin on your hands, rebuilding the hydro-lipidic barrier of the skin and protecting it against external factors that can lead to dryness. It also provides intense hydration and nourishment for both your hands and nails and has anti-aging properties.
Biologique Recherche Masque Gommage Mains
Apply this mask once a week on your hands to exfoliate dead skin cells and moisturize your skin. Formulated for dry, dehydrated hands, it’s gentle on the skin and is rich in hydrating ingredients. Plus, it helps reduce pigmentation and strengthen the nails.
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