The Post-Handwashing Practice That Will Keep Your Skin Properly Moisturized

Everyone knows about the importance of good hand-washing habits. Washing your hands well with soap and water is essential for keeping them clean and germ-free. There are various instances where you need to be vigilant in cleaning your hands, especially after touching items that can be contaminated with germs. As we've witnessed, dirty hands can become carriers of illnesses and diseases. By touching your face with unwashed hands, you can transfer bacteria and viruses to your nose and mouth. Although it's known that washing your hands is a necessity if you want to stay healthy and clean, the habit can wreak havoc on delicate skin. Perhaps after rinsing, you tend to take a few drops of hand sanitizer, and all of this can come together to give you cracked, dry hands.

Dry hands are not only visible eye sore, but they can make you feel uncomfortable and unwell. As you go about your day, having dry hands are more susceptible to breakage and cuts as there is no barrier to protect them. While many are good about washing their hands, keeping your hands healthy and soft shouldn't be a trade-off. Thankfully, there's one way you can keep your hands soft and clean.

Like with any other area of skin, keeping your hands moisturized is all about locking in the existing moisture that is on them. After washing, your skin is in a perfect position to retain this moisture to keep your hands soft. You'll want to moisturize with a quality product immediately after washing them. While they are still wet, apply hand cream and rub the product until it's fully absorbed. You don't need to apply much product as a little will go a long way. Locking in the moisture, your hands will remain soft and healthy without having to take any major steps.

Although it's easy to forget this step, it's as simple as placing a hand cream next to your hand wash on the kitchen or bathroom sink. This will give you a constant reminder to moisturize. Even though it's a simple step, getting into the habit might be more challenging. If that's the case, you can also add it as part of your evening and morning routines. Before bed and after waking up, wash your hands and moisturize them to help your hands stay soft all day and all night long.

While we may try our best, sometimes it's hard to avoid getting dry hands. Even if you do moisturize and wash your hands repeatedly, it can be difficult to avoid other factors like the weather or materials you handle. Besides moisturizing your hands after washing, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using gloves if you find that the weather or other factors are making your skin drier. You can also add a humidifier to your bedroom and common spaces to help moisten the air and provide your skin with more hydration.

When looking to add more moisture to your hands, you want to go with products that will increase hydration without irritating your skin. Ointments and creams are ideal products over lotions as they are less irritating and contain more oils that will replenish moisture. While you are washing your hands, you also want to be aware of your water temperature. Scalding water might seem like the best option for eliminating germs and bacteria. However, it's likely the culprit behind your dry skin. Opt for lukewarm water instead as this will also rid germs without drying out your hands.