It is estimated that most of us wash our hands up to 10 times a day – the question, however, is how correctly we do it. This mundane activity, performed almost "automatically," can be a source of many bothersome skin problems. Dryness, cracking, and stinging are the most common. Incorrect hand hygiene can, however, lead to the development of much more serious conditions, first and foremost AD. Moreover, improperly cleaned hands age faster and are more prone to wrinkles and discoloration. How and with what should you wash your hands? If you want to keep them in good condition, you'd better check if you're avoiding these 5 common mistakes.
Repeated daily during washing, they weaken the delicate hydrolipidic barrier of the hands, exposing them to discomfort and dryness. We advise you on how to deal with harmful habits so that your hand skin is healthy, smooth, and maximally moisturized.
Mistake No. 1: You choose drying hand washing cosmetics
The product you use to clean your hands has the greatest impact on their condition. Are your hands dry and rough after washing? Forget about traditional bar soap – this antiquated cosmetic passed the test in our grandmothers' times, but today it is discouraged by dermatologists. As a product with an alkaline pH and strong degreasing properties, it washes away naturally occurring lipids in the epidermis. So what should you wash your hands with? Instead of a classic bar, choose liquid soaps free of aggressive detergents (SLS, SLES), with a high content of moisturizing ingredients and those that maintain the skin's proper microbiome. You'll find them in Handy Lab. Nourishing Hand Soap, which contains, among other things, chicory prebiotic – it has hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-radical properties. It is accompanied by almond-rice milk and oils, which strengthen the skin's protective barrier and prevent the feeling of tightness after washing. Additionally, the cosmetic uses snow tea from the Himalayas and Peruvian tree extract – these delay the aging process and reduce the visibility of wrinkles on the hands. Handy Lab. soap is based on mild, plant-based detergents, making it friendly even for sensitive skin.
Mistake No. 2: You wash your hands for less than 40 seconds
Hand washing should primarily be effective – so it's not just the cosmetic we use that matters, but also the duration of the entire process. According to official WHO guidelines, hands should be washed for no less than 40-60 seconds. This guarantees that all dangerous microorganisms and impurities are removed from the skin. Remember to thoroughly clean the spaces between your fingers and around your nails – we often forget about these areas, and that's where bacteria like to accumulate.
Mistake No. 3: You wash your hands with hot water
Hot water is another factor that intensifies skin dryness and can further irritate it. As experts emphasize, it is best to wash hands with lukewarm water – neither too hot nor too cold.
Mistake No. 4: You don't dry your hands after washing
If you want your hands to be soft and smooth, always dry them after washing. Waiting for them to dry on their own causes skin dehydration – evaporating water "takes away" moisture from the epidermis. If you have a choice between a hand dryer and a paper towel, it's better to choose the latter. Automatic dryers, in addition to irritating hands, promote the spread of microorganisms. There are many studies that confirm that these devices spread bacteria up to 3 meters away! This is one of the reasons why doctors still use disposable towels to dry their hands – this method is much more hygienic.
Mistake No. 5: You don't moisturize your hands after washing
The last step in the hand washing ritual should be moisturizing them. Applying cream immediately after drying your hands will protect the epidermis from dehydration and external factors. It is worth reaching for a cream with SPF, for example, Handy Lab. Extreme Hyaluron & SPF 30, which protects against the formation of discoloration and wrinkles on the hands. Thanks to its vitamin C content, it improves skin tone and delays the appearance of aging signs. The plant keratin and hyaluronic acid contained in the cream perfectly nourish the hands, while absorbing quickly. The small tube that fits in a handbag allows you to moisturize your hands anywhere, even when you're on the go – the cosmetic will not leave a sticky feeling, and you will quickly return to your daily activities.
