Hydrating Hand Creams and Sanitizers: Soft Skin, Clean Hands

The Benefits of Using Hand Cream and Sanitizer

In today's world, keeping our hands clean and moisturized is more important than ever. Hand washing and sanitizing helps prevent the spread of germs and illness. However, all that washing and sanitizing can leave our hands dry, cracked, and irritated. This is where hand creams and sanitizers come in. Formulas that combine hydrating ingredients with antibacterial properties can keep hands clean and soft.

How Hand Sanitizers Work

Traditional hand sanitizers are alcohol-based and made to kill germs on contact. Most contain at least 60% alcohol, as this is the minimum amount needed to effectively kill most bacteria and viruses. When you rub hand sanitizer on your hands, the alcohol destroys the cell membranes of pathogens, deactivating the germs so they can no longer reproduce or infect you. Hand sanitizers kill most germs in less than 30 seconds.

However, alcohol can be very drying and damaging to the skin with repeated use. The alcohol strips away the skin's natural oils, causing dryness, irritation, cracking, and even bleeding with excessive use. This is why you want to look for hand sanitizers that also contain emollients and moisturizers to counteract the drying effects.

The Importance of Moisturizing Ingredients

When choosing a hand cream or sanitizer, look for hydrating ingredients like:

• Glycerin - attracts moisture to the skin and acts as a humectant.
• Dimethicone - forms a protective barrier on the skin.
• Shea butter - softens and conditions the skin.
• Vitamin E - powerful antioxidant that repairs dry skin.
• Hyaluronic acid - binds moisture and plumps the skin.
• Jojoba oil - mimics the skin's natural oils.
• Avocado oil - softens and hydrates the skin.

Formulas containing ingredients like these help replenish moisture, prevent dryness, and protect the skin's natural barrier. This keeps your hands smooth and comfortable even with repeated washing and sanitizing throughout the day.

Hand Creams Provide Extra Hydration

While hand sanitizers are convenient for on-the-go hand hygiene, hand creams offer more intensive moisturizing benefits. Hand creams contain humectants and occlusives that sink deeper into the skin to hydrate and nourish. Applying a hand cream after washing or sanitizing helps seal in moisture and prevent cracked skin.

Look for hand creams containing ingredients like:

• Ceramides - help maintain the skin barrier.
• Petrolatum - forms a protective seal over the skin.
• Glycerin - draws moisture into the skin.
• Shea butter - softens rough, dry skin.
• Dimethicone - prevents moisture loss.
• Lanolin - mimics the skin's natural oils.
• Vitamin C - brightens dull skin.

Apply a rich hand cream after hand washing, before bed, and anytime your hands feel dry and rough. The extra moisture can help prevent cracking and irritation.

Tips for Healthy, Hydrated Hands

Here are some tips for keeping your hands properly sanitized while maintaining soft, hydrated skin:

• Use lukewarm water instead of hot when washing hands - hot water can strip away natural oils.
• Pat hands dry gently instead of rubbing vigorously with the towel.
• Apply hand cream or lotion while skin is still damp to seal in moisture.
• Look for hand sanitizers with added vitamin E, glycerin, shea butter or other hydrating ingredients.
• Apply hand cream after sanitizing to replenish moisture.
• Consider wearing cotton gloves over hydrating hand cream at night.
• Avoid very long or frequent hand washing whenever possible.
• Use soap sparingly and rinse thoroughly when hand washing.
• Pat a rich ointment onto any severely dry, cracked areas.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside out.

Hand Care for Sensitive Skin

People with conditions like eczema and sensitive skin may find that frequent hand washing and sanitizing causes flares, irritation, cracking, and redness. Luckily, there are some gentle products that can help keep sensitive hands clean and moisturized.

Look for hand soaps and washes marked as "gentle" or "sensitive skin formulas". Avoid products with dyes, fragrances, and other common irritating ingredients.

Choose an alcohol-free, fragrance-free hand sanitizer gels. The alcohol and fragrances found in most commercial sanitizers can aggravate sensitive skin.

Use thick, rich hand creams and ointments formulated for very dry, sensitive skin. Shea butter, ceramides, jojoba oil, and petrolatum provide a protective layer without irritation.

When hands are extremely dry and cracked, apply a thick ointment and cover with cotton gloves overnight. This provides intensive moisturizing therapy.

Avoid very hot water when washing, as this strips away natural oils. Lukewarm water is gentler.

Blot hands dry instead of rubbing vigorously with the towel, which can worsen irritation.

Try switching to fragrance-free skincare and laundry products, which may come into contact with your hands.

DIY Hydrating Hand Sanitizer

You can make your own moisturizing hand sanitizer at home using just a few simple ingredients:

• 2/3 cup 99% isopropyl alcohol
• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
• 5-10 drops essential oil, optional for scent
• Bowl and spoon
• Funnel
• 4oz sanitizer bottle or container

In a bowl, stir together the isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel until well blended. Add several drops of essential oil for fragrance if desired. Use a funnel to pour the mixture into an empty 4oz plastic bottle or sanitizer container. Makes about 4oz of moisturizing hand sanitizer.

Be sure to label homemade sanitizer bottles clearly. Store out of reach of children. The CDC recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.

Conclusion

Practicing good hand hygiene is key to preventing illness, but can come at the cost of dry, cracked skin. Look for hand sanitizers and creams that combine germ-fighting ingredients with plenty of skin-nourishing oils, butters, and moisturizers. Take extra care to moisturize after washing and sanitizing. With the right products and regimen, you can maintain both soft skin and good health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.