Hand Care Toolkit In Time Of Coronavirus

Most individuals around the globe are upping up their handwashing game as hands play a crucial role in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Since the virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and contact transmission, hand hygiene is one of the most effective actions people can take to prevent infections and reduce the spread of pathogens.

At the same time, regular hand washing can leave skin dry, red, peeling, cracked, and even painful while nails are bare and cuticles are wild! As it seems that we will be obsessively washing and sanitizing our hands in the nearest future, our hands need some special attention. Here are a collection of essentials that will keep your hands clean, prevent the kind of cracking and micro-tears, and help them feel better than ever.

CBD Sanitizer

In general, both washing hands with soap and water and hand sanitizer are highly effective at killing most germs and pathogens when practiced and used correctly. Using hand sanitizer is often more convenient when you are outside and don’t have access to soap and water. Therefore, this product deserves a spot in your handbag, backpack, car, and any other go-to location making constant-reapplication easy. Consider purchasing alcohol-based hand sanitizer that includes at least 60 percent of alcohol and dries quickly without a residue.

Also, you can try out hand sanitizer infused with CBD oil to keep your skin protected and nourished. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural component that is known for its various benefits, useful properties, and potent content. Once the alcohol dries, CBD oil is left on the skin, killing bacteria, providing effective disinfection due to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This hand sanitizer doesn’t just help to remove bacteria, but it also hydrates your skin. CBD benefits also include moisturizing and soothing effects to help in treating signs of over-washing like pain, dryness, redness, flaking, and itching.  Aside from sanitizer, you can also try out CBD cream, lotion, balm, and other topical products, which can help to keep moisture in the skin, diminish aging, and even heal wounds and scars. 

Pair Of Gloves

Doing dirty tasks around the house, such as washing the dishes, gardening, and handling foods such as citrus fruits or potatoes, can be damaging to the skin and cause irritant dermatitis. Try to protect your hands when you can by wearing rubber gloves to provide an added layer of protection. However, rubber gloves should only be worn for short periods as wearing non-breathable gloves, and build-up of sweat can exacerbate skin conditions.

Gentle Scrub

Just as you regularly exfoliate your face and body, it’s also beneficial to do the same procedure on your hands. Exfoliate with a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells, revealing fresh skin underneath, and make it feel silky soft. Be careful not to use a scrub for sore, cracked, or burning skin.

Moisturizing Cream

Since frequent hand washing with soap and water and using alcohol-based hand rub dry your skin, it’s crucial to moisturize your hands afterward to maintain hydration. Dry cracks in the skin can actually create an entry point into our bodies, making it more susceptible to germs and other bacteria.

Make sure to use a hand cream or ointment regularly, after washing hands or whenever the skin feels dry and sore to condition hands, provide ample hydration and a barrier to protect against moisture loss. Gently massaging moisturizer into the skin when reapplied throughout the day can help with circulation while also warming up your hands. 

Consider using a cream with the lighter formulation during the day, keeping travel-friendly moisturizer with you, and using a greasier ointment at night, under a pair of clean cotton gloves. However, after applying hand sanitizer, allow hand sanitizer to dry before applying the moisturizer. Apply hand cream to your skin, making sure you work some of the product into your fingertips and nails. 

Good Sun Protector

With all this washing and sanitizing routine, you might have forgotten to apply the next essential product for your hands – a sun protector. It is vital for helping to prevent skin cancer and sunspots. Make sure to apply your favorite sunscreen protector to your hands throughout the day. You can also use it at night if sun damage is a concern and you want to lighten the spots.