The best way to tackle dry hands after the lockdown

Because of constant hand washing and skin disinfection, many people have put their hands under great strain in recent months. They are dry, damaged and perhaps look 10 years older. Before we talk about possible solutions, let us look at what is happening to your hands.

What happens to the skin on our hands when it becomes dry? And why does that happen?

Dry hands can be caused by a variety of factors; a genetic predisposition to eczema can play a part, as can heavy contact with detergents and disinfectants and frequent hand washing, which ultimately leads to an increased ‘transepidermal water loss’, known as TEWL. TEWL is the invisible evaporation of water that takes place constantly through our skin. An increased loss of water from the skin ultimately leads to a reduced water content in the outer horny layer of the skin (the stratum corneum).

With healthy, well-hydrated skin there is a good balance between the loss of water through evaporation and the skin’s capacity to hold water. If this balance is out of step, however, for example through frequent hand washing and the use of disinfectant, the increased TEWL leads to a lower water content in the horny layer. Sometimes the skin is already so strained that the surface of the layer of skin becomes cracked and flaky.

What is the best home treatment for dry, strained hands?

As in the current Covid situation people continue to wash their hands more often than usual, it is important to avoid dry skin and cracks by using the right kind of hand wash and by increasing the use of hand creams.

It is also important to increase how often you apply hand cream and to upgrade the hand cream to a moisturising, richer version. The most important moment for applying the hand cream is straight after washing your hands, while the skin is still damp. This serves to lock in moisture and to stop excessive evaporation of water from your skin. First wash your hands, then pat them dry and apply the moisturiser at once, so that evaporating water does not draw even more moisture out of your dry skin.

At the Kuzbari Centre you receive the best advice on every one of your skin concerns. You are welcome to make an appointment for further tips and options for prevention.