Frequently washing your hands with an antibacterial hand wash is thought to be the best way to keep yourself and others safe from harmful bacteria but it can leave you with dry, cracked skin or eczema.
Ever wondered why hands are so vulnerable to dryness? We explain and help you to choose an eczema-friendly hand wash and find the best lotion for frequently washed hands.
Why does hand sanitising leave hands feeling dry?
The best hygiene practice is to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds frequently throughout the day or to use an antibacterial hand sanitiser if you don’t have access to soap and water.
This will expose your skin to a variety of antibacterial actives which can help to stop infections entering the skin. Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is one such active but as well as killing bacteria, it also strips away skin’s natural moisture.
If your hand sanitiser contains a high volume of this skin-drying ingredient, it’s normal to notice that your hands feel dry after frequent use.
It’s also not just alcohol-rubs which can leave your skin feeling dry; hands have few sebaceous glands so frequently washing them with skin-drying soaps that contain sodium lauryl sulphate will draw moisture out of the skin and may leave the hands feeling sore and irritated.
How to protect dry hands from hand washing
1) APPLY HAND CREAM IN BETWEEN HAND WASHES
Not only is having dry skin on your hands uncomfortable, it can mean that your skin barrier has been compromised.
A strong, healthy skin barrier plays an important role in keeping bad bacteria away from the body so, if frequent hand washing leaves you with dry skin, make sure you replenish the skin with a natural hand cream made with actives known to support the skin barrier.
Perilla Seed oil is an ideal natural ingredient for supporting the skin barrier on the hands. Easily absorbed by the skin and rich in flavones and antioxidants, Perilla oil contains a natural precursor for ceramides.
This plays a role in maintaining the skin barrier and protects against water loss. Another benefit of this omega-rich oil is that it contains polyphenols and triterpenoids. These natural molecules provide anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-allergic benefits to the skin.
If you have eczema or your hands are frequently irritated by hand care products, support your skin barrier with Squalane hand care. A natural emollient, Squalane increases moisture levels in the skin, locking in long-lasting hydration. This anti-inflammatory ingredient will also reduce redness and calm irritation.
2) USE SLS-FREE HAND WASH FOR ECZEMA
An easy way to avoid dry skin when washing your hands frequently is to use an SLS-free hand wash.
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is commonly added to soaps and hand washes to make them foam but, like ethanol alcohol, it can dry the skin.
All Green People hand washes are suitable for eczema-prone skin and are made without SLS and ethanol alcohol.
3) DRY YOUR HANDS
Drying your hands thoroughly is as important as washing them regularly. Not only will excess soap cling to the skin, putting it at risk of irritation and dryness, but damp, wet hands will attract more germs than dry, clean ones.
Pay particular attention to drying in between your fingers.
4) WEAR GLOVES WHEN CLEANING & WASHING UP
Detergents and washing-up liquids can contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances and SLS. These ingredients can aggravate already sensitised skin and are best avoided when you are suffering with dry skin or eczema on your hands.
If you’re doing the cleaning or washing up, always pop on a pair of protective, waterproof gloves to protect your hands.
5) TREAT HANDS TO AN INTENSE HYDRATION HAND MASK
Very dry hands can benefit from an overnight hand mask. Apply a hand cream that’s rich in nourishing actives just before bed and, for extra intense hydration, wear cotton gloves whilst you sleep.
Eczema-friendly hand washes
Start your hand care routine with our eczema-friendly Scent Free Hand Wash. With organic Aloe Vera to soothe and soften, this natural and organic family hand wash is oh-so gentle on ultra-sensitive skin.
Made without SLS, drying alcohol, essential oils or artificial fragrances, this is the best choice for those with allergies or hands that may be prone to eczema or dermatitis.
Scent Free Hand Wash 300ml
Soap-free and organic, this fragrance-free hand wash is a sensitive skin essential
213 kr
"This is the perfect addition to my routine, as I suffer with sensitive skin and eczema on my hands. Leaves the skin feeling fresh and nourished." Lucy
Prefer a scented hand wash? Select Manuka & Lemon Tea Tree Hand Wash.
Fortified with the natural antibacterial properties of Manuka, Tea Tree Leaf Extract and Lemon Tea Tree Oils, this certified organic hand wash is our go-to for keeping hands thoroughly clean and fresh.
Powerful organic hand wash for kitchen and bathroom
220 kr
Manuka & Lemon Tea Tree Hand Wash 300ml
"A gentle antibacterial hand wash that does not irritate the eczema on my hands Is economical too and cleans hands soiled by gardening etc." Jean
Eczema-friendly hand creams
Our Scent Free Body Lotion is perfect for those with very sensitive skin who may be prone to eczema.
Rich in reparative Perilla Oil and dry-skin-repairing Evening Primrose Oil, there’s no essential oils or synthetic perfumes to worry about, just feel-good skin softness for your sensitive skin to enjoy!
Scent Free Body Lotion 150ml
Discover deep skin hydration with our soothing, fragrance-free body lotion
398 kr
"What more can I say than Amazing! I have always suffered with quite severe eczema (64 years) and this lotion is truly amazing. Very smooth to apply and very soothing. Thank you" Janine
Prefer a scented body lotion? Bring soothing delight to dry hands with Protein-Boost Hand and Body Lotion.
Rich in plant proteins and barrier-boosting moisturisers, your skin will feel soft and hydrated as Calendula calms and Quinoa and Perilla release their reparative properties.
It is beautifully scented with Sweet Orange, Clove and Ginger to uplift and awaken the senses.
Lock in hydration as you nourish dry skin with this natural body lotion
384 kr
Protein-Boost Hand & Body Lotion 200ml
"This is an excellent body lotion. As with all GP products, a little goes a long a long way. It gives my skin much needed hydration, getting rid of the dry scaly surface and leaving me with silky smooth skin that last lasts for 24 hours. I love the scent and it's not at all overpowering." Alison
Cream for children with dry hands
It's not just adults who are suffering with dry hands from frequent hand washing.
It can also be tough on young skin, leaving children's hands extremely dry, especially if they are prone to eczema. If your child complains of sore, red or dry hands, help them to soothe their skin with a hand cream that’s just right for them.
Non greasy and bursting with gently soothing Aloe Vera, a plant long used for its healing and hydrating properties, our Organic Children Aloe Vera Lotion absorbs fast to soothe dry skin and leaves children with dry hands feeling much more comfortable.
Organic Children Aloe Vera Lotion & After Sun 150ml
Soothe, calm and hydrate with an organic Aloe Vera lotion for children
220 kr
"Great cream, great ingredients. Does way more than just after sun. We use it on dry skin in general and it helps a lot. No allergic reaction, as the quality and choice of ingredients is very wise and well thought." Karolina
Need help choosing the right hand cream and hand wash if you have eczema? Whether you want help choosing a hand cream for dry skin or a natural hand wash, our UK customer care team is happy to help.
We can be contacted Monday - Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm on telephone (0)1403 740350.
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