Photo by Tora Chu
Doctors recommend cleaning hands in a specific way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
"Wet hands with running water. Apply enough soap to cover wet hands. Scrub all surfaces of the hands — including the back of hands, between fingers and under nails — for at least 20 seconds. Rinse hands with running water."
However, frequent washing of your hands can cause dry, cracked skin and even lead to loss of hydration and cause inflammation.
Here are some tips to help you take care of your dry hands.
5 Simple Tips for Keeping Your Hands Soft and Healthy
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Keep your hands slightly damp after washing and apply hand cream: After washing your hands, dry them with a clean towel but don't make them completely dry. Apply hand cream while your hands are still slightly damp, making sure to moisturize your nails and fingertips.
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Apply hand cream after using hand sanitizer: When you use hand sanitizer, make sure to apply hand cream immediately after it dries to prevent dryness and cracking.
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Choose a hand cream with moisturizing ingredients: Look for hand creams that contain ingredients like glycerin and Shea butter which lock in moisture and protect your skin.
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Soak your hands in a rich body oil bath: At night, add a few drops of body oil containing rich oils such as sweet almond or coconut oil to a warm bath. The oil will provide moisture, reduce inflammation, and eliminate dry skin.
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Wear gloves when doing housework involving water: If your hands are frequently exposed to water during housework, consider wearing gloves to prevent the water from stripping natural oils from your skin.
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