Ceramides are one type of fat that you definitely want!
Dry and cracked skin is not only uncomfortable, but also increases the risk you can pick up more germs and also trigger flares of skin conditions like dermatitis.
How can you strike a balance between proper COVID handwashing and maintaining comfortably hydrated hands?
Our Board-Certified Dermatologists share handwashing tips to strike a easy balance:
1) Wash with soap using specifically lukewarm water, as hot water irritates the skin barrier.
2) Lightly pat dry with a clean towel, then apply moisturizer while your hand is still slightly damp.
3) When choosing a quality hand moisturizer, look for these ingredients/features:
Mineral oil/petrolatum: help create a protective barrier
Ceramides: help smooth out the surface
Hyaluronic acid: help draw water into the skin
Fragrance-free: for minimal irritation
4) After using hand sanitizer, always apply hand cream/ointment immediately once the sanitizer dries
5) Don’t forget your fingertips and nails!
***There is NO evidence that using a hand sanitizer makes it easier to pick up germs. It’s dry skin that increases your risk of picking up germs.***
To take it up a notch, consider hand moisturizer products with ceramides in them. Ceramides are lipids (aka fat molecules) in your skin layer that:
☑️Form the skin's barrier
☑️Retain moisture
☑️Protect against irritants & pollution
Unfortunately, after age 20, our body produces less ceramides, which leads to dryness, itching and irritation.
Some products with ceramides that our Dermatologists use themselves:
🧴CeraVe moisturizing cream
🧴La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
🧴Cetaphil Intensive Healing Lotion with Ceramides
🧴EltaMD So Silky Hand Crème
If you’re still experiencing challenges with your hand skin, book an OHIP-covered Virtual Visit with our Dermatologists! dermcafecanada.com/booknow
Stay safe!