Wash Your Hands the Right Way
By Donna Stark
The sink, the water, the soap, the rubbing of your hands. Have you been washing your hands so much lately that it feels as if you have developed a new habit? More and more people have been upping their hand washing game over the past several weeks and there is a good reason why, but unfortunately, all of that hand washing can bring problems you may never have had to deal with before, such as pain, flakiness, and itching. And believe it or not, washing your hands too much can break down the very barrier you count on to keep you safe!
How to Wash Your Hands
Being diligent with your handwashing will certainly help to keep the germs away but it can also damage your skin. And it can do that quicker than you realize. If you want to protect the very thing that protects you, take a look at the following suggestions on how to wash your hands properly.
- Skip the hot water - You may think that the hotter the water is, the quicker you can kill those germs but it doesn't always work that way. The only thing you will be doing quicker is drying out your skin. So instead, stick to warm water and leave the hot water for your tea.
- Use the right soap - Before you grab that bottle of soap off the shelf, make sure it has some moisturizing qualities to it. It's also good to be mindful of how aggressive you rub your hands. Wash them gently so your skin does not become aggravated.
- Blot, don't rub - Now that it is time to dry your hands, you will want to make sure you take the same care as when you washed them. Blot your hands dry to keep abrasions from forming. You don't need to rub them raw with a towel.
- Apply moisturizer - End your hand washing routine with a little extra love by immediately applying some hand cream. Hand creams can provide a protective film over your dry skin, will soothe the skin, and may even help restore function to the barrier that keeps germs away.
- Substitute - If you find that you are washing your hands way too much, consider using hand sanitizer instead for the times you feel it is needed. Just be sure to go back to washing after you use the restroom, before you eat, or when your hands are visibly dirty.
Treat Your Hands Well
Your hands do a lot of work for you so don't you think it's time to show some appreciation and treat them well? Give them the care and attention they deserve and wash them with love. You can count on them to love you back just as much if you do.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wheaton, Ill.