Dry hands are often the result of frequent handwashing. Our skin is our first line of defense to protect from invading germs and retaining moisture. The softening oils and wax in our skin are washed away when we wash our hands with soap. Something many people are not aware of is that most commercial soaps are actually detergents and are even better at washing away the natural barrier wax and oils in your skin.
Gentle hand made soaps are effective in washing away and even destroying germs, but are kinder to your skin. When increased hand washing is required, an unscented non-irritating lotion can soothe and decrease the amount of drying, redness and cracking in your skin. If you have to use hand sanitizer try to get one with a moisturizer, just remember hand a sanitizer is not as effective as soap in killing viruses.
To wash your skin effectively use enough soap to lather and rub for at least 20 seconds. Avoid using hot water and pat dry with a clean dry towel. Then apply a moisturizer right away.  Products with fragrance can be irritating. I like to use Alabu Body lotion on my hands during the day and a Shea Body Butter lotion at night and first thing in the morning. If your hands are very dry and irritated you can apply Alabu Replenish first and then the Shea Body Butter and wear white cotton gloves to bed. You will be amazed how much better your hands will feel in the morning.Â