Washing your hands frequently (and properly) is of paramount importance these days, especially when it comes to preventing the spread of Covid 19.
Most of us already know how and when to wash our hands, thanks to constant reminders in bathrooms, workplaces and even on TikTok.
But all that washing can take its toll, leaving previously supple skin feeling rough, red or cracked. Everyone should listen closely to the HSE/NHS with reference to their guidelines for washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
“I think that’s super important, keeping your hands clean,” says Five Star Pharmacy owner and Pharmacist Dermot Smyth. “I always carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer wherever I go. (Remember hand sanitizers should contain at least 70 percent alcohol, too, as anything less may be ineffective.)
Dermot goes on to say that “The problem when you excessively wash your hands, though, is that you get dry, inflamed, itchy hands… I’ve been seeing it a lot over the past few days, actually. Patients [are] coming in with these dry, cracked, itchy hands,” he said. Preventing rough skin can be as simple as switching to a fragrance-free hand soap, which may contain fewer irritants. But Dermot also recommends carrying hand moisturizer for use after washing and drying your hands, suggesting a cream or an ointment rather than a lotion, as lotions are usually thinner and often contain alcohol.
“Lotions can be great, but creams or ointments are thicker. I’ve taken the time to list my top 5 hand creams below – I’d rate them all five stars!” Dermot said. Dermot further advised against fragranced moisturizers, as they may contain irritants.
Dermot’s Five Star hand care recommendations are as follows:
1. O’Keefes Working Hands
This Hand cream is guaranteed to relieve extremely dry, cracked, flaky hands. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream is a concentrated hand cream that heals, relieves and repairs extremely dry, cracked hands. When used daily, O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream is clinically proven to Instantly boost moisture level, prevent further moisture loss by creating a protective barrier on the skin’s surface it will make a difference to your hands that you will feel within days.
Dermots Product Rating – 5 Star
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2. CeraVe Reparitive Hand Cream
This is a reparative hand cream for dry, rough hands. It is specifically formulated for very dry, rough and cracked hands. CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream is a non-greasy formula that deeply moisturises dry, cracked hands and helps protect the skin barrier. It has 3 naturally occurring ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid which are essential in supporting the skin barrier and retaining moisture. Utilises patented MVE® delivery technology to help replenish ceramides and deliver controlled, long lasting hydration. Its Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and won’t clog pores – A great option – truly Five stars
Dermots Rating – 5 Star
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3. Elave Sensitive Hand Wash
Elave sensitive hand wash is a pure sulfate free cleansing wash with Camomile extract to cleanse delicate, sensitive and irritated skin. Recommended for all skin types including dry, sensitive and ultra-sensitive skin. I Like it because it Cleanses the hands without irritating and contains added mositurisers that leave the hands feeling soft. To top it all off its suitable for vegans and safe for use in pregnancy. A 5 star product!
Dermots rating – 5 Stars
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4. LRP Cicaplast Hand repair Cream
For overworked hands damaged at home or at work. This customer favorite soothes and repairs the skin’s protective barrier. It protects skin and customers like it quick-absorbing texture, invisible, non-oily and non-sticky finish. It doesn’t contain parabens and is non-perfumed. Perfect for sensitive skin.
Dermot’s Rating – 5 Star
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5. Elave Sensitive Hand Treatment
This is a nice product from an Irish company. It is a unique combination of Shea butter, Coconut Oil and hydrating emollients which combine to repair and hydrate dry hands. Elave sensitive Hand treatment nourishes and soothes the skin helping to replace moisture lost during the day while vitamin B5 conditions and softens the hands. I would recommend this particularly for normal/dry/sensitive/combination skin.
Dermot’s Rating – 5 STAR
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