Is your hand wash messing up your palms and skin?

The moment Covid came with a roaring face and a thirsty heart, all the television channels started chanting hand-wash and how it can save us from this novel monster. Not only it made people aware and pushed them to use it, but it also pushed many to a psychopathic level. People were washing their hands more than they were breathing the air around them. Since then, the market is full of liquid and solid hand-washing products. And although washing hands is a healthy practice, are we overdoing it? Or are we, by any chance, harming ourselves with the chemicals involved? Let’s find out.

Chemicals found in handwashes

When I started doing my research, I found out that there indeed were numerous products in the market that hid harmful chemicals under their packaging. Some handwashes can contain harmful chemicals that can irritate or dry out the skin. Some common chemicals that I found to be harmful in handwashes include

• triclosan,

• parabens, and

• sodium lauryl sulfate.

Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that has been linked to hormone disruption and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Parabens are preservatives that can cause skin irritation and have been linked to hormonal disruptions. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming agent that can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation. Not only handwash, but these chemicals also remain common in most health and beauty products. However, there is a ray of hope; not all handwashes contain these chemicals, and there are many natural and organic handwashes available that use gentler ingredients.

Whenever buying these products, always remember to read the ingredient labels and do your research before purchasing handwash to ensure it's safe for your skin.

Most of us overdo it

When we are not told about the harsh side of something and only the bright side is spotlighted, we often go on overdoing it. This same stands true in the case of handwashes too. We think that if a thing is benefitting us, why not keep it closer than our hearts?

Because many handwashes contain harsh and harmful chemicals in them, they hurt our skin. Frequent handwashing can easily cause dryness and irritation, especially during the cold winter months when the air is dry. So, if you have a habit of frequently washing your hands, buy a gentle and natural cleanser at least. Switching to natural and gentle handwashes can make a significant difference in the health of your hands. Look for handwashes that contain natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender, which are known for their moisturizing properties. You may simply buy these from sites like eBay at a lower price and thus help your pockets too.

Moisturize

Moisture is such a beautiful word; it evokes a sense of freshness and health. Moisturizing your hands regularly is essential, especially after washing your hands. Use a thick, creamy moisturizer that contains natural ingredients like shea butter or cocoa butter to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Or you may do your own research, buy quality products, test them on yourselves, and then decide which suits you the most.

Apart from it, gloves could also be considered as an option. If you're doing household chores or gardening, wear gloves to protect your hands from harsh chemicals and dirt. This will prevent your hands from getting unnecessarily dirty and thus stop you from frequent handwashing.

Know that washing our hands is something that we all must care about. However, there is a thin line between cleanliness and madness that a few of us tend to ignore. Hand hygiene is undoubtedly essential, but it's equally important to pay attention to the products we use and how they affect our skin. By using natural and gentle handwashes, moisturizing regularly, and taking other precautions, we can keep our hands healthy and happy.