Image via Custom Craftworks |
However, after all that washing hands can become dry, cracked and more than just uncomfortable. The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to primarily enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth, and excessive washing of our skin can cause dry cracks in the skin giving bacteria another entry point into our bodies.
The CDC recommends washing our hands often and for a 20-second minimum, but with over-washing comes dryness; a small price to pay for a crucial health and safety precaution.
Skin Care Best Practices For Over Washing & Dryness
Why is handwashing so harsh?
According to Sara Hogan, MD and a dermatologist at UCLA Medical Center at Santa Monica, "The outermost layer of our skin is composed of oils and wax, and it acts as both a shield from the outside and a guide that maintain natural moisture in the skin. This natural barrier is broken down by the suds created by soap while washing hands, which does not discriminate between unwanted oil, germs debris and natural oils in the skin. Not applying hand cream after washing can lead to dryness, redness, itching flaking discomfort and in severe cases, cracks in the skin."
How can we properly wash our hands while avoiding dryness?- Wash with warm, not hot water for at least 20 seconds
- Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and avoid bar soaps
- Pat your hands dry with a clean, dry towel
- Apply a moisturizer immediately and apply throughout the day and again before bed
- Apply hand sanitizer after moisturizing
- Increase your daily water intake as hydrated skin starts from within the body
When skin is chapped, products that contain fragrance can be irritating to chapped, sensitive skin. In this case, creams and ointments restore moisture better than lotions. With so many products to choose from, how do lotions, creams, oils and gels compare?
Ingredients Make a Difference
The Sacred Earth Botanicals line of organic massage oils, creams, gels and lotions are organic and do not allow genetically altered or engineered products in the make-up of the plants used. Sacred Earth Botanicals also respects the vegan philosophy which discourages the products that are derived from or directly contain animal products. Sacred Earth products DO NOT contain Parabens, animal products, Dimethicone, Proplylene Glycol, ureas, or fragrances.
Sacred Earth Botanicals by Custom Craftworks |
Sacred Earth Botanicals DO contain humectants, emollients, emulsifiers, and antioxidants and are fragrance-free. Humectants are water-attracting agents that help the skin draw water from deep layers of the skin to help retain moisture and are essential for healthy skin hydration. Some humectants found in Sacred Earth Botanicals include:
- Panthenol - A form of Vitamin B, which is known for its ability to attract and bind moisture to the skin
- Aloe Vera Gel - Used for centuries by many cultures for its helpful properties for the skin. Aloe helps to both attract water and protect the skin
- Vegetable Glycerin - A water-binding compound which attracts and binds water to the skin
Besides humectants, Sacred Earth Botanicals also contain emollients. Emollients are lubricating agents that prevents water loss and soften skin. Some emollients found in Sacred Earth Botanicals products include:
- Organic Sunflower Oil and Jojoba Oil - Rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, these oils are essential components of healthy skin. They protect the skin against the harsh effects of soap.
- Jojoba Oil - Renowned for its ability to replenish the sebum in the outer skin layer which is the first line of defense against damage.
Antioxidants counteract the damaging effect of free radicals on the skin, and emulsifiers help to combine normally un-mixable liquids like oil and water for absorption into the skin. All of these types of ingredients are found in Sacred Earth Botanicals, and they provide nearly instant results to increase skin hydration.
Gels
Sacred Earth Botanicals Certified Organic Massage Gel by Custom Craftworks |
Organic massage gels are light, non-greasy and USDA certified organic with the glide and purity of an oil and the grip and control of a cream. No preservatives are added to only certified organic ingredients designed for hydration including:
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Lotions
Sacred Earth Botanicals Certified Vegan Massage Lotion by Custom Craftworks |
Sacred Earth Botanicals USDA certified vegan massage lotion combines a distinct blend of organic oils and botanical extracts that respects the vegan philosophy and provides an excellent therapeutic experience. Light and easily absorbed, the unscented lotion glides smoothly and provides maximum workability. Hydration-friendly ingredients include:
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Oils
Sacred Earth Botanicals Certified Fractionated Coconut Oil by Custom Craftworks |
Sacred Earth Botanicals' USDA certified organic Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO) is derived from organically grown and harvested coconuts. Unlike standard FCO, it meets USDA National Organic Program requirements by using steam distillation and hydrolysis to separate the fatty acid chains rather than using chemicals solvents. It is odorless, light, absorbs easily, and will not stain your clothing or linens. FCO’s antioxidant properties make it an effective moisturizer for your skin. Hydration-friendly ingredients include:
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Creams
Sacred Earth Botanicals Vegan Massage Cream by Custom Craftworks |
Sacred Earth Botanicals® unscented vegan massage cream is rich in essential fatty acids and organic botanical extracts that respect the vegan philosophy and provide an excellent therapeutic experience. Only a small amount is needed thanks to the thick, concentrated formula, which combines the grip necessary for controlled strokes and deep tissue work, along with the glide needed for full-body massage. Hydration-friendly ingredients include:
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What else can I do to ease the dryness?
Before going to bed, apply a thick moisturizer and then cover your hands with cotton gloves to increase absorption. You could also consider running a room humidifier at night as raising the level of humidity in a room can help to soothe dry skin. Frequent applications of Sacred Earth Botanicals will help to keep your skin hydrated and soft.
