“ Our health is in our hands ”. This expression has never been truer than during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic. To stem the spread of the coronavirus , the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that everyone wash their hands regularly with soap and water. And failing that, use an alcohol-based disinfectant , whose “biocidal” action eliminates viruses and bacteria.
This is how the hydroalcoholic gel made its entry into the everyday carry of the greatest number, everyone always keeping their pocket bottle close at hand. However, the frequent use of leave- in disinfectant gel is not without its drawbacks. Skin dryness, skin irritations, itching, burning sensations, chapping and even eczema… The unwanted effects of the hydroalcoholic gel were quickly felt!
Fortunately, there are natural solutions to prevent and relieve the discomfort associated with frequent use of hydroalcoholic gel.
Does hydroalcoholic gel damage our skin?
The feeling of burning or tightness of the skin of the hands after using hydroalcoholic gel is due to its disinfectant properties. For good reason, the leave-in cleaning gels are composed of at least 60% alcohol to be able to eliminate microbes . This alcohol concentration, however, has a caustic effect on the superficial layers of the skin.
In addition, as the labels often indicate, the hydroalcoholic gel destroys up to 99.9% of microbes by removing the lipid membranes that surround living microorganisms. And this, whether they are pathogenic or not. This therefore includes the “good” bacteria essential for hydration and protection of the epidermis . Hence the dryness, roughness and sometimes even small lesions on the palm and fingers , after cleaning the hands with disinfectant gel .
What solutions to maintain hand health?
As a reminder, our skin is conditioned to protect us from attacks of all kinds. However, when an external factor alters its natural balance , the skin can no longer fulfill this role correctly. And that’s exactly the effect of alcohol-based hand sanitizers . Apart from the DIY anti-dryness tips that are popping up on the internet, there are natural care products in pharmacies , specially formulated for hands weakened by the frequent use of hydroalcoholic gel.
We will cite:
Jonzac Nutritive Repairing Hand Cream :
This cream cares for the dry skin of the hands thanks to the high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and the richness in antioxidants of olive oil . It is associated here with shea butter known for its softening, soothing and protective action. The nourishing hand cream also contains 20% Jonzac Thermal Spring Water and a Trio of biomimetic lipids , to provide instant comfort and limit water loss from skin cells . His little extra? An ultra-fine texture that provides a protective “second skin” effect.
Jonzac Rehydrate Moisturizing Hand Cream 50 m l :
Developed in the same laboratories, this moisturizer will serve as a protective shield for the skin, thanks to its high concentration of glycerin . Deeply hydrated, the skin of the hands immediately and durably regains suppleness and softness . It is all the more wonderful because it does not contain parabens, silicone or phenoxyethanol . Melt for its ultra rich and non-sticky texture that quickly penetrates the epidermis!
Cattier Dry Hand Cream 75ml :
Also find soft and healthy hands with the Cattier laboratory. The Parisian brand of organic cosmetics has cleverly married the protective, soothing and soothing of white clay , effects nourishing and revitalizing of oil para nuts in developing this restorative hand cream. To this is added a pleasant blend of organic vegetable oils, which helps the skin to fight against the deterioration of the hydrolipidic film . All of this delicately scented with a subtle but irresistible combination of essential oils. Let its soft and light texture penetrate quickly, for a pleasant touch without any feeling of greasy.
Still, to keep your hands soft and healthy, it is wise to limit the use of hydroalcoholic gel as much as possible . Instead, wash with water and mild soap whenever you have the chance. The less you will be in contact with alcohol, the faster your skin barrier will be reconstituted!
