Know how to keep skin healthy despite cold weather and increased handwashing practices.

The pandemic has certainly made us more cognizant of good hygiene and our hygiene practices. Hopefully, you’re washing your hands more often and more thoroughly than perhaps you ever were before. Maybe you discovered that you weren’t washing your hands nearly long enough before COVID-19.

Of course, our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun and Dr. Sarah Grekin want their patients to remain as healthy as possible during these strange times. Unfortunately, all that handwashing can certainly be rough on your hands. With winter coming, here are some ways to keep skin looking and feeling it’s best while also making sure that you are thoroughly washing germs away.

Here’s how you should be washing your hands,

• Wash for at least 20 seconds with warm water (avoid hot water, which can be drying) and antibacterial soap. Make sure to get all parts of your hands including your wrists, under the nails and even the webbing of your fingers.
• You can simply let your hands air dry or you can choose to gently pat your hands dry (it’s important to leave some water on your hands).
• Lastly, apply a moisturizer to the skin. Your Honolulu dermatologist can provide you with some recommendations on which moisturizers will be best for you depending on the severity of your dry skin. Choose moisturizers that contain either petrolatum or mineral oil and are also fragrance-free.
• If you’re applying hand sanitizer (make sure you are using one with at least 60 percent alcohol), we know how drying this can be for your hands. It’s important to apply a moisturizer or cream on your hands right after applying sanitizer. Hand sanitizer should never take the place of proper handwashing.
• Even if your hands are dry it’s still important to wash them in order to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that could make you or loved ones sick; however, cracked hands can also lead to infections so it’s important that you are applying hand cream regularly throughout the day to prevent this from happening.

By following these tips, you can prevent your skin from drying out as a result of regular handwashing. We know that with the winter months coming up you may be more prone to dry, chapped or cracked hands. During the cold months, you may choose to use a thicker moisturizer.

We understand that this year has been a challenging one for everyone, but our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists are still here to provide you with the care you need. Whether you’re having trouble getting psoriasis flare-ups under control or you simply want to discuss gentle products that you can use on your sensitive skin, the team at Dawson Dermatology can help. Call us today at (808) 599-3780.