In an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, consumers are washing their hands more frequently than before. Unfortunately, an unpleasant side effect of this increase in hand-washing is dry, itchy, flaking, and reddened skin.
To help combat dry skin on the hands, a two-step approach is needed. The key players? Regular exfoliating treatments with glycolic acid, followed up with moisturizing partner products.
Hand washing and dry skin
Washing the hands with warm or hot water and soap is critical to stopping the spread of illness and viruses. However, frequent hand washing also can create the perfect conditions for outbreaks of itchy, flaky, and dry skin.
The outermost layer of skin on the hands contains oils and waxy sebums, which help to maintain moisture levels and help the skin function as a natural shield. However, when the hands are washed with soap and water, this natural layer of oils and wax breaks down.
Over time, frequent hand washing can completely strip the skin of its natural oils, and leave behind patches of unmoisturized, flaky, and dry skin. This dry skin is not only itchy and uncomfortable, but also carries along an even bigger issue. A broken skin barrier, like cracks in the skin on the hands, can create entry points for germs and bacteria to invade the body.
Preventing dry hands with glycolic acid
In order to maintain properly hydrated, moisturized skin, even during periods of increased hand washing, a two-step approach is needed. First and foremost, gentle chemical exfoliation, with glycolic acid is the key to initially shed off itchy, dry skin safely.
“Flakes prevent moisturizers from fixing dry skin, so getting rid of them is a must to allow moisturizers to work,” dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz told InStyle. “Glycolic exfoliation reveals normal, smooth, even-toned skin below which is hidden by the damaged and/or dead cells that just didn’t fall off on schedule.”
Glycolic acid, the small, lightweight Alpha Hydroxy Acid is the most effective and gentle exfoliator to use on dry skin on the hands. Once applied to the skin, glycolic acid easily permeates the top layer of the epidermis and works to quickly dissolve the bonds between dry skin cells.
This rapid chemical exfoliation provides immediate relief from the itch and discomfort associated with dry skin and removes unsightly patches of flakes.
Healthier hands for a longer time
Additionally, gentle chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid offers another benefit for dry skin sufferers. Glycolic acid helps pave the way for the maximum absorption of moisturizing creams, the second step to dry skin prevention.
Once applied, glycolic acid drives new cells to the surface of the skin. These new, healthy skin cells are best at absorbing moisturizing products, and are also more likely to maintain correct, natural levels of oils and wax.
Source: Wikipedia
For the maximum impact on dry skin post-exfoliation, The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends use of a hand cream with mineral oil or petroleum, that is fragrance and dye free. Additionally, moisturizing products that come in a tube, which tend to be thicker and more hydrating, are also recommended for post-exfoliation and hand washing.
Lending a hand to hand health
The need to frequently wash the hands looks likely to continue sometime in the future for consumers. However, dry, itchy skin doesn’t need to be a problematic symptom of more time spent under soap and water. Formulations designed to treat dry skin, through the gentle chemical exfoliation of glycolic acid, are just the treatment needed for soft, supple, healthy hands.
