Wash hands often during COVID-19 but use natural soaps

Apr 18, 2020 | Life

Marybeth Desantos demonstrates how to wash hands correctly. (Marybeth Desantos)
Marybeth Desantos, a beauty blogger, demonstrates how to wash hands correctly. (Marybeth Desantos)
Akanksha Lamba

Julie Clark, an esthetician at Province Apothecary, believes washing hands frequently can result in skin dryness or rashes, a minor yet painful side effect of fighting COVID-19.

“People need to wash their hands as often as possible, especially in this climate,” Clark said in a telephone interview. But there are a few things people can do to ease the irritation.

“There are more natural soaps in the market and even hand sanitizers that are effective, and you should go towards the more natural product,” she said.

Health officials in Canada advise to wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds due to the increase in the cases of COVID-19.

Hand washing includes lathering the palms, the back of the hand, between the fingers, thumbs and under the nails to prevent the spread of the novel virus.

Clark highly recommends those with allergies check the ingredients of the soap and sanitizer before buying them.

Hand sanitizers must contain a minimum of 60 per cent alcohol should be used if soap and water are not readily available, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Clark said caring for skin by hydrating them right after washing would be ideal.

She suggests using a balm product that contains beeswax and oil after washing hands or applying hand sanitizer as it protects the skin barrier.

“The best thing is to make sure if you are taking care of your hands at night, that can help the skin to recover more at night,” she said.

“Hydrate it before and after you get up by putting a skin balm and then put cotton gloves on them.”

Clark recommends using a sanitizer that is approved by Health Canada or the FDA.

Beauty blogger Marybeth Desantos recommends using organic soap while washing the hands.

Desantos uses an organic soap to wash hands as it prevents rashes. (Marybeth Desantos)
Desantos uses an organic soap to wash hands as it prevents rashes. (Marybeth Desantos)

“Buy something with less sulphate in it. It will help make your skin less dry and overly sensitive,” Desantos said in a telephone interview.

She suggests using an emollient-rich unscented lotion to hydrate the hands.

“Lotions can be mixed with marula oil every night, let the oil sit into the skin as it will help nourish the skin from the usage of hand sanitizer,” Desantos said.

Natural creams can be made by using skin butters and oils such as shea butter or coconut butter for better results, she said.

“Keep washing your hands and don’t touch your face. Wash for at least 20 seconds. But make sure to hydrate your skin after that,” she said.