The skin on the palms of our hands and feet differ from the skin on other parts of our body. It can usually tolerate harsh chemicals, like cleaning products, and extreme temperatures. The back of our hands is a thin soft skin however, similar to that on our face and chest, and doesn’t do so well handling anything too harsh.

Our hands are exposed to a lot during the day: They are in constant use and it is not uncommon for them to become dry, cracked and sometimes painful, especially over the colder months. Here are some tips to avoid chapped hands:

Choose the right soap

As a society, we are obsessed with being clean. Soaps have become a massive industry, introducing massive changes from the traditional soap bar. These days it can be really hard to find a good soap. The general rule of thumb is to avoid generic liquid soaps and soaps that contain drying agents. Always check the list of ingredients and avoid products that contain chemicals such as triclosan, fragrances, sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SLS, SDS). These agents strip oil from the skin, and even more concerning, are found in house hold cleaning products. Such chemicals are notorious for removing oil or grease, which is great if you want a clean stove top or oven, but they also drain your hands from all natural oils, leaving them dry, rough and damaged.

It’s not just the drying factor you have to watch out for. Applying such harsh chemicals to your skin means that they will also be absorbed into your body. Although there is no evidence to suggest this level of exposure is harmful, it’s the constant exposure of reoccurring chemicals (in numerous products) you have to be aware of.

By choosing a natural soap you are almost guaranteed that it won’t contain the above mentioned chemicals, and are oil based, which means they won’t be drying. A natural soap bar is mostly made up of fat and salts, with an exception of some essential oils, and aid in maintaining moisture and nourishment, leaving the skin softer and smoother. A bonus point: Natural soaps bars are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

There are some great companies like Dr. Bronner, who pride themselves on being “the fighting soap company.” Dr. Bronners offers a large selection of natural soaps, check out their entire range here.

Avoid Antibacterial soaps

Antibacterial soaps and gels can be extremely drying. Furthermore, in the United States the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has warned against the use of antibacterial soaps, unless companies can prove that their product fights bacteria more compared to a normal soap. Hand sanitisers are among the worst offenders when it comes to the toxic chemical content. Read more about hand sanitisers and why you should avoid them here.

Natural alternatives to hand sanitisers are essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, oregano, lemon balm and thyme. But be cautious with applying any of these oil on already chapped hands, as it might cause irritation and a burning sensation.

Moisturise, but do not use petroleum based moisturisers

It’s common for people to remedy dry chapped hands with a heavier than normal cream or moisturiser. However, petroleum based products, also known as mineral oil, paraffinum liquidum or petrolatum liquidium, are known to have a suffocating affect and decrease the natural barrier function of the skin. While they may work in the short term, these types of products want to be avoided for long term use, as in some cases they have worsened the condition making the skin dryer and more sensitive.

Ultimately, you want to use a moisturiser that allows your skin to breathe, that retain its own moisture and oils and works towards healing itself. Just like with soaps, always check the ingredient list of the product you’re buying. Alternatively, shop at organic or natural stores that stock chemical free soaps. For further information check out the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which is a U.S. non-profit organisation that focuses on environmental and safety research. They have a Skin Deep database, open to the public to scroll through and search for the safest soaps and moisturisers that have low chemical exposure.

Other points to keep in mind with severely chapped hands

• Be cautious of what you touch. Limit the use of chemical products where possible, or use gloves as protection.

• Use foaming soaps only on the palms of the hands, avoiding the fragile skin on top unless hands are extremely dirty.

• Simple oils such as coconut, jojoba almond or even olive oil are great in hydrating the skin.

• To keep moisturised, always apply cream or oil when hands are damp after washing and drying.

• Use a thick skin cream treatment before you go to bed, allowing it to soak and heal over night

Amazingy carries different brands that offer hand lotions, hand creams and hand sanitisers, all completely chemical free.  Go here to see which product fits you best.

References

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm378393.htm

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse.php?category=liquid%20hand%20soap&notcontaining=702512,706623,%20706622

www.drbronner.com