When Handwash Becomes A Ritual

Hand foot butter

We live in a time where new normals are invented every other day. Washing hands twenty times a day could have definitely landed you with a psychologist and you might have got the diagnosis akin to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in 2019. But in 2020 all of us wash hands more than that.  Every day. And this compulsive handwash is the new life saver. 

What is the result of this new ritual. How can you wash your hands sensibly and minimalizing the harmful results? But what are the harmful results?  

Hand n Foot Butter

Harmful Effects Of Handwash

Some of you might have already started experiencing dryness and itchiness on hands after the compulsive hand washing regime was put in place last month. And experts say its long haul and we are no were near to think of getting rid of this new habit. Though it is a bit relaxing to know that hand wash can potentially reduce the risk Covid-19 transmission, the result of it on hands are not that good. 

What You Can Expect

  • Dry hands
  • Redness
  • Itchiness

Why This Happens

All the store bought handwashes and liquid soaps are concoctions of cheap detergents and lather boosters. Please check the ingredient list of your handwash and if you don’t see Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS or SLES) you won a brownie point. But it’s very unlikely.

The store bought handwashes contain sulphates, phosphate, phthalates and what not. They will eventually strip your hands of natural oils and make it dry.   Repeated exposure to these chemicals can leave your hands dry and dull. 

What Is The Solution

You can’t help yourself away from the handwash ritual in near future. But you can choose your handwash products carefully and mindfully. One option you have is switching to natural and handmade soaps.  These soaps don’t use synthetic lather boosters and are free from harmful chemicals.

Most of the handmade soaps are glycerin retained and they can provide better moisturizing effect on hands. These soaps won’t strip the natural oil away from your hands. They are hypoallergic and safe for repeated use.

What Else Can Be Done

Use a moisturizer on hands: Use products specifically designed to give extra moisturizing effect to hands. Body Tree Naturals’ Hand n Foot Butter is an active moisturizer specifically designed for hand and foot. It is fortified with Tamanu oil, the tested remedy from Ayurveda for dry hands.

Hand n Foot Butter fortified with Tamanu oil

Use plain glycerin on hands after each hand wash: You can ask for vegetables glycerin if you don’t want to wear glycerin from petrochemical sources. 

Apply virgin coconut oil: Apply virgin coconut oil if nothing else is available. Virgin coconut oil is rich in Vitamin E and it can help sooth hands tired of multiple washing.

You Might Also Want To Read

Hand Hygiene: Washing Hands In The Time Of Pandemic

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