It’s a common experience: you’ve washed your hands and find that they’re stinging and sore afterwards! What’s going on and what can you do about it?
The culprits could be one of a number of things - or all of them acting together!
- The soap is too alkaline: high ph-levels mean that soap can strip the natural oils from your skin along with the germs. That leads to an impaired skin barrier, and dry, sore, damaged skin!
- The soap is perfumed: synthetic fragrances are irritants and can leave the skin inflamed and sore.
- The water is hot: hot water is more likely to combine with soap and strip the skin’s protective oils.
- Water itself can be dehydrating, leaving the skin dry and sore. The more contact you have with it, the more drying an effect.
What can I do about it?
Here are some things you can do to mitigate the effects of frequent hand washing:
- Use a gentler wash: try our very mild, unperfumed 2-in-1 Natural Shampoo & Body Wash rather than bar soap
- Pat dry (but not too dry) and apply moisturiser straightaway
- Use cooler (not cold) water - but wash for just as long!
- Use balms not creams, and apply generously throughout the day
Recommended products
Balmonds Natural Shampoo & Body Wash with calendula & chamomile
Skin Salvation balm with hemp seed and beeswax
Balmonds Intensive Hand Cream with shea butter and sea buckthorn oil
