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