Hands, protection and care

The care of our hands not only ensures proper functionality, but also contributes in delaying the damage caused by skin aging.

Normally, soaps, detergents and water rich in limestone cause a depletion of hydrolipidic film (thin film of water, salts, protein and fat) which is produced naturally by the skin and ensures its protection. In winter, this, combined with other stress factors affecting the skin of the hands including cold, wind, changes in temperature and low atmospheric humidity at home and offices, tend to make the skin of the hands and more dry and irritable. Result: rough, chapped, reddened hands!However, we can do a lot to help our hands counter the damage to which they are exposed and to enjoy good health.The following two aspects are important:

  • use of appropriate hand cleansing products
  • application of emollient and moisturising creams

CLEANSING

The acidity of the skin is a prerequisite for its integrity; for this reason it is very important to use appropriate cleaning agents for hands. Also, you should wash hands thoroughly after each time, preferably with warm water, dry them carefully and avoid, whenever possible, the jets of hot air.

HYDRATION

The constant use of moisturisers helps to maintain and restore the hydrolipidic epidermis, while protecting against external aggression.It is advisable to move towards moisturisers which are specific for the hands, which are generally non-fat emulsions of substances (e.g. fatty acids, panthenol, allantoin, glycerine, vitamin E) that have softening, moisturising and soothing properties to treat the redness.The use of too much "fat", although they may give the impression of being more "nutritious", to the skin can actually be counter-productive because the residual feeling of greasiness on the hands is annoying and discourages the application.Some other practical advice:

  • Especially when the outside temperature is particularly rigid, wear gloves to ensure a good blood supply to the tip of the fingers, which allows the skin to actively react to the stress of external agents. This advice can be especially useful for people who are taking beta-blockers (e.g. Atenolol), which can increase the feeling of cold in the extremities.
  • During the heavy work, especially when the hands are in contact with irritating substances, wear gloves, but keep in mind that the rubber itself often causes allergy, and should not come in direct contact with the skin. It is better, if possible, to wear cotton yarn gloves under the rubber ones.
  • Hands age much faster than other parts of the body due to the continuous exposure to stress daily (weather, pollution, manual labour). In addition to proper cleansing and hydration, simple manual exercises, such as flexion, extension and traction of the fingers and the rotation of the wrists, are a good way to keep your skin young and your hands supple.