We are washing our hands longer and more frequently (see mayo clinic recommendation) which is leading to an increase in dry hands and hand dermatitis. Covid-19 brings in a new era of hand hygiene and hand-care.
Those in the medical profession wash their hands almost 70 times a day and our little ones are washing their hands a lot too.
While school was in session (we miss school😥), teachers were “rightly” drilling down on hand washing. They demoed the activity several times a day, reminded the children to wash for 20 seconds and showed them how to get under their nails (rub your nails together) and in between the fingers (interlock your fingers).
(this is how my kids use to wash their hands)
Teachers are such a blessing. My kids were so well versed, they were teaching me and policing my handwashing… mom that was not 20 seconds🙃.
But soon enough, their hands were dry and cracked and they were in pain (The cleanser they used in school may have been a bit harsh). My six-year-old was almost in tears, his hands were inflamed.
Luckily his momma knows a thing or two about the skin and skincare.
Let’s first examine why over-washing can lead to dry skin and even hand dermatitis and eczema.
So what do we do?... Are we damned if we do and damned if we don’t?
No, of course not. We just need to include hand-care in our lessons as much as hand hygiene.
(Hey, if it makes them wash their hands...sing away)
You can use soaps (which by definition are fats that have been saponified). They are usually basic (have a higher pH over 9). But the truth is, you don’t need a harsh cleanser to clean (or even to kill off a virus).
Gentle ionic and non-ionic surfactants use in natural products are just as effective yet gentler on the skin. They also usually have a pH of 5, protecting the skin barrier and microbiome.
Look for cleansers with some of the following surfactants (I know the names are not as pretty, we can’t all be called Kalahari Melon Seed or Nilotica Shea):
Effective Cleansers-check your ingredients list
Also, try finding a creamy cleanser with some nourishing oils; this will help to create a gentler wash.
Wondering if Kiss Kiss Goodnight has a hand cleanser?
Yes! We are launching a creamy hand and body wash that gently cleanses your skin.
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I know what you are thinking, does Kiss Kiss Goodnight have a cream and a balm?
Well, we are just wrapping up testing and it will be ready soon.
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This is how I healed my son’s hands when they were raw from washing.
At home (away from virus threats) we opted to use the 3-in-1 bath gel. It felt better to wash with the 3-in1 bath gel than just washing your hands with soap and water.
The gel feels nourishing as you massage it onto your dry hands. Just add water and the gel transforms into a milk. It will feel so good you will want to wash for 20 seconds. Your hands will be clean and feel nourished.
TIP: You can still opt to use a hand cream or balm after washing.
The 3-in-1 is near our kitchen sink and bathroom sink now. I was so relieved that it helped soothe his dry and in-flamed hands. He didn’t need lotion after washing.
Treat your hands well, you need them healthy more than you know. Use a high count hand towel and change it frequently (every other day or twice a week depending on the number of people in the household).
We have 6 people in our house and I need to change it every other day.
We are weeks away from releasing a lotion and balm that will soothe, hydrate and protect not only your body, but your hands too. We are currently formulating the creamiest sudsy cleanser for hands and body for older babies, children and the entire family.
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These fun, gift ideas are also portable, take-up little space, and are baby and momma approved.
After having 4 babies, I realize that they really do enjoy simple pleasures.
I try not to think of the weeks or months ahead or what “could” happen and just focus on the day at hand (kind of like when you have a newborn and you are just looking forward to the days when you can some sleep, you know it will come, but not sure when).