4 Tips for Gentler Hand Washing
Hand washing drying out your skin? Here are a few simple things you can do when washing your hands, to help reduce the drying effect of frequent hand washing. We've also included a handful (excuse the pun) of beauty buys for you to discover. But first...
1. Choose a sulfate-free hand wash
Sulfates are foaming agents commonly used in shampoos and washes, but which can be harsh, stripping natural oils from the skin leaving it dry and prone to irritation. Sulfate-free washes make a gentler, less drying cleanse. Scan the ingredient list for gentler cleansing agents like Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate which we use in our hand washes.
2. Glycerin is good
Glycerin is a humectant, a type of agent that helps retain moisture. In bar soaps and cleansing washes it helps reduce the drying effect, so skin feels more comfortable after use. Glycerin is one of the most versatile and valuable of substances known to man and has no known negative environmental effects. Find glycerin in our bar soaps.
3. Pat skin dry
Patting is less aggravating than rubbing, on dehydrated, sensitive-prone skin (try to avoid sharing hand towels, less easy in a family environment, we know).
4. Apply hand cream every time you wash your hands
Hand cream locks moisture into the skin, with a protective layer. This helps form a buffer between the skin and the environment helping to prevent skin from drying out. The combination of water and skin softening ingredients like glycerin, shea butter and vitamin E which you can find in our hand creams, act like a temporary protective seal. Here are a few product suggestions for if you're looking to treat yourself and your hands :
In The Garden Exfoliating Hand Wash, £6
Made with sulfate-free cleansers and gentle exfoliators.
Blended with glycerin and essential oils of tea tree and lime.
Pinks and Pear Blossom Scented Soap, £6
Pear blossom scented soap with glycerin to gently cleanse and lightly fragrance.
In The Garden Shea Butter Hand Cream, £6
With glycerin, shea butter, vitamin E and refreshing scents of sweet rhubarb
to leave hands feeling soft, comfortable and delicately scented.
