As we all know, it’s vital to wash our hands, but it’s become especially imperative with all that’s been going on. And lately, it’s been all over the news that hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious agents from entering the body.

One thing worth nothing though, is that over-washing and frequent exposure to soaps, chemical detergents and alcohol-based sanitizers can irritate skin, cause dermatitis, eczema and other skin conditions.

When hands are properly hydrated, they are better protected and “sealed“ from external pathogens. “Whenever you have a break in the skin barrier, that allows germs and bacteria to invade the area,” says Christina Johns, senior medical adviser for PM Pediatrics.

The nourishing ingredients in Essentiel help replenish skin that has been stripped of beneficial bacteria, nutrients and emollients from cleansing and sanitizing.

Additionally, essential oils like lavender and frankincense, found in Essentiel, have anti-bacterial/anti-microbial properties that can act as a defense against unwanted germs and microorganisms.

So while washing hands is important, especially now, we don’t want to rub them raw. Dry cracked hands are more vulnerable to infection than healthy hydrated ones.

I believe routinely moisturizing my hands has not only kept them looking healthy, it’s a habit that helps keep me healthy. I travel regularly and rarely get sick. Many factors contribute to our overall health, including healthy diet and other lifestyle factors, but who knew hand-care could be an extra easy way to boost our immunity?

So, while we are figuring out how to adjust to a new reality that includes coronavirus and how to best protect ourselves, keeping our hands clean and our skin replenished is an important first step. Skin is the largest organ of the body — an integral part of your health and well-being.

If you have any handy tips, please share in the comments below!

Wishing everyone a warm safe weekend!