Tips for Choosing the Best Hand Washes for the Right Hygiene

Our hands have always been a neglected part of our self-care regime; our skin and hair have had the front seats so far. The face and hair definitely make the first impressions, but it's our hands that do the heavy lifting and are also most susceptible to infections and bacteria, thanks to the many surfaces that our hands come in contact with every single day. One thing that the Pandemic did right was to draw our attention to how important our hands are and how exactly to care for them in this era of multiple viruses. 

The Importance of Hand Wash

Regular hand washing has been proven to be the most efficient way of removing germs and preventing the spread of infections. An average person's hands come in touch with millions of bacteria daily, which are said to stay active for up to 3 hours after coming in contact with human skin. Moreover, a contaminated pair of hands can further spread to more than five surfaces, making hand washing a crucial part of our everyday lifestyle. Research suggests that hand washing can reduce digestive ailments by around 25-55%, including the prevention of diarrhoea by a major 55% for those with weaker immunity. Respiratory diseases, too, have a 15-20% lesser chance with the likes of frequent hand washing. Chickenpox, measles, eczema, and other skin diseases also become ineffective against regular hand washing. Hepatitis A, spreading mostly from contaminated food and water is another infection that can be kept at bay with right-hand wash practices. 

How to Choose the Best Hand Wash?

Ever since Covid-19, the markets have been flooded with numerous options for hand washing, all claiming to be antibacterial and preventive against Corona. But how does one get to choose the best hand wash? There is no evidence that antibacterial hand washes are indeed better than regular soap and water, but considering the frequency of use, one might like a gentle hand wash that would be effective and yet not too harsh on your skin. The Body Shop's Lemon Purifying Hand Wash is something one could try. Enriched with natural extracts of lemon, this vegan hand wash cleanses and keeps your hands safe while making them smell and feel good! Their natural ingredients also make this a safe product for children to use. The recyclable packaging keeping in mind the brand's ethos, committed to helping communities and social change, makes your consumer choices more conscious and organic. And does help the planet quite a bit too. 

The Steps to a Successful Hand Wash

The primary key to keeping those viruses away is not only a solid, reliable product but also the way one uses it. Doctors recommend giving it twenty seconds with circular rubbing of the hands and fingers going clockwise as well as anticlockwise. The back of your hands and palms are not to be neglected, nor should the thumb be held with the other palm and rubbed thoroughly with hand wash solution and water. Interlocking your hands and cleaning the back of your hands with your palms, and rigorously repeating the same with the opposite hand are crucial to clean, germ-free hands. Washing off the soap and drying your hands with a clean towel is also of crucial importance, as damp hands are prone to spread infection much more rapidly compared to dry hands. 

How to Care for Your Hands?

Frequent hand washing can also have certain undesirable effects, such as rough and chapped hands. They could even get itchy, flaky, excessively dry, and red causing great discomfort. One way to ensure good care for your hands is to moisturize post every wash to avoid too much dryness. The Body Shop has quite a lineup of hand creams (depending on your preferred fragrance)! that are nourishing and compact enough to carry around as well. Their range of Vitamin E products is also something you could consider given the anti-inflammatory qualities that Vitamin E is known for, especially the moisturizing cream that is light yet very effective. 

Benefits of Using Vegan Hand Washes

Vegan skincare products are not only cruelty-free and consciously made, but they are also enriched with natural extracts, making them a sound choice for your skin. The organic ingredients ensure that frequent hand washing does not dry out your skin, as these products are free from sulfates and parabens, making them a great alternative to regular products. The Body Shop has a range of vegan products that are kind to the environment and hydrate your skin while eliminating all germs and bacteria. One could pick from their British Rose or Tea Tree Hand Wash and follow it up with their Lemon Protecting Hand Lotion or a deliciously fruity Strawberry Hand Cream. All natural, organic, and gentle on your skin. 

Wrapping Up

Currently, consumers are spoilt with choices for hand washes, and one may get very confused in deciding what works best for their skin and hygiene. Choosing the best hand wash for you is as important as following all the medically recommended steps for a squeaky clean, and preventative hand wash. Considering the high use of the product, a hand wash from a reputed brand such as The Body Shop, with a responsible approach towards sustainability and ethical product development, could very well narrow the search for your best hand wash.