How to care for your hands: secrets of beauty and health

The skin in the area of ​​the back of the hands has its own anatomical and functional features: it is thinner, and the subcutaneous fat tissue is less developed compared to other localizations. It also contains fewer sebaceous glands involved in the formation of the hydrolipidic mantle, which makes it more prone to dehydration and disruption of barrier properties. In addition, the skin on the back of the hands is very mobile and subject to stretching. Whereas the skin of the palmar surface, in contrast to the back, is less elastic and denser due to the presence of an additional layer of cells. It is also hairless and rich in sweat glands and sensory nerves. As a result, the palm area is often associated with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), which creates an environment for the destruction of the skin barrier, colonization of the skin with pathogenic microorganisms and the development of infectious processes, and existing damage in the form of wounds, cuts and cracks are very painful.

What spoils the skin on the hands?

At the same time, the skin of the hands is most susceptible to various adverse environmental factors, including the influence of climatic conditions (extreme low and high temperatures, strong wind, insolation, changes in air humidity), aggressive detergents and antiseptics, as well as traumatic forces. For example, in response to repeated friction, the skin of the palms can form a hard layer of keratin, called a callus, which increases resistance to external stress. All this ultimately triggers characteristic changes in the skin of the hands: dryness, flaking, decreased elasticity, poor skin quality, small cracks, and a disruption of the natural protective barrier, allowing foreign microorganisms and substances to penetrate the skin. Inflammation develops, accompanied by redness, itching, and irritation of the damaged skin, which becomes extremely sensitive to any, even minimal, stimulation. If left untreated and untreated, painful cracks develop, establishing a vicious cycle of self-perpetuating inflammation. People with atopic dermatitis, existing hand eczema, and sensitive skin are especially susceptible to such changes.

Hand Skin Care Rules

To avoid such a situation, you should follow a number of simple hand skin care rules:

1. It is necessary to choose a moisturizer for daily care, which should be applied with light massaging movements at least twice a day or more often, as needed and at the first signs of dryness and irritation. It's important that the product you use has a comprehensive effect and doesn't contain irritating ingredients or potential allergens, such as dyes, fragrances, or preservatives. Skinoplast DUO LIBREDERM Restorative Hand Barrier Cream is ideal for this purpose. Its active ingredients not only effectively moisturize the skin of the hands, but also have an antibacterial and soothing effect, as well as anti-inflammatory activity and powerful regenerative properties that improve the skin's firmness and elasticity. 2. Use warm water to wash your hands (hot or cold water will further dry out the skin). It's best to use a specialized cleansing oil or gel, designed to restore the skin's natural barrier and provide additional hydration, rather than alkaline and/or antibacterial soap. The Cerafavit LIBREDERM line of products copes with this task perfectly;

3. After washing your hands and contact with water, you should also apply a moisturizer to retain moisture and prevent its evaporation from the skin's surface, which can lead to increased dryness. In addition, using the restorative hand cream Skinoplast DUO will provide an additional invisible barrier that will help protect the sensitive skin of the hands from external irritants;
4. Protect your hands from exposure to extreme temperatures and aggressive chemicals - use gloves. On sunny days, use specialized sunscreens from pharmacy dermatocosmetic lines;
5. If you have skin diseases, follow the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor. In case of long-term, painful lesions of the hands, consult a specialist;
6. Maintain a fluid regimen and stick to a healthy, balanced diet. As prescribed by your doctor, take vitamin and mineral complexes to maintain healthy skin. It is especially important to maintain normal levels of vitamins A, C, D, E, and trace elements such as zinc and selenium. Omega-3 fatty acids are also a useful supplement.

What is the difference between a cream and an ointment? Which should you choose?

One of the most frequently asked questions that requires clarification is the question regarding the main differences between a cream and an ointment: what is the difference and which form is preferable for hand care? There is a myth that the fattier the product, the better it moisturizes the skin. This is not entirely true; many oil-based moisturizers, with long-term use, lead to the opposite effect in the form of destruction of the normal structure of the epidermal barrier and increased moisture loss through damaged skin.

Which is better: ointment or cream? Ointment (more oily) forms create a favorable environment for the penetration of allergens and pathogenic microorganisms into the skin due to the occlusion effect (greenhouse effect), which increases inflammation and itching. Such products are generally less aesthetically pleasing, take a long time to absorb into the skin, cause an unpleasant feeling of excessive oiliness, and stain clothes and various surfaces. In contrast, cream forms are more versatile; they are well absorbed and leave no greasy marks, allowing you to resume daily activities immediately after application. And specialized care products in the form of a cream, which contain optimal ratios of active ingredients, are much better suited for restoring the epidermal barrier and provide effective hydration for dry, sensitive skin.

Remember that proper and regular hand care with a high-quality moisturizer is an important part of maintaining healthy skin.

Explains Nikolay Nikolaevich Murashkin, MD, Professor, Head of the Dermatology Department with a Laser Surgery Group, Head of the Research Institute of Pediatric Dermatology of the Federal State Autonomous Institution "National Medical Research Center of Health Care of the Russian Federation", President of the Interregional Public Organization "Society of Pediatric Dermatologists".