Now we all know, but it's worth repeating once again: hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, making sure to wash palms, backs of hands, areas between fingers, under nails, thumbs, and knuckles (just like surgeons do). Hands should always be washed upon entering the house, before and after using the restroom, before preparing food, before and after eating, and in any situation considered potentially risky.

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As we’ve likely all personally experienced, frequent hand washing, as well as increased household cleaning, use of chemical products, and disinfectants—now more than ever necessary—can lead to increased dryness of the skin, especially for those with already dry and sensitive skin. We feel a slight stinging on the backs of our hands, the skin becomes rough, redness easily appears, and our hands feel tight, with some pain.

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In addition to the face, our hands are the most exposed part of the body to the outside environment. Unlike the face, which we carefully and continuously care for, hands are often forgotten or not given enough attention. At this time, it’s more than clear that they’re especially “in operation”! Few of us know that the skin on our hands has fewer sebaceous glands, making it more "vulnerable" to the negative effects of the environment. Moreover, a lack of certain vitamins in the body (vitamin C, B1, B5, biotin) can also contribute to dry, sensitive skin.

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In this new life reality for all of us, hand skin care is not just about beauty but, first and foremost, about health! – explains Dr. Jasmina Kozarev, dermatologist – Even normal skin, in the new conditions of our daily lives, when exposed to frequent hand washing and the constant use of detergents, disinfectants, and abrasives, requires more attention. And dry, very sensitive hand skin, which already requires special care, needs not just increased care, but care adapted to new conditions. Because dry, irritated skin, skin prone to peeling, or skin with small, almost invisible cracks or wounds, creates the perfect environment for bacteria, viruses, or fungi to enter.

Since chemicals are one of the biggest “enemies” of healthy, normal skin, and especially dry, sensitive skin, the primary protective measure is to avoid direct exposure to these substances by using gloves. They can be rubber or disposable gloves. They should be worn during all household chores, whether it’s cleaning the bathroom, floors, windows, or washing dishes.

A much bigger challenge for our hand skin is frequent hand washing with warm water, which, in this pandemic situation, is inevitable. As we’ve all experienced, frequent soaking, especially with warm water, negatively affects the skin of our hands, especially if it’s already dry and sensitive. Warm water leads to dehydration, causing roughness, irritation, and unnatural tightness of the skin.

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So, what should we do? How can we help the skin of our hands stay healthy and hydrated despite the absolute need for frequent hand washing with soap and warm water?

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First, now is the time when we shouldn’t avoid more aggressive soaps! It’s important to know that sodium lauryl sulfate is a key component in determining the aggressiveness of shampoos and soaps. Also, a higher amount of surfactants (the foaming substance) means greater aggressiveness, which is needed right now.

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Second, after every hand wash and additional disinfection, when necessary—more than ever!—try to protect the skin of your hands by replenishing what is inevitably lost with frequent washing. In short: after each hand wash, apply a thin layer of cream with a formulation based on panthenol, natural oils, or unsaturated fatty acids.

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Among the products in the Health Line created by Dr. Jasmina Kozarev, there are two specifically formulated for these issues. In both of these products, during the final stage of cream production, the In-skin antiseptic was used, which safely nurtures hands, but is not itself a disinfectant.

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PANTHENOL

This product contains a high concentration of D-panthenol, which effectively moisturizes, nourishes, and regenerates the skin, soothes it, and eliminates the unpleasant sensation of dryness and stinging. At the same time, it nourishes the skin, restores its smoothness, and brings back its natural elasticity. It is also recommended for use after sun exposure due to its antioxidant and regenerative effects. Panthenol can also be used for hair care—when applied to hair, it protects, deeply nourishes, and revitalizes it.

ANTI-ECZEMA CREAM

Dr. Jasmina Kozarev was the first to create a product for treating dry, eczema-affected skin in this region. Not only did she establish the original formula, but she also selected the ingredients, the method of preparation, and the packaging. The Anti-Eczema Cream quickly showed its exceptional effectiveness, as evidenced by the fact that this cream is still produced today, almost 20 years later, according to the same formula.

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The gentle formulation of the Anti-Eczema Cream is intended for the care of dry, irritated, sensitive skin, and skin prone to allergies. The product is rich in natural, light oils, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which improve the skin barrier and make it soft, elastic, and, above all, protected from the adverse effects of the environment. It is intended for use on the face and all parts of the body, without occlusive effects, and should be applied in a thin layer, two to three times a day.