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Ingredients and formulations to look out for when choosing a moisturising hand cream

22 April 2020 | By Anna-Bet Stemmet

Regular hand-washing and sanitising has become a way of life while we all band together to flatten the curve and curb the spread of the novel coronavirus  worldwide.

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However, this necessary, WHO-sanctioned lifestyle change does have the potential to affect the condition of your hands if you don’t take care to moisturise your skin regularly.

Dr Jacques van Wyk is a dermatologist based in Paarl, working in private practice as well as doing sessional work in the public sector at Paarl Provincial Hospital. He shared the following advice for choosing a moisturising hand cream.

Understand the difference between emollients and moisturisers

“Emollients are products used to soften skin, while moisturisers are products used to raise the water content of the skin. The active ingredients used in emollients and moisturisers are occlusives and humectants,” explains Dr van Wyk. 
 
“Occlusive formulations provide a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to help restore the skin barrier and reduce water loss from the skin. Examples include cetomacrogol and sorbolene.

On the other hand, humectants are substances that attract moisture from the deeper parts of the skin to the surface. Examples include glycerine, urea, as well as alpha-hydroxy acids such as lactic acid or glycolic acid and salicylic acid.” 

Please note: Urea and the acidic preparations often sting if applied to scratched or fissured skin. Therefore, Dr van Wyk would rather recommend using a product that contains glycerine if your skin is dry and sensitive due to regular washing.

Lotions versus creams and ointments

“Most moisturisers combine both occlusive and humectant moisturising ingredients. These come in different formulations, including lotions, creams and ointments. Lotions are very light, and some may not be completely effective if the skin on your hands is very dry.

Ointments are the most occlusive and therefore the most effective, but the use thereof is limited because most people find it too greasy to use on the go. Barrier creams are particularly useful to address dry skin on the hands, and can be used quite effectively on a daily basis while you go about your business,” recommends Dr van Wyk.

“Also make sure to only buy a product that is fragrance-free (unscented is not sufficient), colorant-free and hypoallergenic. The Allergy Foundation of South Africa has a list of approved products on their website.”

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com

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