Hand sanitisers have suddenly invaded our lives. Once limited to hospitals and handbags for dire emergencies, they are now found in all public spaces. And that’s not including their increased use by healthcare workers in potential contact with coronavirus.

Incidentally, Cosmydor launched the “Helping Hands Save Lives” initiative because of a touching cry for help from medical staff, whose hands were suffering as a result of frequent sanitising.

And it’s not just healthcare workers’ hands, any of us may find ourselves in the same position. Why?

Hand sanitisers are the only practical way of killing the virus without soap and water. They are absolutely essential.

But, unfortunately, they have a much deeper impact on our hands. First off, the alcohol damages the hydrolipidic film that covers your skin. This film acts in a variety of ways, including naturally helping to keep your skin hydrated, controlling the evaporation of water and absorption of certain molecules, and blocking pollution and toxins. Increasingly dry, and even cracked, skin is a visual indicator that this barrier is being gradually destroyed.

The second unfortunate consequence of hand sanitiser is that, alongside any viruses, it kills the useful bacterial colonies that live in a symbiotic relationship with our skin. These colonies contribute to our skin’s biochemical balance and are thought to be beneficial for our immunity.

The effect of hand gel is cumulative: skin becomes increasingly dry and more depleted, it may even lose its abilities to act as a barrier to certain microbes and synthetic molecules, especially those made from petrochemicals.

What can we do?

• First off, when you have access to a tap (especially at home), use soap rather than hand sanitiser. It is a very effective way of getting rid of viruses. Of course, you should use cold-process soaps which are naturally rich in glycerin. This compound rebalances the rehydration level damaged by the cleansing agent. Such soaps clean without dehydrating and even have added benefits for your skin.

• Avoid using toiletries and care products that contain synthetic molecules and petrochemicals. Your body doesn’t recognise them, and they may penetrate your skin more easily than usual if it’s too damaged. There’s only one way to find out: take a look at the labels.

•  To repair and hydrate your hands, moisturise them in the evening before bed and, if possible, during the day as well. You need to give your skin as much time as possible to compensate for the damage caused by industrial soaps and hand sanitisers and rebuild its natural barriers.

• Use formulas containing oils known to rehydrate and repair sore skin, such as incredible shea butter, jojoba oil and olive oil, and plants with ideal properties, like aloe vera and carrageenan powder. Your skin recognises natural ingredients. As well as hydrating and repairing your hands, they will help to restore your skin’s bacterial balance.

Your hands are fragile. Even before the coronavirus crisis, of all your skin, your hands were most subject to damage (from the sun and physical contact). The new hygiene routines are putting your hands through the mill – take care of them!