Protect Your Skin Barrier from Frequent Handwashing

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect our health is to wash our hands thoroughly and frequently. We’ve learned how it’s literally a lifesaving measure. However, some people are doing damage to their skin barrier as a result of frequent handwashing. And over time, this can damage your health! So how can you keep your hands clean while protecting that precious skin barrier and what kind of products can help?

First, what is your skin barrier and why is it important?

Your skin barrier is there to protect you. It’s the topmost layer of skin and it’s like a wall serving you in three important ways: 1) slowing down evaporation of water from your skin and thereby preventing dehydration, 2) protecting you from harmful contaminants such as harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or irritants, and 3) it sustains your skin’s immune system. You can see why your skin barrier is so important to your overall health and well-being!

How do you know if you’ve damaged your skin barrier?

If your skin is dehydrated or inflamed, this can be a sign that your skin barrier is suffering. You might also notice irritation, itchiness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity. Our hands are taking the brunt of this. Don’t ignore these signs because with your skin barrier weakened you’re more susceptible to harmful things like microorganisms, pollutants, and unhealthy bacteria. And if you’re older, your skin barrier is prone to thinning with age so you have to be even more proactive.

Here are 3 tips for how you can restore and protect your skin barrier while keeping your hands clean!

#1: Choose the right soap to protect your skin barrier.

According to the CDC and WHO, soap and water are some of the best tools we have in the fight against COVID-19. But what kind of soap? Some soaps strip moisture from your skin and can damage the skin barrier. And as we just discussed, that’s not a good way to protect your immune system.

Instead, look for a soap that is gentle enough not to compromise your natural skin barrier, but still does the job of thoroughly cleaning. e3’s Wash Wash Wash — Natural Antibacterial Liquid Soap is a moisturizing, organic antibacterial liquid soap your skin will love! The ingredients are moisturizing to your skin but tough on germs: Coconut Oil, Potassium Hydroxide, Sunflower Oil, Castor Oil, Rosemary Extract, Citric Acid & antimicrobial essential oils.

Why e3 Uses Organic Sunflower Oil Soap in Wash Wash Wash

Organic sunflower oil soap is great for your body and the planet. It’s packed with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids that help keep your skin soft, smooth, and well-hydrated. These nutrients also support your skin’s natural barrier and protect it from everyday stress like pollution and weather changes.

Sunflower soap stands out because it’s super gentle. Unlike many soaps that leave your skin feeling tight or itchy, this one cleans without stripping away your natural oils. It’s a great option if you have dry or sensitive skin. If you just want a soap that feels good every time you use it, Wash Wash Wash is it!

How does it benefit the planet? The sunflower oil soap in Wash Wash Wash is made locally and comes from sunflowers grown using sustainable practices locally and organically so you’re also avoiding pesticides, synthetic chemicals, and GMOs. Plus, it doesn’t have to travel far, which helps lower the environmental footprint.

Bottom line? Sunflower oil soap gives you clean, nourished skin without the worry. It’s gentle, effective, and made with care — from the way the sunflowers are grown to the way your skin feels after each wash.

Wash Wash Wash comes in 3 wonderful aromas. Each one has been formulated with special antibacterial, antimicrobial properties in mind:

Cedarwood ~ Cypress: Cedarwood Atlas, Cypress, Fir Douglas, Pine, Spruce Black, Vetiver

Eucalyptus ~ Peppermint: Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus, Smithii, Peppermint, Cinnamon Leaf, Bay Laurel, Lavender Grosso, Lime, Litsea Cubeba, Niaouli, Patchouli,  Ravintsara

Grapefruit ~ Tangerine: Bergamot FCF, Grapefruit Red, Tangerine, Orange Sweet

This soap is viscous so it takes a bit of time to get it thoroughly rinsed — a great way to ensure you take at least the recommended 20 seconds to wash!

#2: Use hand sanitizers judiciously to protect skin barrier.

There are times when hand sanitizers are your only option, but when you’re home wash your hands with soap and water. According to CDC guidelines, you want to make sure to use hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol and thoroughly apply it to cover the front and back of both of your hands. But here’s the problem, alcohol can be very drying. 

#3: Moisturize with natural ingredients to restore and protect your skin barrier.

Moisturizing your hands is one of the best ways to restore or protect your skin barrier after handwashing. Doctors interviewed for an article in the Washington Post emphasized the moisturizing your hands after washing them doesn’t increase your chances of picking up or spreading germs. In fact, according to the article, “Moisturizing hands does reduce microbial shedding from the skin and is part of good hand hygiene, which will protect people from picking up viruses and reduce the likelihood of transmission.”

Your natural skin barrier is held together by lipids, so when choosing a moisturizer it’s a good idea to look for natural products that contain lipids to help fortify your barrier. Lipids are found in ingredients like fatty acids, ceramides, and squalene. At e3 we appreciate plant-based oils, for their healing properties. Our Scents of Comfort All-Natural Lotion uses gentle, skin-nourishing, antioxidant-rich, all-natural ingredients to soothe chapped skin. Put a bottle next to the sink to use after handwashing and your hands and your skin barrier will thank you!

Have you discovered other ways to protect your skin? We’d love to hear from you. Being part of e3’s community is a great way to stay informed on simple ways to maintain your resilience and well-being. Make sure you join us for discussions on our Facebook page or sign-up for e3’s newsletter for more aromatherapy and skincare tips.