By now we’re all following the CDC’s guidelines for handwashing. But all of that handwashing is leaving our hands dry and chapped. Which begs the question, is it safe to moisturize your hands after washing them? The short answer is yes! Here’s why:

According to an article in the Washington Post, keeping skin moisturized is important and ensures that handwashing is effective. Craig Shapiro, an attending physician in pediatric infectious diseases at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware, explained, “If the skin is breaking down or raw, then the soap and alcohol disinfectants do not work as well. Also, when skin is chapped and broken, it’s uncomfortable, and people can be less likely to wash their hands to prevent transmission of germs and infection.”

You may also be concerned that using hand lotion would increase the likelihood of picking up or spreading germs, but this is not the case. When hands are moisturized, microbial shedding from the skin is reduced, which protects people from picking up viruses and reduces the chance of transmission. (Infection Control Today)

As you’re stocking up on soap and hand sanitizer, don’t forget to purchase moisturizer too. Click here to shop MacGill‘s selection of hand lotion.

Please don’t forget to wash your hands and continue social distancing. We’re sending our best to you during this challenging time.