GOJO Skin Care Specialists Outline Defense Against Winter Chapped Hands

The cold, harsh weather this winter is taking its toll, especially for workers hands.  GOJO scientists provide simple tips to help defend against winter chapped hands.

"Healthy skin is effective in protecting hands from the demanding environments they are exposed to and allows for greater dexterity and sensations of touch," says Abel Saud, director of product development and skin care science at GOJO. "Those who work in manufacturing, automotive and other industries where hands are exposed to dirt, cold and chemicals can protect themselves through effective hand hygiene."

Harold Tyreman, GOJO vice president for sales and marketing in automotive, industrial and textiles, reports winter chapped hands are common for those whose work exposes skin to heavy soils and weather extremes. Healthy skin is a good defense against the ailments that can result from dry, irritated skin.

Winter air dries the skin and, Saud notes, chemicals like solvents and detergents that are part of many workers' routines can strip skin of natural oils and waxes that keep moisture in. Abrasive working environments can crack and abrade workers' skin, allowing irritants to enter the body and moisture to escape.

Saud recommends the following measures to defend against winter chapped hands:
1. Hydrate with moisturizers containing water-loving ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
2. Protect hands from drying effects of cold by wearing gloves outdoors.
3. Minimize exposure to solvents and detergents. Avoid washing hands in warm water and harsh soaps. Instead, use cool water and gentle cleansing soaps.
4. Hands not visibly soiled can be cleaned with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially one with added moisturizers and skin care agents like those in PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer.

An effective hand hygiene regimen helps maintain overall health. "Healthy skin on your hands is important for a healthy body because it is an excellent barrier to infectious bacteria and is critical for empowering the skin's innate antimicrobial function," Saud says.

GOJO provides a complete portfolio of hand cleaners, sanitizers and conditioners that comprise a hand hygiene regimen for healthy skin in tough environments. "GOJO® Cherry Gel Pumice Hand Cleaner, GOJO® Scrubbing Wipes and GOJO® HAND MEDIC® Professional Skin Conditioner, when used regularly, can help reduce the likelihood of winter chapped hands for those whose jobs put their hands in contact with the worst that harsh weather and dirty environments deliver," Tyreman says. "The GOJO® ADX-7™ dispenser in a black and chrome slim-line wall-mount profile makes it easy and convenient to use HAND MEDIC in conjunction with each clean-up."

Source: GOJO Industries, Inc.