How To Wash Your Hands Properly

How To Wash Your Hands Properly

 

You may not realize it, but hand washing is one of the most critical aspects of overall hair and skincare! 

 But unfortunately, most guys pay little to no attention to their hands, leading to skin infections and numerous other health concerns. Nasty. 

 Generally speaking, our hands are one of the busiest parts of our bodies and come into contact with numerous objects throughout our busy days.  

 We touch door handles, shake hands with other people, use public transport, and come into contact with many other surfaces that may be laden with germs. So it only makes sense that we don't ignore them!

 Fortunately, unlike face care, you don't need a rigorous hand care routine to keep your hands clean and healthy.  

 However, there's a right way and a wrong way to do just about everything, and washing your hands properly is no exception... 

 In fact, the proper way to wash your hands can make all the difference when it comes to staying healthy!

 So, without further ado, let's take a look at how to wash your hands properly!

 

Why Wash Your Hands? 

Here's why proper hand washing is a big deal:

  • Clean Hands Contribute to Facial Cleanliness  

You'll be surprised that the average person touches their face as often as 23 times in an hour! So, it's no surprise that if your hands are dirty, it transfers the dirt to your face. 

Everyone knows that dirt is the number one enemy of clear, healthy-looking skin. So, avoid putting your hand on your face. If you can't help it, ensure that you only touch your face with clean hands… That is unless you want to end up with breakouts!

  • Proper Hand Washing Can Save Your Life  

Not to be dramatic, but proper hand washing can save your life, and we mean this literally! Clean hands play a significant role in preventing illnesses and diseases. 

 

Dirty hands are one of the fastest ways to spread germs and introduce them into our bodies.  

Germs are everywhere - on toilet surfaces, raw meat, dirty clothes, the good old American dollar, office desks, doorknobs, you name it. Almost every place and anything we touch everyday carries some amount of germs. 

 

Unfortunately, we often put our hands on our eyes, nose, and mouths after being in these places, giving germs easy access to the inside of our bodies, where they can then cause infections.

 

 

  • Hand Care Can Slow Signs of Ageing  

If you didn't already know, your hands are one of the first body parts to show the signs of aging. So, while you're out there searching for anti-aging products for your face, don't forget to focus on your hands! 

 

Developing a suitable hand care routine can help to make your hands look younger, and of course, it all starts with washing your hands.

  • Clean Hands Help To Give a Good and Lasting First Impression  

Have you ever had someone offer you a handshake with rough, dry, and scaly hands? How did you feel? We know, it wasn't pleasant, was it?!

Now, compare that to shaking soft, smooth, and well-moisturized hands. You wouldn't want to let go. That's how much a good handshake with properly groomed hands can leave a lasting impression on anyone. Handwashing with mild soap is one of the first steps to giving your hands a good look and feel.

  • Proper Hand Washing with The Correct Product Heals Damaged and Flaky Skin  

A good cleanser contains essential nutrients with healing and therapeutic properties. For example, our face and body cleanse for men contains aloe vera leaf juice. Aloe vera leaf juice contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that improve your skin's overall appearance and treat numerous skin conditions. 

 

It’ll leave your hands feeling fresh and clean and free from dryness and irritation after compared to regular soap. 

 

How Long Should You Wash Your Hands For? 


More than simply going through the motions of washing your hands, it’s essential to clean them properly. Proper hand washing includes using the correct techniques and washing your hands long enough to kill germs. 

 

This begs the question, "how much time should I spend washing my hands?" 

 

UNICEF advises that a hasty scrub and rinse just isn't enough to eliminate all viral traces on your hands. In order to fully rid your hands of harmful bacteria, you should wash them for at least 20 seconds. This means that the time you spend washing your hands should be long enough for a thorough clean.

A good rule of thumb is to hum the entire “Happy Birthday” song twice as you wash your hands. It's approximately the same time you'll need for a proper hand wash! Sure, you may get some strange looks, but at least you’ll have clean hands… right?!

How Often Should You Wash Your Hands? 


Well, you should be washing your hands as frequently as possible, around 6 to 10 times daily.

Also, have a proper hand wash:

  • After visiting the restroom 
  • When you've been in the public space 
  • After touching a surface that everyone else touches (a doorknob, shopping carts, etc.) 
  • Before touching your  mouth, eyes, nose, ears, etc 
  • After sneezing or blowing your nose 
  • Before, during, and after handling or preparing food, especially raw meat, fish, and fruits 
  • After touching animals or caring for your pets 
  • Before and after caring for a sick family member  
  • Before and after treating a wound or administering first aid 
  • After taking out the trash or handling rubbish 
  • After gardening and doing house chores 
  • Before getting into people's homes and offices  
  • Before carrying a baby or changing their nappies 
  • Whenever your hands look dirty 
  • After cleaning up body fluids 

What are the Seven Steps of Hand Washing? 


Here's how to wash your hands thoroughly to protect yourself from infectious diseases:

  1. Wet Your Hands and Apply Soap 

To wash your hands properly, place your hands under running water and apply enough soap to cover your hands and wrists. Wetting your hands before using soap generates better lather. 

 

It's advisable to use liquid soaps or cleansers as they can quickly cover all areas better than bar soaps. It's also a cleaner option as the germs don’t remain on the bar, waiting for the next time you wash your hands.

 

  1. Rub Palms in Circular Motion  

Rub your hands clockwise and anticlockwise in a circular motion.
 

  1. Stroke the Back of Your Hand  

Rub the back of your left fingers with your right hand by linking them through your right hand. Then, follow this technique to rub your right hand.

  1. Rub the Back of Your Fingers 

Clasp your hands and interlock your fingers as they face each other. Rub them.

  1. Clean Your Thumbs 

Use your right hand to clean your left thumb and swap.

  1. Clean Your Fingertips  

Rub each finger thoroughly with the opposite hand and in a circular motion.

  1. Rinse Your Hands  

Rinse your hand with running water. Avoid washing your hands in basins of water to reduce your risk of contamination.

Should You Wash Your Hands With Hot or Cold Water? 


While hot water is excellent for sterilizing objects, it's not advisable to use it for handwashing. Hot water is too harsh on the skin and can cause scalding. It can also damage your skin by destroying its natural oils. 

Lukewarm water and mild soap are perfect for a thorough hand wash if you follow the above steps correctly.

Final Thoughts

You can't have a complete skincare routine without a suitable hand care routine. From keeping your face clean to preventing skin damage and infectious diseases, you can't afford to neglect proper handwashing. 

 

However, more than just washing hands, it’s vital to ensure that you're using mild cleansers that won't dry or irritate your skin. At VITAMAN, we're passionate about providing quality yet affordable natural skincare products suited to meet men's needs. 

 

Our face and body cleanser, moisturizing cream, exfoliants, and other products are made from all-natural, organic ingredients. And with no harsh detergents, artificial colors, and synthetic fragrances, your hand care routine game just got better!

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