Why Washing Your Hands First is Essential for Skincare
Washing your hands before touching your face is a crucial but often overlooked step in a proper skincare routine. Many people jump straight into cleansing their face without realizing that their hands may carry dirt, bacteria, and oils that can transfer onto their skin. By washing your hands first, you help prevent breakouts, infections, and irritation while ensuring that your skincare routine is as effective as possible.
The Importance of Clean Hands in Skincare
Your hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day—doorknobs, phones, keyboards, money, and even food. These surfaces harbor germs, dirt, and bacteria that can easily be transferred to your face if you don’t wash your hands first.
Since the skin on your face is more sensitive than the skin on your hands, it is more prone to irritation and breakouts. Touching your face with dirty hands can lead to clogged pores, acne, and skin infections. Additionally, if you’re applying skincare products with unclean hands, you might be rubbing in bacteria along with your cleanser or moisturizer, reducing the effectiveness of your routine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Washing Your Hands Before Skincare
1️⃣ Wet Your Hands with Clean, Running Water
Start by wetting your hands with warm or cold water. Avoid hot water, as it can strip away natural oils from your skin, leaving your hands dry and irritated.
2️⃣ Apply Soap
Use a mild antibacterial soap to ensure that you’re removing germs and dirt effectively. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a gentle, fragrance-free soap to prevent irritation.
3️⃣ Scrub Your Hands for At Least 20 Seconds
Lather the soap and scrub all areas of your hands, including:
✔ Between your fingers
✔ Under your fingernails
✔ The back of your hands
✔ Your wrists
A good way to time this is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice, which ensures you’re washing for at least 20 seconds.
4️⃣ Rinse Thoroughly
Make sure to completely rinse off all the soap with running water. Leftover soap can cause dryness and irritation, especially if you touch your face afterward.
5️⃣ Dry with a Clean Towel or Air Dry
Use a clean towel or let your hands air dry. Avoid using shared towels or dirty towels, as they may harbor bacteria. If possible, use a disposable paper towel or a personal hand towel designated for skincare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
π« Skipping Hand Washing Altogether – Not washing your hands before touching your face can transfer bacteria, leading to breakouts and irritation.
π« Using Harsh Soaps – Some antibacterial soaps contain strong chemicals that can dry out your hands, leading to cracked skin. Choose a gentle soap instead.
π« Not Scrubbing Properly – Simply rinsing your hands with water is not enough. You must scrub all areas of your hands for at least 20 seconds to remove germs and dirt effectively.
π« Using a Dirty Towel to Dry Your Hands – Always use a fresh towel to dry your hands before touching your face. A damp or used towel can introduce bacteria to your clean hands.
The Benefits of Washing Your Hands First
✔ Prevents Acne and Breakouts – Keeping your hands clean reduces the risk of transferring bacteria, which can clog pores and cause pimples.
✔ Reduces the Spread of Germs – Especially during cold and flu season, washing your hands before touching your face can help prevent illness.
✔ Ensures Skincare Products Work Effectively – Clean hands help apply skincare products more smoothly and prevent contamination of your cleansers, moisturizers, and serums.
✔ Protects Sensitive Skin – If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, washing your hands first is an easy step to minimize irritation and inflammation.