Hand Washing Mistakes
It’s said that 80% of diseases can be prevented by better hand washing. Most of the bacteria that finds its way to your face also gets there via the hands. While dirt and bacteria are not “causes of acne” for most people, they may contribute to the problem. So let’s look at some of the most common mistakes made when washing your hands:
Washing for too short a time - If you’re washing your hands for less than 10 seconds, you’re simply not doing much good. Dirt and bacteria cling to your skin with ease, and effective cleansing means taking a little time and care. I remember hearing about a professor who used a microscope to do a before-and-after comparison of two students’ skin. One washed for 15 seconds and the other for a minute. Seen close-up, that extra time makes a dramatic difference.
Rinsing without soap - The skin on your hands is tougher than the skin on your face, and thus using soap more frequently is not only safe but usually preferable. With a surface as frequently exposed to bacteria as your hands, there is a big difference between washing with soap and simply rinsing.
Not lathering/keeping your hands under running water - Soap doesn’t get a chance to work if you don’t actually lather up your hands thoroughly. Take your hands out of the water and lather well for some time before rinsing them off.
Missing areas - It may sound hard to miss an area on your hands, but many people simply don’t bother to wash the backs of their hands or in between their fingers. These area get exposed to plenty of dirt and bacteria, so make sure not to neglect them when washing.
Drying with a dirty towel - Seriously, why bother washing your hands if you’re going to dry them off with a grimy old towel that’s desperately in need of a wash itself? This is one of those often-overlooked things that you should really keep in mind if you’re concerned about skin care. Damp towels can actually attract bacteria, so change your bathroom towels regularly. It doesn’t help you any to expose your hands or face to a surface that’s only going to undo what you accomplished by washing.
