How to wash your hands properly

How to wash your hands properly

Every day, our hands touch so many things. Greeting people, holding the handrail, opening doors, doing the shopping... We use our hands in everything we do. That's why it's so important to wash them more often than the rest of the body – and to look after them.
We give you some tips and advice on washing your hands well, and keeping them soft and supple!

Why is it so important to wash your hands really well ?

Why is it so important to wash your hands really well ?

Every day, our hands are constantly exposed to dirt, germs, microbes, bacteria and harsh environmental factors.  

We use our hands to touch and hold things, such as telephones and computers. We use them for gardening, manual work and cooking. And because we use them so much, they tend to spread dirt.
Our hands are tools that we use every day. It's important to look after them. 

And the best way to do that is to wash them!  
 

Things to remember when washing your hands

Washing your hands properly involves a few simple but crucial steps:
Washing your hands properly step 3

Wet your hands with clean water.
Apply a small amount of solid or liquid soap.
Good to know: our soaps are formulated with botanical oils, so they help to moisturize your hands at the same time!

Washing your hands properly step 2

Rub your palms together several times.
Use the palm of your right hand to rub the back of your left hand, then repeat the other way round.
Interlace your fingers to clean between them.
Rub your nails against your palms.

Washing your hands properly step 1

Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Dry your hands with a clean towel or a hand dryer.

Voilà! In 30 seconds, you'll have soft, clean hands, enveloped in a scent reminiscent of Provence!

Don't forget the details...

wash your hands properly
In order to wash your hands properly, there are some little details that are very important: 
 
  • Wash your thumbs! We often forget our thumbs when we wash our hands too quickly.
  • Wash your wrists too!
  • Take the time to wash under your nails.
  • When drying your hands, use a single-use towel or a very clean one.

How often should you wash your hands?

how often should you wash your hands
As we already mentioned, we use our hands all the time, all day long.

You know that you should wash your hands more often than you wash your body. But there are times when you should wash your hands even more often, for your health or comfort.  
 
  • Before, during and after preparing and handling food.
  • Before each meal.
  • After sneezing, blowing your nose or coughing.
  • After going to the bathroom.
  • After using public transport.
  • After touching dirty objects, such as the waste bin.
  • After touching an animal.
  • Before and after helping someone who is ill.  

What products should you use to clean your hands?

Products to wash your hands

There are different ways to wash your hands, and the way you choose depends on the situation you're in.

If there's a tap nearby, it's always best to wash your hands with liquid soap or a bar of soap and water, to ensure they're thoroughly cleaned.

Using a liquid or solid soap for at least 20 seconds and following the advice given above is the best way to clean your hands effectively.

However, if you don't have access to running water, you could use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (also known as an antibacterial gel) instead.

Look for gels that contain 60 to 70% alcohol so that they're as effective as possible, and make sure you rub your hands together for at least 30 seconds. As with soap, don't miss any areas (palms, nails, thumbs, backs of your hands, wrists), to ensure your hands are absolutely clean!
 

After washing your hands

after washing your hands
There can be some downsides to washing your hands frequently:
- dry skin
- rough skin
- lack of suppleness

Washing the hands very frequently can strip the skin of moisture, so it's important to care for your hands every day with the right creams.
Just after washing your hands, and while they're still clean and dry, apply a small amount of moisturizing hand cream. Our hand creams contain shea butter, to hydrate the skin. They won't leave a sticky residue – but they will leave your hands feeling soft and supple, plus they'll leave a subtle scent on your skin.

It's the perfect way to finish your hand-washing routine!

Remember to refill!

Remember to refill
Save money and help save the planet! Our liquid soaps are available in eco-refills, so why not use them to refill your soap dispenser bottle?

They use much less plastic and work out cheaper too!

Need some advice?

body care

Read our beauty tips on how to care for your hands and body

Would you like to know everything about moisturizing, soap bars, the art of exfoliation, or getting your skin ready for summer? 
See our advice on taking care of your hands and body every day.  
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