Skin Care Tips for Food Service Workers

Working in food service involves being surrounded by ingredients and chemicals that may not be skin-friendly. For an easy way to keep your skin safe without putting your job in jeopardy, follow these simple skincare tips.

Waitresses, cooks, managers and other positions in food services always maintain the strictest standards of cleanliness. Whether it's in fast food or a regular dine-in restaurant, frequent hand washing and other routine parts of the job can take a toll on your skin.

Many who work day in and day out in the food service industry may find they suffer from dry, weak and flaky skin on the hands. It only makes sense to wash your hands before, during and after trips to the bathroom and throughout your shift. However, excessive exposure to water can dry out skin of any type. This can result in dry, cracked and uncomfortably tight skin. Putting lotion or any other kind of moisturizer may seem like the easy answer, but due to the nature of the work, this ends up becoming a tug-o-war between washing and moisturizing. Even the strongest moisturizers and lotions can be washed off, especially when soap is involved. So what can employees in this industry do to keep their hands safe?

It may be easier said than done but if it is at all possible, try to lessen the number of times you wash your hands throughout the day. That doesn't mean you should neglect the sanitary standards set by your job. Instead be more aware of the things your hands come into contact with. Being more cautious about what you touch can help lessen the number of times you wash your hands. If you can't get around frequent washing, make sure to use lukewarm water rather than hot or cold water. Carry hand sanitizer with you or keep it within easy reach, and practice using that instead of constantly washing your hands.

When drying off your hands, avoid vigorously rubbing them dry. Many restaurants use low-quality paper towels that can irritate your skin. Pat your hands dry so you don't scratch up your hands.

At the end of your shift, use a shielding lotion instead of regular lotion or moisturizers. Shielding lotions contain special ingredients that actually work with your skin to repair and protect your skin's natural defense barrier. Other moisturizers tend to sit on the surface, which doesn't help your skin but in fact could make the problem worse.

When you do wash your hands at work, don't do it for too long. Keep your hands under the water long enough to get a good soapy lather and then rinse them off quickly and dry them. Using these tips will lessen the damage your hands suffer daily and will help your skin repair itself and prevent further damage.

Philosophy Handmade is an excellent product to pamper your skin when you get home after a long day's work. Its special ingredients will ensure your hands get the care they need when they are stressed. For the ultimate at-home treatment for your hands, the Bliss All You Need Is Glove Set has all you'll need for soft, healthy and perfect hands. MD Formulations Critical Care Shielding Creme is the ideal product for taking care of skin that has been damaged by wear and tear or excessive sun exposure. This cream shields and protects your skin from the inside out.

By Skincare News Team
Via: www.skincare-news.com