Construction workers and contractors know what it’s like to work for a living. Standing on your feet for long days in tough conditions, working with your hands to build and repair — it can certainly take a toll. What is often lost in that equation is how tough construction and contractor work can be on the skin, particularly on the hands, feet, and elbows. Thankfully, relief for dry and damaged skin from long, hard hours isn’t as difficult as one might think. By using a once-daily moisturizer and good skincare habits, hard working men can work through their shifts pain-free.
Today, we will review why exactly construction and handyman work is so hard on the hands, common dry skin concerns for contractors, share some simple skincare advice, and how exactly moisturizer for men can help to repair, restore, and renew damaged skin.
Contractors, Construction Workers, and Dry Skin
We don’t need to tell anyone who has worked in construction that dry skin is part of the job. Unfortunately, many men have resigned to the fact that their skin will be dry for as long as they are in the industry. There are a number of reasons why construction workers and contractors develop dry skin, including contact dermatitis, continuous wetting and drying of the skin, repetitive stress, and much more.
While most of these stimuli are unavoidable, living with dry skin is not. It is recommended that construction workers use gloves and protective gear when possible, and avoid excessive hand washing. Beyond best practices on the job, the best methods to handle dry skin generally start at home. Contractors and construction workers dealing with dry skin might find best results by developing smart skincare habits and using a once-daily moisturizer.
Simple Skincare for Hard Working Hands, Feet, and Elbows
Anyone who works with their hands to make a living understands how much of a pain skin irritation can be. It is one thing to have dry, cracked skin sitting behind a desk. It is another matter entirely to be on your feet for 10 hours a day dealing with itchy, dry, and painful skin. That is why skincare is so important for contractors and construction workers. Here is a dead simple routine to keep your skin healthy and strong all year round:
- Cleanse: no skincare routine should start without a good cleanser. This can be as simple as your daily shower or as complex as using an exfoliant to remove excess oil from your face. Whatever you choose, make cleansing with high quality products a priority.
- Shave: if you choose to shave, following the best methods can help you to avoid painful razor burn and/or razor bumps. Use a sharp, clean razor, shave with the grain, and always use a lubricating product for best results.
- Sun Protection: men are at a high risk for sun-related skin damage. This includes skin cancer, which impacts men over the age of 55 more than any other group. Cover up, use sunscreen, and make sun protection a part of your daily routine.
- Moisturize: for construction workers and contractors, moisturizing dry skin can mean the difference between a comfortable day on the job and a long day of painful, itchy skin. Use moisturizer once a day directly after showering for best results.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Moisturizer
Most of us have probably picked up moisturizer at the checkout line at the grocery store or from the shelves of a drugstore without giving it much thought. And why not? Moisturizers are all pretty much the same, right? In reality, high quality moisturizers only work with a mix of potent ingredients including occlusives, humectants, and emollients.
Occlusives are perhaps the most well known moisturizing ingredients. These are the ingredients that create a barrier on the exterior of the skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. Vaseline, aka petroleum jelly, is a common occlusive. Yet Vaseline lacks the other ingredients which make for a complete moisturizing product.
Humectants hydrate dry skin by attracting water molecules almost like a magnet. Alongside occlusives, this allows water to be drawn to the skin’s surface without risk of evaporation. This combination is great for long lasting hydration and moisturization.
Emollients work by filling in the gaps which are created when skin becomes dry and cracked. Emollients are essential for short and long term skin repair from dry skin caused by hard construction or contracting work.
Powerful Dry Skin Relief from HEFF for Hands, Feet, and Elbows
HEFF cream for hands, elbows and feet has been specifically formulated for working men. Harnessing the power of amino acids, our lotion is ideal for even the most dry, cracked skin. Think of once-daily HEFF as routine maintenance for your body. Shower, shave, apply daily moisturizing cream, and you are all set for a day of hard work or hard play. When the air is dry and the temperatures drop this winter, HEFF will be there to keep your skin healthy and strong.
For every tube of HEFF sold, we are proud to donate a tube to Operation Gratitude. This is a small way of giving back to the men and women who keep our country safe.To find HEFF, shop on Amazon, find us at any of these national retailers, or contact us directly for more information today!