Beauty therapists: how to protect your hands from contact allergies

The number of therapists developing skin issues on their hands has been gradually increasing in recent years, with symptoms ranging from dryness, redness and skin cracking through to full contact dermatitis and eczema flare-ups.

With the increase of hand washing impacting the barrier function of the skin, combined with regular contact of various high-performance and aromatic ingredient groups used across the salon, the high irritation potential can lead to ongoing concerns.

With our hands being so fundamental to offering facial treatments, how can we alleviate these negative issues? 

3 ways to protect your hands when performing facials and massage

1. Wear gloves when performing treatments

Some therapists choose to glove up when performing certain treatments, providing a barrier from the products. 

If you choose this method, opting for nitrile or non-latex gloves is generally considered the best option for comfort for you and your client. Ensure the gloves are a comfortable fit for you, tight enough to not feel restrictive for you but not so loose that your hands move around inside.

2. Adapt your treatment techniques

For some therapists, the thought of wearing gloves goes against the grain, so adapting techniques is the next consideration.

For cleansing and exfoliation, try using two fan brushes to apply and spread cleanser or exfoliant to the skin then continue to perform the cleanse or exfoliation with two facial cleansing brushes using long, slow, intentional movements to work the product around the skin.This reduces hand contact with product and will be highly enjoyable for the client as the technique creates a sensorial experience for them – absolute bliss.With facial massage, if you are finding the higher concentration blends of essential oils like massage oils or aromatic serums are irritating your damaged hands then temporarily avoid using them and in place use a plain carrier oil.  

This will assist your hand healing due to the high lipid content in grapeseed, sweet almond, rosehip seed and other oils.

If you wish to treat the skin with aromatherapy, apply a few drops of your chosen blend from a pipette-type bottle. Dispense one drop on the forehead, one on each cheek and one on the chin and gently smooth over the face using a gloved finger tip. 

Follow with application of a plain carrier oil or rich textured massage cream, which will create a barrier between the aromatic oil and your hands and a multi level massage for your client.  

Alternatively, apply a plain carrier oil to your hands as a barrier then proceed as normal with your massage.

3. Self-care for beauty therapists

While we put emphasis on treating our clients, you need to make sure self-care is at the forefront for your own wellbeing, otherwise the long-term impact will reduce your longevity in the industry. 

Keep your skin as hydrated as possible by washing with a creamy cleanser and following with lots of moisturiser. 

Select a fragrance-free, ultra-soothing moisture cream, packed with nutrients such as borage seed oil. This is great for strengthening the skin’s barrier and relieving irritation.

For hands that are ultra-dry, cracked and sore, opt for a moisturising body butter, which will envelope the skin with additional support.

Matt Taylor is brand and education manager at Eve Taylor London. 

This is a sponsored post in association with Eve Taylor London.    

Read more: Nail techs: how to prevent a contact allergy