Every day we touch handrails in public transport, door handles, seats. But these places are a source of staphylococcus, streptococcus, Escherichia coli and other microorganisms. If it comes into contact with the face, eyes, or even the mouth, they can cause serious illness. Therefore, it is very important to wash your hands regularly. But what if there is no washbasin and antibacterial soap nearby? Hand sanitizer comes to the rescue, which is available in almost every city dweller in a backpack or bag. But is such a hygiene product really necessary or is it a harmful excess? This issue was sorted out by estet-portal.com.
Hand sanitizer – remedy that came into everyday life from medicine
Initially, hand sanitizer was only used in clinics and hospitals. It was used and is used to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Now it is widely used outside of medical institutions. It is used by ordinary people in everyday life to maintain cleanliness and hand hygiene. Such a cosmetic product is taken with you on trips, to the beach, to the forest, to a picnic or other place where there is no way to wash your hands.
The antiseptic product is available in both pharmacies and stores. Many hygiene products are based on ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. This organic compound kills bacteria, fungi, staphylococci, streptococci and even tubercle bacillus.
Also, the base is made up of such active substances as:
• propanol;
• isopropanol;
• n-propanol;
• povidone-iodine.
As additional elements, add to hand antiseptics:
• flavors – give a fragrance to the hygiene product;
• dyes – paint the antiseptic in a color that is pleasant to the eyes;
• glycerin – retains moisture in the cells and softens the skin of the hands;
• propylene glycol – prevents freezing of the compositions;
• vitamins and herbal extracts – take care of the skin of the hands.
Because alcohol is detrimental to sensitive skin, manufacturers have also developed water-based products containing triclosan or benzalkonium chloride.
Antiseptics come in a variety of forms. They can be in the form:
• liquids – great replacement for water and soap;
• spray – easy to use, as it is enough to spray on your hands. Also, this antiseptic is perfectly absorbed into the skin and dries quickly;
• gel – contains in its composition more of those components that moisturize and nourish the skin. Therefore, it is great for dry and sensitive dermis of the hands. It is applied using a dispenser, due to which the antiseptic is consumed more economically than liquid products and sprays.
Hand sanitizer: a great alternative to soap and water
Such a disinfectant is in great demand for a reason. After all, it has significant advantages:
• Kills bacteria and protects against various diseases.
• Provides a feeling of cleanliness and freshness throughout the day.
• Acts only on the surface of the skin, which prevents the penetration of the substance into the body.
• It has a compact size, due to which it can be easily carried in a handbag.
Hygiene product is much more effective than soap. It kills up to 99% of pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
• Does not require rinsing with water – The disinfectant leaves virtually no residue behind and dries quickly.
• Easy to use – It is enough to apply the product on hands and distribute evenly.
• Economical – very little is needed to disinfect hands with an antiseptic product.
Disadvantages of hand sanitizer: what should alert you
Despite all the advantages of a disinfectant product, it also has the other side of the coin. It gives a feeling of cleanliness, but at the same time, the alcohol in the product takes moisture from the skin, causing the dermis to become dry and flaky. In addition, this substance destroys the natural protection of the cover. Alcohol-free products also harm the skin. Triclosan, which is part of their composition, prevents the growth of bacteria and does not dry the skin, but, despite this, it contributes to the formation of another harmful microorganism. This is methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. Parabens are neurotoxic. They cause skin irritation. As for perfumes, they often cause allergic reactions and skin diseases.
Harmful or useful hand antiseptic, it is impossible to say unequivocally. Indeed, on the one hand, this product destroys bacteria and viruses, and on the other hand – dries up the skin. But in any case, you should not refuse such an assistant. Only when buying is better to choose a product with the least amount of harmful components. The best option – disinfectant without alcohol and fragrances. Better yet, make your own personal care product from natural ingredients. Then safety, efficiency and quality care will be ensured.
Read also: All you need to know about disinfection in salons and clinics
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