Hand Sanitisers: How Do They Work to Keep You Safe?

Introduction

As a society, we are becoming more conscious of our health and making more responsible decisions. We are choosing to eat organic food, use non-toxic products and invest in our mental and physical well-being. One positive change that has taken place in recent times is the regular use of sanitizers to disinfect on the go and stay healthy.

For a while, hand sanitizers were thought of as to be a trend. But now, they’ve become a basic necessity. Due to the pandemic that has swept the globe, nobody goes out without hand sanitizer anymore.

Cleaning your hands regularly using hand sanitizers has now become a reflex action. It’s common knowledge that sanitizers eliminate germs and protects us from illnesses. However, they offer additional benefits as well. Let’s take a look at these benefits.

How Does Hand Sanitiser Work?

Hand sanitizers were made to be used after washing hands or when soap and water aren’t readily available. These are alcohol-based gels that are used to kill germs on the skin. Alcohol kills microorganisms and many viruses swiftly and effectively. As alcohol is extremely drying for the skin, many sanitizers also have lotions to help prevent dry skin and irritation.

It kills cells but not human cells. It destroys microbial cells. It is based on the use of 70% isopropanol alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol. This is the most effective concentration of rubbing alcohol for eliminating germs and is even more effective than 100%. Because it contains a small amount of water, it increases penetration. Sanitizers combat viruses by breaking down the outer coat of the virus. They do this by disrupting the cell membrane of a bacterium. However, it is not a cure-all because some viruses do not have an outer coat.

When Should You Use Hand Sanitizer?

Hand Washing can reduce the number of bacteria, chemicals, and metals on your hands. Understanding when to clean your hands and how to clean them gives you the best chance to stay healthy.

  • After using soap and water.
  • Food preparation: before, during, and after.
  • Before eating food.
  • Before and after caring for a sick person who has diarrhea or vomited.
  • Before and after an injury or cut is treated.
  • After using the bathroom.
  • After handling pet food or treats, clean your hands with soap and water.
  • After coming into contact with the rubbish.
  • If your hands appear to be dirty or oily.

 

How Much Hand Sanitiser Should You Use?

To effectively use hand sanitizers, you need to apply a small amount on the palm of your hand and rub it over your entire hand. Do not forget your nail beds. If the gel totally dissipates in under 15 seconds, then you have not used enough hand sanitizer.

Benefits Of Hand Sanitiser:

Here are some benefits of using hand sanitizer on a regular basis:

  1. Cleanliness:

This shouldn’t come as a surprise. One of the primary benefits of hand sanitizers is just that it sanitizes. It’s made to remove germs and take care of that business. When used properly, hand sanitizers can eliminate 99.9 percent of the germs on your hands.

  1. Portability:

It’s impossible to carry an entire sink with you all the time. In some situations where you have to wash your hands, soap, and water aren’t always readily available. A small bottle of hand sanitizer can go into your glove compartment, in a bag, or even your pocket.

  1. Ideal for Group Settings:

At the workplace, in the classroom, or any place with lots of foot traffic, germs spread quickly. It doesn’t matter whether you’re preparing to eat or taking out the garbage, other germs can affect you (particularly when you’re in close contact with other people). This is why having hand sanitizer accessible is perfect for group settings. Teachers, students, and office workers can remove germs from their hands throughout the day without leaving their study hall or area. Even those who go to the gym can benefit from a squirt of hand sanitizer before jumping to the next exercise machine.

  1. Hands That Feel Softer:

This may be one of the most amazing benefits of hand sanitizers, however, it’s not unrealistic. Hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol can really improve the surface of the skin on your hands (note that hand sanitizers that contain alcohol will not have this effect). Some hand sanitizers contain Emollients that soothe the skin, which results in better-looking and smoother hands. During the COVID-19 or flu season, do not use hand sanitizers that contain alcohol as they strip skin’s normal oils and can make it crack, which in turn produces an opening for microorganisms to enter.

  1. Very Efficient

The most common reason people do not wash their hands is that it’s quicker to simply walk away after using the bathroom. If you have to go to the bathroom before having food and are hungry, it’s simple to justify skipping hand washing to satisfy your hunger faster. Because it’s quicker, hand sanitizer is more convenient.

  1. Bacteria Can’t Become Resistant

Bacteria will not become resistant to the ingredients of hand sanitizer as they can to soap. Antibacterial soaps have Triclosan which has been associated with the worsening of antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains on the hands.

There is no issue with hand sanitizers. Alcohol is the primary ingredient in hand sanitizers. Alcohol has been used as an antiseptic for many years. It kills bacteria by a process known as denaturation. Another way to put it is that alcohol can completely dissolve bacteria.

  1. Good for Sensitive Skin

Certain hand soap formulas can irritate sensitive skin, which is a common complaint. Commercial soaps used in public restrooms may contain ingredients that can cause itching or rashes on the skin.

For sensitive skin, hand sanitizers are generally recommended, especially if you’re making your recipe. Hand sanitizer is similar to lotion in the sense that it doesn’t require any additional resources or preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hand Sanitiser:

  1. Can Hand Sanitizer Remove All Types Of Germs?

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microorganisms on your hands in certain conditions. However, they do not eliminate a variety of germs. Water and soap are more potent than hand sanitizers in removing certain kinds of germs like Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile.

  1. When Is Hand Sanitizer Most Effective?

Hand sanitizers may not be effective when hands are visibly dirty or oily. Numerous studies show that hand sanitizers work best in settings such as medical clinics where hands come into contact with germs but, in general, yet by and large, are not vigorously oily or dirty. Some studies have also shown that hand sanitizers can work effectively against particular types of germs on marginally filthy hands.

  1. What Is The Best Kind Of Hand Sanitiser?

If soap and water aren’t readily available, try an organic hand sanitizer that contains enzymes. Studies have discovered that sanitizers that contain an alcohol content of 60-95 percent are effective at removing bacteria; however, they may cause adverse effects if used frequently. Organic hand sanitizers that contain enzymes are great for ensuring the complete protection of your hands. They contain hydrating ingredients that prevent your hands from becoming dry and keep them moisturized.