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Keeping our hands clean with hand sanitiser is an easy, efficient way to keep on top of germs. Regular hand washing is always best, however, this isn’t always practical. Sometimes life can be hectic and busy, and we may not have direct access to soap and water. For these times, hand sanitisers are the next best thing. 

There are plenty of hand sanitisers on the market now, but make sure you know how to use them properly for the best effect. Read through our detailed guide to make the most out of this trending cleaning solution. 

How Does Hand Sanitiser Work?

Hand sanitisers work by effectively killing any bacteria, viruses or microbes found on the hands. Hand sanitisers have a gel-like consistency, and this liquid formulation means the gel can be easily applied to and spread on the skin. A sanitiser is any solution that contains ethyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride, or isopropyl alcohol as the active ingredient. All of these elements help to get rid of bacteria and viruses. Alcohol is known for killing microbes as it breaks down the protective layer of proteins and disrupts their ability to grow.

Often cleansing gels are blended with botanical fragrances for a more pleasant scent. It often seems sanitiser gels work like magic; after all, they help eliminate up to 99% of germs in under a minute. What you need to know is that this is the magic of chemistry. As mentioned above, one primary ingredient in a sanitiser is alcohol. Ethanol can be found in drinks, while isopropanol and propanol are present in disinfectants. All of these elements help in getting rid of bacteria and viruses. 

How Often Should You Use Hand Sanitiser?

The usage of hand sanitisers should vary from person to person as it will ultimately depend on your workplace or environment. For well-ventilated spaces with little human interaction, you will use a sanitiser sparingly. However, for people working in fields where frequent sanitisation is crucial, e.g. restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, cashiers, etc., regular hand sanitising is highly recommended to ensure everyone’s safety. 

hand-sanitiser-hand-cleansing-gel

Can You Use Too Much Hand Sanitiser?

The short answer is no. There are no strict regulations as to how many times or how much you should apply a sanitiser. No research or evidence would indicate sanitisers being harmful or toxic for you.  However you may have heard of the saying, ‘everything in moderation’. The same is the case with this efficient on-the-go cleaning method. Even though it might not have any harmful, long-term after effects, overuse may have a detrimental impact. 

Overusing hand sanitisers more than necessary can cause the alcohol and other ingredients to irritate the skin. This may be even more possible if you have sensitive skin. The best way to dodge this problem is by alternating washing and sanitising after every few hours. 

Does Hand Sanitiser Kill Germs?

There have been various bodies of research showing the positive effect of sanitising. For example, a study published in 2015 showed that alcohol sanitisers could drastically lessen the risk of E.coli and salmonella. These are effective because such cleansers with at least 60% alcohol can kill the pathogen. Alcohol also can eliminate bacteria and viruses. Moreover, the best thing about them is that the bacteria won’t build resistance against it. As a result of this, sanitisers will never lose its effectiveness.

Can You Overuse Hand Sanitisers?

 

There is no evidence, which suggests that overusing these can be harmful to you. Alcohol has been used for many years worldwide as an antiseptic with a minimal effect on the skin. However, bear in mind, excessive usage of it may cause dryness and irritation.

 

But on the other hand, if you excessively wash your hands, that can also damage your skin. The easiest solution to this dilemma is to switch between washing your hands and using a sanitising gel. Be kind to your skin; it will thank you for it in the end. 

What Is The Best Hand Sanitiser?

It is recommended to choose hand sanitisers that have at least 60% of alcohol in them. The higher the amount of alcohol, the more effective it will be to eliminate germs. Also, don’t opt for a sanitiser that is ‘alcohol-free’ as they will be of no use to you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a few aspects that you should keep in mind while buying a sanitiser.

How to Use Hand Sanitiser

Pour a two penny-sized amount into the palm of your hands and rub the gel all over. Keep rubbing your hands and palms until all the gel is dry or soaked in. This will usually take somewhere around 15-20 seconds. 

Do not rinse it off immediately. If you rinse your hands right after applying the sanitiser, then it might not be able to work to its best capabilities. 

Always have a sanitiser to hand when you’re out and about, in your car or in your handbag. 

You can explore our range of hand sanitisers here, within our most popular brands, Naturally European and Aromas Artesanales De Antigua. As well as being developed under our popular brands, we have ensured to sustainably source our bottles, as the bottles are made using recycled plastic.

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