The Benefits of Moisturizing Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizers have become a staple item that many people carry with them or have installed in convenient locations around their home or workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic made hand hygiene a top priority for protecting personal and public health.
Traditional hand sanitizers are extremely effective at killing germs and bacteria, but they can often leave your skin feeling dry and irritated. This is especially problematic for people who already suffer from dry skin or skin conditions like eczema.
How Hand Sanitizers Work
Most hand sanitizers contain a high concentration of alcohol, usually 60% to 95% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. The alcohol immediately denatures proteins and dismantles the lipid membranes of pathogens on your skin, effectively killing many types of germs and viruses.
However, this alcohol can also damage your skin by stripping away natural moisturizing oils. Repeated use may cause inflammation, irritation, cracks, peeling, and flare ups of certain skin conditions.
The Rise of Moisturizing Formulas
To counteract the drying effects of alcohol-based sanitizers, many companies now offer lotion-based hand sanitizers. These products add hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin, and essential oils.
The additional emollients and humectants soothe skin and help seal in moisture. This allows you to kill germs without suffering from parched, cracked hands afterwards.
Do Hydrating Hand Sanitizers Work?
Skeptics may wonder if these moisturizing hand sanitizer formulas are as effective at eliminating germs as their drying alcohol-based counterparts. Rest assured, the leading brands ensure that the final product contains enough alcohol to be highly antimicrobial.
The CDC recommends hand sanitizers have over 60% alcohol content. Most lotion-based options easily meet and exceed that benchmark. This means they rapidly annihilate 99.9% of common disease-causing pathogens.
Other Benefits
Since moisturizing sanitizers are gentler on your skin, people find it easier to use them more frequently and thoroughly. This leads to better hand hygiene compliance throughout the general public.
Frequent use of drying alcohol-based products often deters people from sanitizing properly. Rough, irritated skin is uncomfortable and may even crack and bleed. The hydrating formulas do not have these issues.
Choosing the Best Formula
Lotion hand sanitizers have clear benefits, but not every product on the market follows through on its claims. When selecting a moisturizing hand sanitizer, look for the following traits:
- Contains at least 60% alcohol (CDC recommended)
- Includes hydrating ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, glycerin, essential oils
- Free of parabens, artificial fragrances, and dyes
- pH balanced to match healthy skin
- Pump-based dispenser to prevent contamination
- Reputable brand with transparency about ingredients
Using Your Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer
To receive the full benefits of a hydrating hand sanitizer, use the product correctly:
- Apply to dry hands only. Wet hands will dilute the formula.
- Use 1 to 2 pump dispenses to coat fronts, backs, between fingers, and under nails.
- Rub thoroughly until liquid is absorbed into skin without rinsing.
- Allow skin to fully dry before touching anything.
- Use after hand washing or when soap and water are unavailable.
Tips for Maximizing Results
Besides proper usage techniques, follow these tips:
- Carry a portable moisturizing hand sanitizer for on-the-go hygiene.
- Keep larger pump bottles in your car, at your desk, in bathrooms, etc.
- Apply moisturizing lotion after sanitizing if hands are very dry.
- Use frequently whenever exposed to high-risk germ zones.
Follow this routine to get powerful antimicrobial protection while avoiding dried out skin. Look and feel your best with healthy, hydrated hands!
FAQs
Are moisturizing hand sanitizers as effective at killing germs as regular hand sanitizers?
Yes. Reputable brands ensure their moisturizing hand sanitizers contain at least 60% alcohol, as recommended by the CDC to rapidly eliminate 99.9% of illness-causing germs.
Do I need to use moisturizing lotion after using a hydrating hand sanitizer?
No, typically not. Good moisturizing hand sanitizers contain ingredients like aloe, glycerin, and essential oils to condition skin so separate lotion is not needed after use.
Can kids use moisturizing hand sanitizers safely?
Yes, children can safely use properly formulated moisturizing hand sanitizers with adult supervision. Ensure the product is non-toxic if accidentally ingested.
Where should moisturizing hand sanitizers be stored at home?
Keep hand sanitizer bottles in commonly used rooms like the kitchen, bathrooms, mud room, and in cars and bags that leave the house. Refrigeration is not needed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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