Disinfectant

For the last couple of years, alcohol free hand sanitizer has become quite popular and is increasingly being used in many households. This is thanks to the high level of convenience that the sanitizer offers when it comes to killing bacteria and viruses especially when water and soap can not be accessed easily.

Purpose of alcohol free hand sanitizer

One of the few things learned during the early stages in life is the importance of washing our hands. It is paramount that hands are washed with water and soap in order to lift germs and dirt off the hands surface. At times when water and soap is unavailable for whichever reason, the next best alternative to consider using is alcohol free hand sanitizer. On contact, the hand sanitizers are able to kill and eliminate germs in an easy way. This helps minimize the chances of infections from diseases as a result of ingesting the germs into the body.

Ingredients in alcohol free hand sanitizer

Basically, alcohol free hand sanitizer comprises of the ethyl alcohol in its make up as well as inactive additives like water and other fragrances. The active ingredient is ethyl alcohol whose main role is killing germs when they come into contact with the sanitizer. For effective results, the sanitizer should have a concentration of not less than 90 percent as far as alcohol is concerned and the lows of 60 percent. Any alcohol free hand sanitizer that has an alcohol concentration of less than 60 percent will be of little use in killing the bacteria and using it is pointless. For this reason, you must first read the label carefully to ensure that you are buying something useful to you and not a sheer waste of your money.

How to use alcohol free hand sanitizer

Alcohol free hand sanitizer is usually placed on the hands and when doing this, you should ensure that you have enough sanitizer to get the job done. The way to ascertain that it is sufficient is when it does not dry fast and where it takes less than ten to fifteen seconds; you need to consider adding more sanitizer. The two hands should then be rubbed vigorously together and thoroughly rub your entire skin with the alcohol free hand sanitizer. This way, germs will be killed immediately and avoid infections.

Usage tips

It is essential you understand that the alcohol free hand sanitizer will not be able to get through your bodily fluids, blood, dirt as well as other grime as they kill the germs. For this reason, before you apply the sanitizer, ensure that you wipe these off or wash them with soap and water first. When you apply the sanitizer on your skin, you will experience the drying effect of the alcohol. After drying up, it is important that you apply your favorite skin lotion to freshen up. All in all, alcohol free hand sanitizer is highly effective in getting your skin properly sanitized and completely free of germs.

Antibacterial soap has been one of the staples in the market for years. You will find that more than 70% of the soap products marketed out there today are labeled antibacterial. However, there have been recent movements in different areas that are trying to outlaw antibacterial soap products. Why do these people consider antibacterial body soap to be bad for you? It mostly lays on the ingredient Triclosan and how it affects the body.

Reason #1 – Triclosan Kills Everything

Not every bacterium is bad yet Triclosan is known for being a very potent antibacterial ingredient. It practically kills everything it comes in contact with. Unfortunately there are a lot of bacteria that is beneficial to the body and some are even responsible for improving the body’s immune system. Without them the body is more susceptible to diseases.

Reason #2 – Some Bacteria Develop Immunity

Because Triclosan does not change its behavior, a lot of bacteria tend to adapt to its nature. When this happens, the bacteria that Triclosan normally kills will suddenly develop shields that prevent them from being affected. This pretty much defeats the purpose of using antibacterial soap in the first place.

Reason #3 – Toxicity

Did you know that there have been several cases where antibacterial soap has been identified as a toxin? The most common studies have shown that it highly affects a human’s sex hormones and even the body’s immune system, crippling it to a point where the body is susceptible to any common disease. There have even been cases where it has affected a person’s muscles and skeletal integrity.

Reason #4 – Skin Irritation

Antibacterial body soap has shown to be a major cause for skin irritation. People with sensitive skin, most notably women, tend to end up with skin rashes and mild red spots that can be itchy and disruptive. When scratched they can lead to severe skin damage and fungal infection. For many this is the major reason why people prefer baby soap because it is mild in nature.

Reason #5 – No Big Difference

Studies have shown there are really no big differences between antibacterial body soap and regular body soap. Soap works very simply: the base and acidic mixture, when combined with water, attracts all the dirt and bacteria stuck on the body and thus makes them easier to wash out during a bath. Antibacterial body soap does improve on this a little bit but the effect is so minimal that it doesn’t even register as a notable difference. And besides – antibacterial body soap should be on the body for at least two to three minutes before rinsing but so many are not that patient therefore the added value of the soap is not even realized.

Should you rely on antibacterial body soap? It does have its benefits, especially for surgeons who need to be completely bacteria free when in the operating room, but for the average person taking a shower and washing their hands before meals it might have more risks than substantial benefits. For the most part, you might want to step away from antibacterial soap and instead turn to mild baby soap or natural soap instead.