Hand sanitizers were created somewhere in the latter half of the twentieth century and were popular worldwide in the 1980s, notably in the 1990s and early 21st century.
What Does the Term “Hand Sanitizer” Mean?
A hand sanitizer is a liquid, gel, or foam that is commonly used to reduce infectious agents on the hands. In most healthcare settings, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are preferred over soap and water hand cleaning. It is better tolerated and more effective for a variety of reasons. Hand sanitizer based on alcohol is effective against a wide range of bacteria. To reduce skin dryness, compounds such as glycerol may be used.
Some versions include perfumes, however, they are discouraged owing to the potential of adverse responses. Hand sanitizers are also a form of disinfectant and antiseptic used to kill germs (pathogens) such as dangerous viruses, fungus, and bacteria.
The majority of hand sanitizers are alcohol-based and available in gel, foam, or liquid form. After application, alcohol-based hand sanitizers may kill between 99.9 percent and 99.999 percent of bacteria. Although hand sanitizers were first employed exclusively in hospital settings, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted them to become a widespread occupational safety precaution.
How Does Hand Sanitizer Work?
So, how do you use hand sanitizer? If soap and water aren’t accessible and your hands aren’t coated in apparent filth or oil, hand sanitizers are a simple and effective way to clean them. Most hand sanitizers have alcohol as a primary component. Alcohols are organic compounds composed of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen.
Ethanol is the molecule found in alcoholic beverages and is the chemical that most people think of when they hear the word “alcohol.” Propanol and isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) are two additional alcohols that are commonly used in disinfectants because, like ethanol, they are very soluble in water.
Alcohol kills a wider range of bacteria and viruses as the concentration approaches 60%, and it acts quicker as the concentration rises. However, alcohol appears to be most efficient at concentrations of 90-95 percent. Another advantage of alcohol is that the germs it kills do not acquire resistance to it, which means that alcohol does not lose potency with time.
The efficacy of hand sanitizers is heavily dependent on how they are used. For everyday usage, massage a hand sanitizer into the skin for 20 seconds, after which the hand sanitizer should have cooled. It will not function well if washed off before being completely dry.
Because it is critical to eradicating as many bacteria as possible in surgical applications, the hand sanitization procedure is significantly more stringent. In this scenario, 90 seconds is often regarded as the least permitted application interval, and the sanitizer will be administered for much longer in many circumstances.
Is Hand Sanitizer Harmful Or Toxic?
According to the Hazardous Substances Database, alcohols are deemed safe for use as an antiseptic and have no harmful impact on the skin, however, prolonged usage may produce dryness or mild irritation. Several studies have indicated that using hand sanitizer on a regular basis is less annoying than washing your hands with soap on a regular basis. However, injured skin is more prone to irritation from alcohol.
And, let’s face it, would you rather have a little skin irritation than spread and contract an illness?
Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the most often used, non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be appropriate in some instances, especially if an alcohol-resistant microbial agent is present in the environment. Non-alcoholic hand sanitizers commonly include triclosan, chlorhexidine gluconate, and chloroxylenol. Non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used in situations where the presence of alcohol may provide a health or safety risk.
Benefits Of Using Hand Sanitizers
While your hands are useful, they also bring germs into touch with your mouth, eyes, nose, and other regions of your body. While washing your hands with soap and warm water is the best method, hand sanitizer is another choice. If you haven’t already made this germ-fighter a standard on your grocery list, you might want to after learning about its multiple benefits.
5 Benefits of Hand Sanitizers
1. Reduces the risk of illness:
Limiting your exposure to other people’s viruses is especially important during flu season. Each time you take a break during the day, you reduce your chances of being unwell. Even a simple trip to a friend’s house or the supermarket might expose you to germs that can cause a cold, flu, or other ailments, so keeping your hands as clean as possible is critical.
2. Cleanliness:
This should come as no surprise. One of the primary advantages of hand sanitizer is that it sanitizes. Its purpose is to eradicate germs and take care of that stuff. Hand sanitizers, when used properly, can kill 99.9% of germs on your hands. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends washing your hands whenever you come in contact with food (either producing or consuming it), animals, waste, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. When you find yourself in this situation, hand sanitizer is an excellent supplement to (or occasional replacement for) cleaning your hands with soap and water.
3. Flexibility:
It is impossible to carry a sink anywhere. Soap and water may not always be available in situations when you need to wash your hands. A little bottle of hand sanitizer may be stored in your glove compartment, bag, or even your pocket. It’s also great for when you’re getting a taste of a game or have just left a public location, such as the market.
4. Softer-feeling Hands:
This is one of the most amazing benefits of hand sanitizer, yet it is not impractical. Non-alcohol hand sanitizers can significantly enhance the surface of your hands’ skin (note that hand sanitizers with alcohol will not have this impact). Some hand sanitizers contain emollients, which soften your skin and give you smoother, more appealing hands. You will notice a difference in the way your skin feels and looks moisturized. During pandemics like COVID-19 or flu seasons, avoid using alcohol-based hand sanitizers since they wipe away the skin’s natural oils and might cause it to crack, creating an access site for germs.
5. Perfect for Small Groups:
Germs spread quickly in the office, school, or any other area with a lot of foot activity. Others’ germs can influence you whether you are preparing to dine or putting out the garbage (particularly when you are in close contact with other people). This is why keeping hand sanitizer on hand is ideal for group settings. Educators, students, and office professionals may eradicate germs on a regular basis without leaving their study hall or work area, and even gym-goers can apply a dab of hand sanitizer before moving on to the next exercise equipment.
What Is the Best Type of Hand Sanitizer?
If soap and water are not available, use an enzyme-containing organic hand sanitizer. According to studies, sanitizers with an alcohol content of 60-95 percent are effective at killing germs but can have a number of negative side effects if used repeatedly.
There are various advantages to using hand sanitizer, including successfully and simply combating germs (and even, improving your skin). If you are looking for the perfect sanitizer, we strongly recommend using Zen Garden’s Hand Sanitizer!
Zen Garden Hand Sanitizer efficiently cleanses and disinfects hands. It is carefully developed with moisturizing characteristics to minimize dryness caused by repeated use while remaining rinse-free and non-sticky. Our gel-like sanitizer contains Aloe Vera, which gives it a lovely scent!
Among the additional advantages are:
- Easy-to-use, no-rinse formula!
- No rinsing is required, and it dries quickly. Use it anywhere, at any time!
- Refreshing There is no stickiness left!
- Protection Vitamin E-enriched to preserve your skin!
- Moisturizing Aloe Vera is used to keep your hands smooth and supple!
- Effectively destroys 99.9% of germs and bacteria
- Alcohol Denatured 70% – 80%
Zen Garden’s sanitizers are safe for use on all skin types. You don’t have to be concerned about rashes and itching appearing on your hand. Get it now at all supermarkets and hypermarkets near you!