Between the options of scented and unscented hand sanitizers, we have seen, through research, that the unscented version is far better and less risky to your health, then the scented ones. Chemicals that are sometimes included in them including Triclosan, Fragrance and perfumes, Parabens, and chemicals, can all have an adverse effect on our health. Want to know more about this? Click here.
Because the world has now been informed that to keep germs and bacteria at bay, due to the current pandemic, we are facing, that hand sanitizer needs to be in everyone’s handbags and suitcases and should be used as often as possible, after touching any surfaces. Having known this, the majority of the population has gone to the stores and bought liters of the stuff.
If you had asked people a couple of decades ago if they use a sanitizer, they would probably have said – “a what?” but even though many of us use it, we don’t always have an entirely sound idea of what it is. This article is here to clarify a few factors about this fascinating and lifesaving product.
Hand Sanitizers -What Are They?
Let’s begin with the basics, this is a product that is also known as a hand rub, hand cleanser, antiseptic, and comes in mainly three forms, a gel, foam, or a liquid. And they come in twokinds, either the scented or the unscented. It is applied to the palms of the hand and rubbed together till it disappears in order to get rid of disease-causing microorganisms that are hard to see with the naked eye.
When you are in spaces where soap and water are unavailable, these act as a substitute to this, although it is highly recommended to always wash your hands thoroughly after touching anything, in the case where that’s is not an option, the cleanser bottles will suffice.
Used in a variety of settings from hospitals to schools, and even restaurants, this has become one of the most sold products during the year 2019, to date and continues to be, due to the current world situation of the COVI-19 virus. Until that has not been resolved, it seems it will be here to stay.
If you are asking yourself if they really work, keep reading to find out more.
Whether Hand Sanitizers Work
The short and simple answer to this is – they definitely do work! Their effectiveness, however, is purely dependant on a few factors, such as if it has a minimum of 60% alcohol in it if it is liberally applied, and how frequent it is applied. The FDA’s website states that the best way to prevent any diseases and germs is to use a product that has at least 60% alcohol in it https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html, and when washing your hands with soap and water, make sure to keep it rubbing for at least 20 seconds each time.
There are 3 known bacteria that the sanitizers may not shield you against and these are the Clostridium difficile, Norovirus, and Cryptosporidium. They are however very effective against enveloped viruses, bacteria, and fungi. They help to manage the transmission of various types of diseases too.
What About Its Time-Limit
If you’re wondering to yourself if you should be applying it to your hands every hour or every 2 hours, a point to take home is that they are in reality effective for up to 2 minutes. As surprising a fact as this is, according to Moxe hand sanitizer manufacturer, the “health point survey” that was done by a PR agency this year, mentioned that 50% of people thought it lasted for up to an hour. Which goes to say, use it frequently, but opt for an unscented one which is much safer and has fewer toxic chemicals in it.
Also, don’t forget to check the expiry date on that hand sanitizer in your bag, they do expire because they have alcohol in them. Typically, it lasts for 3 years, after you open a new bottle or tube.
We hope the above information gives you a better understanding of this much-needed addition to yours and your family’s recent lifestyles.
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