In today’s world, staying healthy and germ-free has never been more important. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the threat of other infectious diseases, maintaining good hygiene is crucial to protect yourself and those around you.
While washing your hands with soap and water is still the gold standard for hand hygiene, it’s not always possible to do so when you’re on the go. That’s where hand sanitizer comes in. Not only is it convenient, but it’s also highly effective in killing germs and reducing the risk of infection.
In this article, we’ll explore why hand sanitizer is your best defense against germs, how it works, and some tips on how to use it effectively. Whether you’re at home, at work, or out and about, having a bottle of hand sanitizer with you could be the difference between staying healthy and getting sick. So, let’s dive in and find out more about this powerful tool in the fight against germs!
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L’Orge. is a premium hand sanitizer brand in Singapore. We redefine home cleaning supplies with a luxurious touch and ethically sourced ingredients. It helps to reduce our ecological footprint without compromising on the quality we deserved.
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The benefits of using hand sanitizer
There are several benefits to using hand sanitizer. One of the main benefits is that it’s quick and convenient. You can use it anytime, anywhere, without the need for soap and water. This makes it ideal for situations where you don’t have access to a sink, such as when you’re traveling, at work, or out running errands.
Another benefit of hand sanitizer is that it’s highly effective in killing germs. Most hand sanitizers contain alcohol, which is a powerful germ killer. When you apply hand sanitizer to your hands, it works by breaking down the cell walls of the germs, causing them to die. This helps to reduce the risk of infection and illness.
In addition to killing germs, hand sanitizer can also help to prevent the spread of germs. When you touch a surface that has been contaminated with germs, such as a doorknob or a shopping cart handle, those germs can easily transfer to your hands. By using hand sanitizer after touching these surfaces, you can help to kill any germs that may be on your hands and prevent them from spreading to others.
What are germs and how do they spread?
Before we dive into the benefits of using hand sanitizer, let’s first understand what germs are and how they spread. Germs are microscopic organisms that can cause infections and diseases. They can be found on surfaces, in the air, and on our bodies. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are the three main types of germs that can cause illness.
Germs can spread through direct contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands, kissing, or sexual contact. They can also spread through indirect contact, such as touching a surface that has been contaminated with germs, then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. Germs can also be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
The best way to prevent the spread of germs is through good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and staying home when you’re sick. But when you’re on the go, hand sanitizer can be a convenient and effective option to help kill germs and reduce the risk of infection.
The active ingredients in hand sanitizer and how they work
The active ingredient in most hand sanitizers is alcohol. Alcohol is a powerful germ killer that works by denaturing the proteins and dissolving the lipid membranes of the germs, causing them to die. The most common types of alcohol used in hand sanitizer are ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol.
The alcohol content in hand sanitizer is typically measured in terms of its percentage. The higher the percentage of alcohol, the more effective the hand sanitizer will be at killing germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content to effectively kill germs.
In addition to alcohol, some hand sanitizers may also contain other active ingredients, such as benzalkonium chloride or triclosan. These ingredients work by disrupting the cell membranes of the germs, causing them to die. However, these ingredients are not as effective as alcohol and are not recommended by the CDC for use in hand sanitizers.
How to properly use hand sanitizer?
While hand sanitizer can be a convenient and effective tool in the fight against germs, it’s important to use it properly to ensure that it’s effective. Here are some tips on how to properly use hand sanitizer:
1. Apply a dime-sized amount of hand sanitizer to the palm of your hand.
2. Rub your hands together, making sure to cover all surfaces of your hands, including your fingertips, in between your fingers, and the backs of your hands.
3. Continue rubbing your hands together until the hand sanitizer has completely dried. This should take about 20-30 seconds.
It’s important to note that hand sanitizer should not be used as a substitute for hand washing. While hand sanitizer can help to kill germs, it’s not as effective as washing your hands with soap and water. Hand sanitizer should only be used when soap and water are not available.
The difference between hand sanitizer and hand washing
While hand sanitizer can be a convenient and effective tool for killing germs, it’s important to note that it’s not a substitute for hand washing. Hand washing with soap and water is still the gold standard for hand hygiene and should be done whenever possible.
Hand washing works by physically removing dirt, grime, and germs from your hands, whereas hand sanitizer works by killing germs on your hands. Hand washing is more effective at removing germs than hand sanitizer, especially when your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Hand washing should be done for at least 20 seconds, making sure to scrub all surfaces of your hands, including your fingertips, in between your fingers, and the backs of your hands. After washing your hands, be sure to dry them thoroughly with a clean towel or air dry them.
Common misconceptions about hand sanitizer
There are several common misconceptions about hand sanitizer that are important to address:
1. Hand sanitizer is not as effective as hand washing: While hand washing is more effective at removing dirt and grime from your hands, hand sanitizer is highly effective at killing germs.
2. Hand sanitizer can cause bacterial resistance: While overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance, there is no evidence to suggest that using hand sanitizer can cause bacterial resistance.
3. Hand sanitizer is harmful to your skin: While some hand sanitizers can be drying to the skin, most are safe and gentle. If you have sensitive skin, choose a fragrance-free and moisturizing hand sanitizer.