Dermatologists have explained whether antiseptics are actually beneficial

Good hand cleansing is a natural human need in everyday life. However, in recent years, the coronavirus pandemic has led to the need to not only cleanse but also disinfect the skin to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Disinfectants promise to cleanse and disinfect the skin, but they can sometimes cause dryness and cracks, so you should take their choice seriously.

Good hand hygiene is one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy, and disinfection can help kill germs. Certified dermatologists shared information with EveryDayHealth on how to choose disinfectants and avoid harming your skin.

Regularly washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is effective enough to fight germs, but sometimes you need to use antiseptics. For example, if you are on the road and don't have the opportunity to wash your hands, a disinfectant with at least 60% alcohol will be a good option.

However, according to dermatologists, frequent use of such products can have unpleasant consequences, namely, disruptingthe skin barrierand excessively drying the skin of the hands. For people who already have skin conditions, such as eczema, the use of sanitizers can make them worse and lead to redness, inflammation, and peeling.

Fortunately, the modern industry offers the latest antiseptic products that combine the ingredients needed to fight infection-causing microorganisms with traditional moisturizing ingredients.

To choose the right hand sanitizer for your skin, take expert advice:

Examine the composition and alcohol content. According to dermatologist Karan Lal, ethyl alcohol kills germs better than isopropyl alcohol. In addition, the most effective products are those with an alcohol content of 60 to 95%, but to prevent excessive dryness of the skin, it is better to choose the average. At the same time, pay attention to and avoid products with a possible hidden methanol content, which can have dangerous consequences for the body.

Choose an alternative option. If you have overly sensitive skin, consider using an alcohol-free antiseptic. Benzalkonium chloride products can be a good alternative, as it has been shown to deactivate the COVID-19 virus on both skin and surfaces.

Look for moisturizing elements in the composition. Glycerin, coconut oil, or squalene are all ingredients in antiseptic products that can retain moisture and prevent dry skin.

Avoid fragrances. In people with sensitive skin or eczema, fragrance can cause a breakdown of the skin barrier and lead to a worsening of the condition.

As you can see, if you need to use disinfectants, there are many options to choose safe options that are not too harmful to the skin. However, even with these, dermatologists advise to be careful and use traditional hand moisturizers and do not forget about daily care.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL talked about the peculiarities of hand skin care. Experts explained that to prevent dry skin, you should wash your hands with water at room temperature and use a moisturizer.

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