5 BENEFITS OF HAND SANITIZER

BENEFITS OF HAND SANITIZER

You know you need to keep your hands clean. As much as your hands serve you, they also put germs in contact with your mouth, eyes, nose, and many other parts of your body. We hope you’re already washing your hands with soap and warm water multiple times a day, as that is the best way to clean them, but another worthy alternative is hand sanitizer. If you haven’t already made this germ-fighter a staple on your shopping list, you may want to do so after learning about the benefits of hand sanitizer.

1: Cleanliness

This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. One of the foremost benefits of hand sanitizer is just that: It sanitizes. These products were designed to kill germs, and they get the job done. When used properly, hand sanitizers can eliminate 99.9% of the germs on your hands. The CDC recommends washing your hands any time you’re around food (preparing it or eating it), animals, garbage, and more. When you find yourself in these situations, hand sanitizer is the perfect addition to (or occasional replacement for) washing your hands with soap and water.

2: Portability

Last time we checked, you can’t take a sink on the go. In those situations where you need to wash your hands, there isn’t always going to be soap and water available. You can slip a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your glove compartment, a purse, or even your pocket for situations where you might want to wash your hands but either can’t find a sink or waiting for one is inconvenient (think long lines or far away restrooms). It’s perfect for when you’re grabbing a snack at a sporting event or have just left a public space, like the grocery store.

3: Great for Group Settings

At the office, in the classroom, or in any space with lots of foot traffic, germs spread quickly. And even if you’re not getting ready to eat or taking out the garbage, other people’s germs can affect you (especially in close quarters). That’s why having hand sanitizer available is ideal for group settings. Teachers, students, and office workers can kill germs periodically throughout the day without having to leave their classroom or desk, and gym-goers can use a squirt of hand sanitizer before hopping on the next workout machine.

4: Less Risk for Disease

Especially during flu season, minimizing your exposure to other people’s germs is crucial for your health. When you take a moment to sanitize your hands a few times throughout the day, you reduce your chances of getting sick. Even a quick trip to a friend’s house or the store can expose you to germs that could cause a cold, the flu, or other illnesses, so keeping your hands as clean as possible is important.

5: Softer-Feeling Hands

This might be one of the most surprising benefits of hand sanitizer, but it isn’t too good to be true. Hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol can actually improve the texture of the skin on your hands (note that hand sanitizers with alcohol won’t have this effect). Some hand sanitizers contain emollients that soften your skin, giving you nicer-looking and smoother hands. You’ll definitely notice a difference in how moisturized your skin feels and looks. Avoid hand sanitizers that contain alcohol, as they wash away the skin’s natural oils and can cause the skin to crack, which in turns creates an entry point for bacteria.

There are many benefits of hand sanitizer, from fighting germs efficiently to fighting them conveniently (and even improving your skin). Without a doubt, using this germ-fighting product regularly throughout the day will boost your cleanliness and your health no matter where life takes you.