Hydroalcoholic Product: The Consequences on Our Hands.

For the product to be effective, it is necessary to adopt the right practices to use it correctly. First rule : Always apply your antiseptic solution on dry, unharmed, undamaged hands without visible dirt. Indeed, if you apply it on wet hands, the product will be diluted and its effectiveness reduced. Similarly, the alcohol contained in the solution is deactivated by the presence of too much oil on the skin. Therefore, apply a sufficient dose of lotion in the palm of your hand (about 3 mL). Then rub vigorously for at least 30 seconds until the hydroalcoholic solution has completely evaporated (dry hands) and the emollient has fully penetrated (non-sticky hands). Make sure to thoroughly rub the back and palms of your hands, fingertips, under the nails, the spaces between the fingers, as well as the wrists. Takeaway : The hydroalcoholic product was designed solely for hand disinfection. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid any contact with the mucous membranes.

Hand sanitizer is effective in eliminating most germs. However, in the process, the alcohol also disrupts the skin's natural hydrolipidic film, leading to dryness, cracks, irritation, tightness, and vulnerability to external aggressions. Daily and frequent use of hand sanitizer also alters the microbiome present on the skin's surface. Indeed, when we use the alcohol-based solution, we not only destroy the pathogenic organisms of the transient flora that can cause serious diseases, but we also reduce the resident flora of the epidermis which contributes to our immune defenses. But don't panic, it regenerates very quickly. However, the same observation is made with soap. Moreover, intensive and excessive use of hand sanitizer, like soap, can cause eczema and atopic dermatitis, weakening the epidermis and exposing it to exogenous infectious agents.

Hand sanitizers prove to be indispensable in high-risk situations, such as during an epidemic. However, intensive and frequent use can cause discomfort to the skin. Much like soap, hand sanitizer removes the skin's hydrolipidic film and destroys the resident flora, both of which are responsible for protecting the skin from external aggressions. To minimize damage and maintain the epidermis, opt for a hand sanitizer concentrated in emollient active ingredients (glycerin, aloe vera, etc.) and make sure to consistently hydrate your hands daily with a dab of nourishing care.