When we try to eradicate germs from our life, we may be doing more harm than good. I don't use hand sanitizer – here is why you shouldn't either
There was a time when people simply washed their hands after doing something that made their hands really dirty. We now live in a time where we reach for hand sanitizer constantly.
Look around you in almost any public place and chances are you'll see hand sanitizer pumps.
We slather the stuff on like lotion, but should we?
The truth is hand sanitizer may do more harm than good. Let's take a closer look at why I won't use hand sanitizer and why you shouldn't either.
Damages the Skin
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One of the first problems is that alcohol-based hand sanitizers can damage the skin. The alcohol will strip your skin of the natural oils that keeps your skin soft and healthy. If you find that your hands are itchy, dry, or flaking, it's more than likely the hand sanitizer you use.
Germs Are Becoming Resistant
You may think that slathering on hand sanitizer will keep you from getting sick. Unfortunately, it can mean the exact opposite. Germs are becoming resistant to the ingredients used in hand sanitizer and antibacterial soap. This means that the more we use, the more likely we are to get sick. While that is scary in and of itself, it gets worse.
Kills ALL Bacteria
There are good and bad bacteria. When we use tons of hand sanitizer, we risk killing good bacteria. This means that your immune system will be compromised. Again, using these products can result in getting sick more often.
If you absolutely must use hand sanitizer, try to stay away from any that are labeled “anti-bacterial”.
How to Keep Your Hands Clean
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Exposing ourselves to germs is actually how our bodies build up a defense. In other words, you don't need to clean your hands every few minutes.
Washing your hands with soap and warm water will remove all the germs you need to remove. If you're out somewhere and need to clean your hands, but don't have access to water and soap, use WetNaps. Our parents and grandparents made it just fine without using hand sanitizer every time they turned around and so can we.
Hand sanitizer became extremely popular in a very short amount of time. Unfortunately, many people slather it on excessively.
Doing so not only damages the skin, but can actually cause you to get sick more often. Washing your hands with soap and water is enough to remove bad germs. Keeping a pack of Boogie Wipes (or similar, gentle hand wipes) in your purse or desk drawer is a great alternative to hand santizer when you can't get to a sink and much more healthy.
Mindi has been blogging since 2008 sharing her best frugal living tips, recipes and more. When she isn't writing, she spends time as an unpaid cook, maid and chauffeur to her 3 children!
