Drilled into everyone’s brain during the Covid-19 pandemic is the continuous sanitising of hands as protection against the coronavirus.
But how safe are these chemical products?
Nothing serious can come from occasional use, but listed below are some problems caused by regular use.
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Dry skin
The alcohols used in hand sanitisers, which include isopropyl, ethanol and n-propanol, are drying alcohols which irritate the skin, strip away its natural oils and acid mantle, dehydrate cells and increase risk of contact dermatitis.
Accelerated ageing
These drying effects lead to increased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as calluses, cracks and flakiness.
Over time, alcohols can disrupt the natural barrier function, reducing skin’s ability to protect itself and lead to increased dehydration.
Damaged skin
Scientific studies have shown that alcohols can actually damage skin cells.
Antibiotic resistance
Many hand sanitisers these days are made with triclosan.
Tests have shown this antibacterial to disrupt hormone function.
It’s also connected to the rise of so-called ‘superbugs’, bacteria and viruses that can resist antibiotics.
Unknown chemicals
Many hand sanitisers are made with chemical fragrances, and since manufacturers are not required to list fragrance ingredients on the label, you do not know what you’re exposing yourself to.
Many fragrances are irritating and have been linked to allergies and hormone disruption.
Weakened immune system
Studies have shown that ultra-clean environments, particularly early in life, can contribute to reduced immune defences later on.
They just don’t work so well
The US Food and Drug Administration states that currently there is no evidence that antibacterial soaps and sanitisers are more effective than regular soap and warm water in helping to prevent the spread of germs.
A study in 2000 found that sanitisers do not significantly reduce the amount of bacteria on the hands, and may actually even increase it.
Researchers added that the products strip the skin of its natural oils, and since those oils usually prevent bacteria from coming to the surface, the sanitiser can actually reduce the skin’s own defences.
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