by Andrea Rocca-Capano
If there is one thing we can all agree on, 2020 is throwing us some pretty big curveballs. With 1.96 million reported cases and 109K confirmed deaths in the United States alone, the rapid spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has generated a need for stricter sanitization policies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) puts a heavy emphasis on personal hygiene as an effective method of reducing the spread of COVID-19. So it’s no surprise that products like hand sanitizers have been flying off the shelves, leaving retailers unable to keep up with the demand.
Why Hand Sanitizer?
The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water to eliminate all traces of germs and bacteria. However, as we all know, soap and water aren’t always readily available. When this is the case, it is essential to carry alcohol-based sanitizers to prevent and lower your risk of diseases. Unlike wet wipes or baby wipes, most hand sanitizers contain high levels of alcohol, which the CDC recommends to fight germs.
Studies found that hand sanitizers with an alcohol concentration of 60% or more are most effective in killing germs and reducing the spread of COVID-19. Alcohols like Isopropyl and ethanol work to dissolve lipids and proteins that makeup microorganisms, making them great sanitizing agents. Isopropyl or “rubbing alcohol” is typically is an antiseptic—great for cuts and scrapes. Ethanol is less harsh on your skin, so you’ll commonly find it in products like soaps and cleansing wipes.
Even so, It takes 30-60 seconds to effectively kill bacteria with sanitizer alone as opposed to the 20 seconds it takes to kill 100% of germs with soap and water. To ensure you’re effectively using your sanitizer, the CDC recommends to pump or spray sanitizers directly into the palm of your hand and rub in the product until it has thoroughly dried. It is important to note that sanitizers are a temporary solution and should not replace washing your hands. Be sure to properly clean your hands whenever possible for at least 20 seconds (sing the chorus to “I Will Survive” if you need to).
What Now?
As our cities begin to reopen, it is evident that a new-normal awaits us. Today, reaching for a facemask on your way out of the house is no different than reaching for your wallet and keys. Sanitizers should also continue to be a part of our daily routines. Just like reapplying your lipstick, you’ll find yourself reaching for that bottle of sanitizer multiple times per day– consider it the new hand cream.
Unlike hand creams that work to hydrate and nourish the skin, hand sanitizers are drying due to the high levels of alcohol. Washing your hands and applying sanitizer can also strip moisture from your skin. This is because while you may be stripping your hands of harmful bacteria, you are also removing the natural oils that your hands produce.
The good news is that this isn’t the case for all hand sanitizers! With so many variations of sanitizers on the market, you no longer need to sacrifice smooth and supple skin in the name of safety. In a time where hand sanitizers are a new staple in our handbags, it’s essential to have options.
Amid this pandemic, brands are coming up with creative solutions to deliver a product that is gentle on your hands but NOT on bacteria. Natural ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel are becoming key ingredients in the world of sanitizers. The same goes for gentle sanitizers made from nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and mango oil. Are you tired of that harsh sanitizer smell? Consider reaching for a product formulated with essential oils. These oils mask the odor of alcohol and come in many different scents meaning you can alternate between all your favorite scents — just like perfume. In the mood to relax? Reach for a hand sanitizer infused with lavender oil to help relieve feelings of stress and anxiety. Need a little energy boost? A sanitizer infused with peppermint or eucalyptus is just what you need! A hand sanitizer that works great and smells even better? We’ll spritz to that!
Essential oils don’t just smell great; their unique traits and qualities can help enhance the performance of any hand sanitizer. Products like the Glamitizer Soothing Sanitizer Spray by Madflowers use a delicate blend of clary sage, peppermint, lavender, and clove oils. When combined with 80% ethanol alcohol that distills down to the recommended 65-70%, these essential oils help smooth, soothe, and transform your skin all while killing germs. Unlike traditional sanitizers, essential oils help prevent your skin from over-drying, leaving your skin smooth and soft even with such high levels of alcohol. Other essential oils like tea tree and peppermint also have antiseptic properties that make them great germ-fighting agents.
As we continue to navigate through this pandemic, it is vital to keep our health top of mind. Now that sanitizers have become essential, there is no reason we shouldn’t find one that checks all our boxes. With so many to choose from, the days of a “one-size fits all sanitizer” are far behind us. Whether reaching for an all-natural sanitizer or one that simply smells fantastic, rest assured you’re helping keep both you and your loved ones healthy.
The Glamitizer Soothing Sanitizer Spray by Madflowers is exclusively available at the Glamifornia Style Lounge.