H E A LT H
HOW TO KEEP YOUR HANDS MOISTURISED DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Hand sanitisers have become a must-have ingredient during the global COVID-19 pandemic but they can cause damage to the skin of your hands.
living on the skin’s surface and within the outermost skin layers. Research has shown that a
S
healthy skin microbiota provides
ince the outbreak of the
coronaviruses. This protein is
an environment for the skin to
coronavirus, the most
vital for a virus’s survival and
thrive and even to fight unhealthy
searched-for ingredients on
thus multiplication. But a hand
pathogens. An imbalance in
internet have been ethyl alcohol,
sanitiser needs to have at least 60
skin microbiota leads to ageing,
carbomer, propolis and aloe vera.
to 70% alcohol in order to kill most
sensitivity and dryness.
And it is obvious why – all of
viruses,” says Brown. “Anything
these are used to formulate hand
less than this is less effective and
sanitising, while killing dangerous
sanitisers, both commercially and
may not kill germs outright but
viruses such as the coronavirus,
at home.
rather just reduce their growth.”
also affect the good bacteria on
Handwashing and hand
the skin. “We need to therefore
While washing hands with soap and water remains the
DAMAGE TO SKIN
pay attention to using products
recommended and preferred
She also warns that alcohol-free
that will help strengthen, repair
prevention for the spread of the
sanitisers – which use ingredients
and to some extent maintain the
virus, it is not always accessible,
such as benzalkonium chloride –
integrity of the skin,” says Brown,
therefore hand sanitisers have
while not as harsh on the skin, work
particularly in light of the fact
become the best alternative –
mostly on bacteria and are not ideal
that hand sanitising needs to be
although not as pleasant to use and
for the current viral situation.
repeated every 20 minutes when
harsh on the hands. Cosmetic chemist and owner of
Regardless of what hygiene methods are used, be it
exposed to high-risk situations. She says that formulators
Botanichem, Robyn Brown, warns
handwashing or using hand
are starting to look at ways of
that not all hand sanitisers are
sanitisers, what is without
including moisturising agents and
created equal.
question is that it will cause
ingredients in sanitisers, which will
damage to the skin.
reduce the drying and damaging
“While I see most hand sanitisers that are available
“Both excessive handwashing
effects of the high levels of alcohol.
have 60% alcohol content, 70%
and use of hand sanitisers disrupt
However, based on the immediate
is actually preferable. Alcohol,
the fragile microbiome of the skin,”
demand, new ‘safe’ formulations
whether it be isopropyl alcohol or
explains Brown.
may take a while to reach the
ethanol (ethyl alcohol), attacks and
The microbiome refers to the
shelves as these need to be tested
destroys the envelope protein that
ecosystem comprising the skin
for efficacy and performance
surrounds most viruses, including
and related microorganisms
before they can be taken to market.
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SILVER DIGEST // WINTER 2020
