Preventing the spread of germs and bacteria has never been so important. Concerned consumers have flocked to stores to stock up on cleaning supplies.
And topping the list of “must-haves”? Hand sanitizer.
In March of 2020, the alcohol-based solution experienced a 470% increase in sales.
There’s no doubt that hand sanitizer can be an effective ally in the fight against viruses, including COVID 19, but is it the best solution?
When comparing hand sanitizer to silver, the answer is, “not always.”
Hand sanitizer has become a staple in our lives, a status earned by accessibility, effectiveness, and overall convenience. Despite the pros, however, it has also remained a source of concern for researchers, medical professionals, and consumers alike.
Here are some of the primary pitfalls of hand sanitizer.
Primarily made with isopropyl or ethyl alcohol, hand sanitizers can irritate and dry out your skin. This can lead to cracked, irritated, itchy, red, and/or painful skin conditions. That’s particularly true for users with sensitive skin. Over time, it is reported that some people may even find that sanitizer can lead to eczema.
In addition to painful skin conditions, the drying and irritation associated with hand sanitizer can also lead to skin damage. And, as the skin damage continues, it can leave skin vulnerable to rapid aging, including the presence of wrinkles and other blemishes.
Alcohol isn’t the only ingredient used to kill germs and bacteria. Some antibacterial solutions also contain a chemical compound known as Triclosan.
Triclosan can be found in several personal care products, including toothpaste, mouthwash, and some soaps, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Recent research suggests that Triclosan, once absorbed, can affect hormone production, specifically leading to a decrease in thyroid hormones. Further, research also suggests that Triclosan can also lead to antibiotic resistance, which leads to dangerous superbugs.
It’s tempting to assume that all hand sanitizers are created equal, but doing so can leave you and your loved ones vulnerable to viruses and other germs. To be effective, a hand sanitizer must have 60% or more alcohol concentration.
Anything below that number will prove ineffective. That makes it important to be extra cautious when tossing a bottle of sanitizer in your shopping cart.
Hand sanitizers are offered in an array of “tasty” colors and scents, the likes of which can make it attractive to young children. According to a report by the CDC, this has led to over 70,000 calls to the National Poison Data System (NPDS) over just three years.
And young children who ingest sanitizer can go on to experience a host of health problems, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and ocular irritation, as well as more serious side effects like coma, respiratory depression, and seizures.
Reconsidering the use of hand sanitizer in your own life? You’re not alone. Fortunately, there is a much safer, effective solution that can leave you with germ-free hands without all the unwanted side effects.
Silver has been used by the medical community for years, and with good reason. In some forms, silver can be used to improve immunity, speed up healing, decrease inflammation, and yes, even help eliminate bacteria and viruses.
That’s because silver is considered to have antiviral, antifungal, anti-parasitic, and antibacterial properties.
The benefits of silver, when compared to the harmful side effects of hand sanitizer, can make silver a much friendly and more effective hand sanitizing method.
Thinking of ditching hand sanitizer?
Here are a few of the specific benefits of using silver instead.
Here are two great silver products that you can use to keep your hands and home germ-free.
Hand sanitizer can be effective, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you or your loved ones. While it may kill germs, it can also have harmful side effects, even when used properly.
Instead of reaching for a bottle of the popular yet toxic and chemically-based gel, opt for silver. It’s the healthier, more versatile germ-fighting solution.
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