Hand sanitisers are a hot topic right now. While hand-washing is still the best way to kill and prevent the spread of germs, hand sanitisers are also highly effective in combating bacteria. We got the lowdown from Clere.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as the South African government and health officials have stated it’s imperative we wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to effectively curb the spread of germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers that contain at least 60% alcohol can also be used to rid your hands of germs. However, keeping our hands clean can lead to, and exacerbate, dry skin issues. That’s why it’s important to both sanitise and moisturise, explains Clere brand manager, Su-Marie Annandale.
Annandale adds that hand sanitisers should be used when it makes the most sense, like after touching a door handle or another surface that might carry germs. In fact, the more regularly you use it the more effective it will be. It’s a great product to keep in your handbag, as you may not always have access to soap and water while out and about.
The increase in sanitising and washing, plus the cooler autumn air we’re currently experiencing, means our skin is being stripped of its natural, protective oils at a much more rapid rate, causing it to dry out. Annandale suggests using a moisturising crème throughout the day to help restore moisture and seal it back into the skin.
Annandale suggests the following tips to keep your hands clean and moisturised:
- Once you’ve washed your hands for at least 20 seconds, pat them dry rather than rubbing them, which can irritate the skin. Leave a small amount of dampness on the skin, and then moisturise to lock in the water.
- Crèmes are better than body lotions in this instance because they are more nourishing. Crèmes are more effective after washing hands as they contain what we’d want to add back into the skin, including certain oils such as tissue oil. Carry your own tub of moisturiser with you to avoid spreading germs by sharing with others.
- In addition to making a routine out of using hand cream after washing your hands, a humidifier can help keep the air — and in turn, your skin— moist.
- Apply moisturiser before going to bed. Night time is the perfect opportunity to give your skin a break. Apply a thick crème and if you can, wear a pair of cotton gloves to bed.
It was a natural progression for Clere to step up during the challenging times of covid-19 and create their first ever hand sanitiser. Newly launched, the Pure & Protect Instant Hand Sanitiser is available at all leading retailers starting at R24.95. It cleanses and protects all skin types and has an alcohol content of 65%.
Clere’s range of crèmes and lotions are available at all leading retailers at a cost of R34.99 and R21.99 respectively.
