Are you using antibacterial gels on your hands? Most of us are, it is what we have been told to do. But should we really be slathering our skin with these gels multiple times per day? In my opinion, no.
You see, your skin, just like all other areas of your body that come into contact with the outside world, is teeming with microbes. Microbes that are part of your natural defence team. They are literally covering your entire body surface. There are good guys that are ready to out compete any bad guys, there can be bad guys too. But when we use antimicrobial gels constantly, guess what happens? We kill all the guys.
Think of your skin like a giant parking lot for microbes. You only have so many parking spaces on your hands for so many microbes. When you repeatedly use antimicrobial gels you empty a lot of those parking spaces and make room for new ones to come and park. Who is going to come and park next? Well, that depends on what you next touch…
Also with antibacterial gels, the weaker strains of bacteria are killed but those that have built up antibacterial resistance are still there and are more than happy to create offspring to slot into all of those empty parking spots.
Even if none of that resonates with you and you are not convinced that normal soap is enough to truly clean your hands then I have one more reason for you not to use antimicrobial gels liberally, several times per day.
Your skin is your first line of defence against anything non-self (so everything other than you). Your skin has a lovely lipid (fat) film covering it — it is this lipid layer that is home to all those bacteria I was mentioning. It is our natural protection to keep things that are 'non-self' out and things that are 'self' covered and nice and moisturised. If you constantly use alcohol-based hand gels you will end up stripping that lovely moisturising layer off your skin, leaving them dry and unprotected. This can lead to your skin cracking and if your skin cracks then you don’t even need to worry about infections getting into your nose or mouth from touching your face as the microbes will just make their way in through the cracks in your skin.
So, should you wash your hands? Yes, absolutely. Should you use hand gel? If you have a choice, no, instead, wash your hands the old fashioned way, with ordinary soap, singing Happy Birthday to yourself, twice. If you do not have a choice, sure, use gel but sparingly, not multiple times per day and not every day.
If you are in a situation where you are having to use hand sanitiser multiple times per day try to make sure your skin stays hydrated from the inside by including lots of omega 3 oils in your diet, vitamin E rich foods and make sure you are drinking enough water.
Your body is infinitely wise and has miraculous healing powers. Supporting the natural systems your body already has in place is the best way to stay well.
To wellness!
April
